SANFL U16 Talent Hub Camp kicks off

By ZAC MILBANK

The inaugural SANFL U16 Talent Hub Camp is underway at Thebarton Oval this week, with 40 players being put through their paces by SANFL’s Talent Department.

Held across three days this week (April 26-28), the SANFL U16 Talent Hub Camp essentially replaces the previous U16 two-day camp held in January for regional players.

SANFL clubs have nominated up to five players from their U16 talent program to participate as the SANFL Talent Department begin to identify players to eventually join the SA U16 program later next month.

Some familiar surnames have appeared with father-son prospects, including Glenelg twins Lucas and Ben Camporeale (Scott Camporeale), Central’s Thomas Coachrane (Stuart Coachrane), North’s Tom Tasker (Sean Tasker) and Sturt’s Ned Atkinson (Brodie Atkinson).

The structure of the camp will be similar to the SANFL U18 Talent Hub camp held in January, with players to receive athlete education on well-being and mental health, cultural awareness and the SANFL talent pathway through to elite level.

Physiotherapist testing will also take place, together with movement and strength screening for players, who will participate in at least two football skills sessions.