St George Football Association gives kids a great start

The Football Federation Australia and Football NSW have introduced the program for players aged nine, 10 and 11.

St George association technical director and former Socceroo Aytek Genc is in charge of the program.

"I am proud of the way we have delivered elite football within St George Football Association," Genc said.

"Our players are identified and invited to join our programs and are taught the advanced skills of the game."

Genc said they looked at a player's mental attitude, character and focus.He said they employed top-quality coaches with the right experience.

Genc and coaches encourage players to express themselves and be creative and play with freedom

Genc is overseas on a tour of Asia with three teams in under-11, 13 and 16 age groups, competing in Singapore and Malaysia for the Borneo Cup.

Sweet science

SUTHERLAND PCYC is quickly developing into one of the best boxing clubs.

PCYC manager Michelle Nelson does tremendous work at the Sutherland venue providing sports and activities for young people in the community.

Top boxing trainer Sean Fitzpatrick prepares an emerging group of youngsters honing their craft.

The PCYC is in Waratah Park, next to the leisure centre.

It's time for Hasler

IT'S grand final week and although St George and Sutherland Shire have armies of Dragons and Sharks supporters, there are many Bulldogs and Bunnies fans.

If you drive around the regions, you will see many people wearing their Bulldogs or Bunnies jerseys.

Many homes have been decked in either the blue and white Bulldogs colours or the cardinal and myrtle colours of Souths.

Although many are predicting Souths to win comfortably, this game will be a lot closer than many would think.

I smell an upset and Bulldogs coach Des Hasler, whom I regard as the best in the game, is capable of masterminding an underdogs victory.

Hasler, a former schoolteacher might yet hand them all a coaching lesson.

Will the football academy produce future Socceroos?