Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Sydney Coach Paul Roos, who will step aside at the end of the season, will not be lost to Sydney or footy next year. He has been appointed head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. QBE has been a major sponsor of the club for over 20 years and is one of the main sponsors of the academy. The academy, which began this year, will be fully operational next year and will provide state-of-the-art training facilities and development programs for talented athletes in NSW. It is currently being overseen by former Swans' captain Dennis Carroll and is open to boys as young as nine years old. The academy has already played host to over 700 youngsters. From next year, it is expected to reach thousands annually through Sydney's NSW zone with over 300 boys participating each year.

It is not something that has happened overnight. According to Sydney CEO Andrew Ireland, there have been more than five years of planning and research. Some of that research entailed medical, fitness and coaching staff visiting other sporting clubs around the world to learn the processes those clubs had in place. Of Roos' appointment, Ireland said, "... who better to nurture young talent than Paul Roos?" Ireland went on to say that the academy would benefit both local football and the AFL with members given a chance to be drafted by the Swans as well as other AFL clubs if they make the grade.

Frank O'Halloran, the CEO of QBE Insurance, expressed his and his company’s delight at continuing and expanding their involvement with the Swans through the academy and said it would be a strong foundation for success. He described Roos as one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the country and pointed out Roos’ dedication to the Swans.

Roos himself is also excited at taking on the role which will help “… develop the next generation of Swans players ...” He said the academy was the most significant development for the club since their move from Melbourne in 1981. He also praised QBE’s continued support for the club and said their involvement with the academy would ensure its success.

Andrew Demetriou was present for the announcement and expressed his gratitude to the Swans, Roos and QBE for their partnership. He described the relationship between the Swans and QBE as one of the greatest in the league and said Roos’ appointment as head coach would be fantastic for the Swans and for the game’s growth.

Source: Jenny McAsey, Club Media Release