PORT Saints have a new coach and are keen to get some new players on board tonight as they kick off training and a bid to get back into the Mid-North Coast Premier League.
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Former assistant NSW Institute of Sport coach Tony Judge has a strong youth focus, which is something the Saints require if they are to be promoted into the top grade again come the end of the season. Judge has moved to Port Macquarie to work as a casual teacher, and wants to work closely with young kids on the field, too.
“I plan to work with the younger teams as well,” he said.
He’s coached the NSW 13s-16s team for the past six years, while also working with the NSWIS team. Judge wants to give the Saints a fresh start, after they were knocked out of the PL last season, and back into the Northern Zone, at the hands of Wingham Warriors.
“I know the Premier League is where the club wants to get back to,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have a solid year and get promoted as soon as possible.
“I think it’s heading in the right direction.”
“I know there are a few players from last year who are keen to come back,” he said. “We’ll ease into it.”
The former defensive midfielder played in the NSW Premier League for the Sutherland Sharks and the Macarthur Rams, among other teams. “I played for various sides,” he said.
He’s not just keen on working with the Saints, either. Judge will also run junior development programs for young players in Port Macquarie.
And any schools out there looking for a casual teacher, Judge is your man.