10 Dec 2015
A League link with Narrabeen Sports High
TALENTED future football stars from Narrabeen Sports High are buzzing after the formation of a recent partnership with Sydney FC.
The glamour A-League club already runs full-scale programs with the likes of Hills Sports High, Endeavour Sports High and Bossley Park High.
So with Academy Director coach Kelly Cross, a resident of Elanora Heights, it made sense to further his coaching expertise on the peninsula.
"When the school (Narrabeen Sports High) approached me, it was a matter of when,'' he told the Manly Daily.
"The northern beaches has long been a region capable of producing elite footballing talent.
"Our aim is to focus on the fundamentals and then look to expand the program when the time is right."
"Core skills are key, we look at a player's first touch, how they run with the ball, striking a ball and 1-v-1 scenarios,'' Cross said.
"It is part of the national sporting curriculum, which I helped write. The primary aim of the partnership is to introduce a specific approach to football."
In an interesting twist, not all the players involved in the program will boast representative backgrounds.
"I think it is vital we work with young footballers who are playing at different levels,'' Cross said.
"Manly United is a legitimate junior pathway for most in the area, but I also want to see our coaching reflected in other areas.
"At the end of the day, if the kids are improving on the pitch and enjoying the game for what it is, my job is done."
Article source - Manly Daily December 9 - 4:52pm - Andrew Prentice.