Club creates opportunities for youngsters
Olympia has taken the first step in turning into a breeding ground for future football stars.
Dean Workman
Olympia Football Club is giving the youth a chance.
The club recently purchased SAFA SAB Regional League (Castle League) status.
The Castle league is seen as a league to help develop young footballers and that is exactly what the Bedfordview-based club is trying to do.
Mr Giovanni Di Benedetto, the club’s chairman said, “We want to use this Castle league team to give young players an opportunity that they previously wouldn’t get.”
The football club saw a need for growth, not only within the club, but with the young players in the area and wanted to nurture home-grown talent. They are looking to create a professional environment so that they can develop their own players and help these players by offering them a platform where they can not only improve but where they can get noticed by professional clubs.
The SAB Castle league requires that teams have a minimum of five players, under the age of 21, at the kick off of every game.
Mr Granger Stretton, one of the committee members said, “Our belief is that we want to look at the younger boys and give them the opportunity to grow within the team, we want the development to start from under six players and give them something to strive for.”
The club has little time to prepare for the semi-professional environment in the Castle league, with the league starting at the end of August. The club is looking to develop in their first year in the league, and then push on and look to be competitive in their second year.
Mr Stretton, said, “We are hoping to use this Castle league team as a platform and stepping stone to greater things; there are scouts that come and watch Castle league teams and we would be proud if one of our players moves on to a PSL team.”
By joining the Castle league, Olympia has taken the first step in turning into a breeding ground for future football stars.
