Monday, 7 April 2008
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
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Based at Essendon’s Windy Hill, the AFL Victoria Youth Girls Academy will host the Victoria’s most promising 33 players and 11 field umpires.

Monfries will be giving the group an understanding of what it takes at the elite level along with St Albans VWFL player Shannon McFerran and AFL goal umpire Chelsea Roffey are the Academy’s Ambassadors.

The girls, aged 14-18 years, will receive the best in expert coaching from the likes of Jason McCartney, Jarrod Molloy, Darren Flannigan and Leon Harris, who cover everything from skill development to fitness.

There will also be a major focus on personal development off the field, with seminars covering leadership, media training and relationships.

Monfries will be an ambassador for the program and is expected to help out at various training sessions throughout the season.

"The girls academy is a fantastic initiative by AFL Victoria and we at the Essendon Football Club are very privileged to be involved,” Monfries said.

"I hope it encourages more young females to get involved in a sport that touches the lives of many Australians."

The Academy was established for a number of reasons including:

- To provide additional opportunities and challenges to our most promising youth female players and field umpires.

- To provide further on and off field development to complement their roles as leaders within their own clubs/leagues, and to encourage them to be leaders in their local communities.

- To provide additional training to enhance their knowledge and grow the standard of football played within the Youth Girls competition.

- To prepare the players and umpires for senior football opportunities.

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