Junior State Championships (JSC)
Congratulations to Amy Scott (U13), Angus Robinson (U13), and Sarah Breen (U15) who have been selected to represent Victoria following outstanding performances in last week’s Junior State C’Ships! Amy will be wearing her first Victorian shirt, whilst Angus and Sarah are returning to State selection. Congratulations also to Sheridan Corless, Caitlin Duggan and Ellen Druce who have made a 30 person U14 Girls ‘Development Squad’ after their fine C’Ships performances. Several other FHC players have been very unlucky to just miss State / Squad selection, particularly U15 players Emma Ruyg and Jake Bailey who made it to the final trial but just missed out.
Victorian Representatives
The JSC provided a clear demonstration of Footscray HC’s rise in the Hockey Victoria junior ranks with FHC jumping from sixth (2007) to third (2008) best represented club at the JSC’s (jumping above TEM, Greensborough and Essendon). The best represented club’s were: Camberwell 37, Doncaster 34, FOOTSCRAY 31, TEM 27, Greens 26, Yarra Valley and Essendon (mens and ladies combined) – 25, P.House 22, Sth’n United 21, Haw and Altona 15. It’s interesting to note that we dominate female representation, with the best represented girls programs being: FOOTS. 24, Donc 20, C’Well 16 and Yarra 12. Our position near the top of this tree should be maintained in coming years as players from our outstanding U11 teams start to flow into the JSC program. Whilst at this time the spotlight is fixed on our representative kids, spare a thought for the fantastic array of coaches that have got our kids program to this high level. Our current group of 22 coaches would rank with the best in Victoria.
Wildcats Coaches
We also pass on our thanks to the commitment shown by Les McAlinden and Mel Fimmel in coaching the U/14 girls, Hernie Isorena and Mark Wiseman for coaching the U/15 boys and also Linda Breen, Lynda Thomas and Wayne Bailey for managing their teams.
FHC to coordinate wildcats
This year ends Altona Hockey Clubs rotational commitment in co-ordinating the Western Wildcats. Footscray will now have the responsibility of the co-ordination for the next two years. We will be looking for people to volunteer in a number of roles next year both off the field and as selectors, coaches and managers. If you are interested in assisting in any way, please contact either Brendan Sheehan, Heather Shaw or Mark White.
