Cedar Barry, Lochlan Jones and Tom Ryan will fly the flag for the 'Pies in the under-15s while Will Kelly and Jaxon Mawson Gulliford will be the club's two representatives in the under-17s.

The under-15 squad is the first-ever.

As a result of COVID restrictions, not all athletes were able to put their names forward at the same time. Squad selections will be managed on a rolling basis, with the first 30 players having been selected and others to be added as the program gets underway.

Based on the success of the under-17 program since it was introduced three years ago, the decision was made to add the under-15 squad this season.

This means double the opportunities for players from the North Coast and North West to develop themselves and take their game to the next level through their involvement in the summer program.

AFL North Coast community football manager Paul Taylor said the selected players will have to make a big commitment.

"The Heat is an off season program where we have to do plenty of travel just to get to training sessions where we know the conditions will be hot and draining.

"A lot of our program is delivered through personal programs where the players have to commit to doing the work outside of structured training sessions.

Those that put in the work will see their skills and fitness go to another level that will stand them ahead of their opponents. Who knows how far their efforts will take them - they could be the next Northern NSW product in the AFL Draft just like Heat graduate Angus Anderson."

The Heat program exists to build the footy IQ of players, transition them towards the ranks of Senior footy, and to offer an alternate pathway.

The program includes video analysis, strength and conditioning training, and match play against the age group teams of the Southport Sharks club that competes in the VFL.

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