This week the Dyldam Parramatta Eels wrapped up the last of seven days of trials for the Blue and Gold’s 2015 Parramatta District Representative squads.
The trial matches included young athletes vying for places in the Eels’ 14 and 15-year age groups, Harold Matthews squad (for 16 and under), SG Ball squad (18 years and under) and - potentially - the National Youth Competition for Under 20s.
Eels Game Development Manager Michael Basan said the huge turnout and skill level on show would give coaches in all age groups a wealth of choices.
“We’ve had over 750 kids try out for our Parramatta District Junior Representative teams,” Basan said.
“The games have been really well supported by the Junior League clubs and the competition for places is going to be really tough this year.”
“The coaches don’t have an easy job at all selecting these teams and I really think we’re going to be competitive in the coming season.”
Along with the hundreds of players from the Parramatta District, the Eels welcomed 7 young players from “Eels Territory”, who travelled down from the Northern Territory Institute of Sport to trial for the Harold Matthews and SG Ball sides.
“It’s very rewarding to see them come down and travel the distance they have to trial and be competitive as they have been,” Basan said.
“It’s probably testament to the work that the development and the coaching and recruitment departments have done, and the Institute of Sport as well: with Duncan McGilvray up there, the boys have really made some inroads.”
“We’ve identified some really good players here, and I’m sure the success will continue happen through the length of the partnership with the Northern Territory Government.”
