Evan Clarke, Chloe Rootes (Aldavilla), Brayden Fisher, Kaitlyn Fisher (Yarravel), Paul Galloway, Aaron Oppedisano, Luke Rogers, Michael Snow, Connor Walsh, Claire Coelho, Jarrod Lattimer, Tom Biron (Port Macquarie), Drew Walsh (Frederickton), Courtney Anderson (Telegraph Point), and Hannah Trompert (Dunbogen) were named for the intensive 20-week program implemented by Northern NSW Football and supported by the Newcastle Permanent.

Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said the organisation was delighted to play a part in nurturing junior football development in the region.

“The Northern NSW Centres of Excellence are an exciting initiative created to develop further talent in young North Coast footballers,” he explained.

“The participants are outstanding young athletes with a real passion and with a committed dedication to training and improving their game.

“Newcastle Permanent is committed to supporting junior football throughout the North Coast and this sponsorship complements the other community activities and events we support in the Port Macquarie region including Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving, Port Macquarie Cycle Club and the upcoming Foreshore Film Festival.”

David Eland, CEO for Northern NSW Football, was grateful to the Newcastle Permanent for its commitment to this new program.

“With the help of the Newcastle Permanent, we will be able to develop the talents already evident in these young players and provide them with the technical ability to progress their football to the next level,” he said.

The Newcastle Permanent Centres of Excellence program will be located in four venues in Northern NSW – Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Port Macquarie.

The program will include two weekly coaching sessions over 20 weeks.