In a history-making venture, SCAS has provided the facilities for the Jets to hold their first-ever regional training hub outside Newcastle.

FMNC technical director Larry Budgen said players would benefit from being able to utilise the facilities, including the school’s indoor court.

“It means we don’t get washed out and gives us a direct link between ourselves and the Jets,” Budgen said.

Locations such as Coffs Harbour and Armidale could benefit from a regional training hub further down the track.

Budgen said the A-League club was now likely to have more of a presence in Port Macquarie as a result.

“The Jets have supplied us with the program and we’ll carry it out,” he said.

“Michael Cooper will come up here once a month and he’ll see first-hand what kids are here and that we’re doing the right thing as coaches.”

Budgen said players would benefit from the academy by “working together” with others of a similar talent phase.

The agreement will create more opportunities for local young people skilled in the game of football.

The academy trains players between 9–14 years of age that have been identified by Football Mid North Coast.

SCAS sports coach Tony Judge was also an important figure in brokering the agreement.

“It’s a joint initiative between St Columba, Football Mid North Coast and the Newcastle Jets, to use the school’s outdoor and indoor sporting facilities and Sports Science Area,” Judge said.

“It’s big news. Port Macquarie has become the first ‘regional hub’ academy for an A-League franchise.”

The academy kicked off on May 11 with three full squads in attendance. Players train Friday evenings and work on the same curriculum as the main academy in Newcastle.

Judge sees it as a chance to close the gap on players from metropolitan areas who have more access to training.

“Players frequently travel down to Newcastle to train, which is a big commitment,” he said. 

“This academy will provide an additional training venue that is local. We will also have access to coaches and players from the Jets for our regular holiday football skills clinic. That holiday program is open to students at SCAS and the wider community, but places are limited.”

The announcement also opens the door for players and coaches from SCAS to visit the main academy in Newcastle where they can learn from expert coaches and be involved in A-League games.

“It’s a great experience for young people to be in front of a crowd and feel what the atmosphere is like,” Judge said. 

“It’s exciting for the community and the school. It’s another opportunity for our talented young footballers to be seen.”