Former AFL player Andrew Welsh had no hesitation jumping in to help Rockbank Football Club re-establish its junior program.
The former Essendon utility, who lives in Caroline Springs, approached the club through his and his father’s company, Welsh Developments, about a possible sponsorship.
But Welsh didn’t just want to be a sponsor in the background.
“The club has a country feel about it, which a lot of suburban clubs don’t have,” Welsh told Star Weekly.
“Our big focus is to help and push with the regrowth of the junior part of the club.
“I love footy and I want kids throughout this area to have that so they don’t have to go to other suburbs to get a good football program.
“We think that with everything that will be happening in Rockbank over the next 15 years, it’s time to start a new campaign.”
Welsh, who played 162 AFL games, said he would look to bring his experience to the club and that wouldn’t be limited to junior ranks.
“I’ve done coaching courses and I think I have a lot of insight into what has been done at junior programs and what has been done well.
“I can give advice along the way and help with clinics and training sessions and help them aspire to be the best players they can be.
“I’ll be at the club when I can get down here.”
The club had no junior sides last year, but Rams president Mark Smith said it needed youngsters and he was thrilled to have Welsh on board.
“We won’t have to stress as much about recruiting players like we did in previous years,” Smith said.
“With so many other clubs in the area – Melton, Caroline Springs and Eynesbury – it has stretched us.
“The saddest part is that only six years ago we won under-10, under 12 and under-14, and the under-16s were runners-up.”
Smith said the club was likely to have at least two junior sides this season.
“Two years ago, we had under-10s and 12s in one side and it looks like they’ll all be coming back to play under-14,” he said.
“We have a few under-10s and Eynesbury wants to play games at our ground, so there’s a possibility of combining if we don’t get the numbers.”
As for Welsh pulling on the boots for the Rams?
“My playing days are gone,” Welsh said “Gav [Sporle] would have to put me through a few sessions to get me up to speed.
“My program [as a match boundary rider] with Channel Seven is pretty intense … but if something can fit into a program somewhere I might be able to.
“[But] I think it might be hard to fit it in, first to train and get right and then deserve a game.”
Rockbank will hold a junior clinic, which Welsh will be a part of, at the club from 10am on February 15. Details: 0415199730.
