Cats camp in Byron Bay
Broadbeach is doing its bit to establish a strong relationship with Northern NSW.
Kieren Brennan in action at the camp.
Morale at Broadbeach AFC has reached new levels, after players attended a two day intensive pre-season camp at Byron Bay.
The camp comprised of four training sessions on the Saturday including lactic beach rotations, a skills and theory session at Ewingsdale Sporting Fields and a 3km hill run, followed by the infamous Byron Bay lighthouse run on the Sunday.
The trip was not all just fitness and training as players managed to find their own fun during their stay at Broken Head Caravan Park.
Young key-position utility, Luke Dempsey-Ceh, said the camp gave all players, particularly new recruits and under 18’s players, the opportunity to really get to know each other.
“The trip was really enjoyable and the whole team seemed to get a lot out of it both in terms of fitness and bonding,” Dempsey-Ceh said.
“My personal highlight was the skills session at the Ewingsdale sports centre. It was great to get our hands on the footies for the first time and do some wet weather training.
“Even though the rain was frustrating at times, overall, I think the camp has definitely served us well in our preparation leading into round one. It was a true test of fitness and mental toughness and everyone seemed to buy in and push themselves to their limits.”
According to senior coach, Matt Angus, the trip’s purpose was to build morale within the group and begin establishing a strong relationship with the footballing community in Northern New South Wales.
“Our long term plan is to attract and attach some young footballers from the southern region to the Broadbeach Football club,” Angus said.
“The overall goal of the trip was to get the group to come together… but the Darwin-like conditions were just a bonus.”
Fitness guru, Gary Fox, said the players were really beginning to improve fitness-wise and the versatile Ewingsdale sporting complex was a perfect place for the team to come together.
“The boys are reaching the end of their pre-season fitness and block and are all showing improvements on their 2k times from earlier in the year,” Fox said.
“The multipurpose complex is a great place to both engage with the local community and escape the repetition of the Gold Coast.”
The local community was invited to come and watch Broadbeach AFC train during the camp, but unfortunately, poor weather conditions limited crowd numbers.
Local football league president, Bob Lodge, said Broadbeach’s visit had a massive impact on football in Byron Bay and is excited about the prospect of a possible NEAFL game in the region.
“It’s terrific to see a NEAFL club take the opportunity to travel to the Byron Bay and especially a quality side like Broadbeach,” Lodge said.
“It’s been a long time since anyone has travelled to this area and has sparked a lot of interest amongst young players in the community.”
