NORTHERN BLUES STEP UP

Andrew Leonard

On Monday the VAFA confirmed that Northern Blues would be included as one of the senior teams playing in the competition with the team to commence in Division 4 for season 2013. 
The Northern Blues have been associated with the VAFA since 2011 when they entered an under 19 team in our junior competition as a means for their juniors to continue playing with each other.
They continued with an under 19 team and entered a team in Premier B Thirds competition this year to provide an opportunity for those players over age. 
President Jon Carter was thrilled with the call he received confirming the clubs senior team status from 2013. 
“It’s fantastic and gives the club a real sense of belonging now to the VAFA, we have been in close discussions with the VAFA all year and are very thankful for the support that Tim Noonan (General Manager of Football Operations) and Michael Sholly (CEO) have given us” said Mr Carter. 
The club will field three teams in 2013, a senior and reserves plus continue with their under 19 team. 
“We have managed to retain about 90% of our juniors who want to continue to play with their mates and we are very excited to be able to offer them a senior club now” said Carter. 
Leading the senior side will be 2012 Under 19 coach George Wakim whilst Dean Dell-Vergini will coach the under 19 team. 
Both coaches are keen for as many players to join them for the start of preseason on 14th November 2012.  
Their reserves coach is just about to be announced and all details of that appointment and who to contact if you wish to play for the Northern Blues in 2013 can be found at the club’s website northernbluesamateurs.sportingpulse.net. 
You can also follow the club through their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/northernbluesamateurs. 
The VAFA wishes the best of luck to the Northern Blues in 2013 and beyond and we welcome them to the senior competition.