State Academy Camp A Test of Mind and BodyWednesday, January 18, 2023 - 1:45 PM - by Mark Readings

A three-day camp in the state’s south has been used to launch the 2023 WAFC State Academy Boys Program.

Nineteen players headed to Busselton for the annual Summer Program Camp, with the squad set a series of physical and mental tasks.

WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones declared the weekend a resounding success.

“The results of the camp were terrific with the players challenged on many fronts over the course of the three days.

There’s no doubt the group discovered more about each other during the getaway, which is a great starting point heading into the Winter Program,” Jones said.

To kick off the camp, players did a character session with WAFC Leadership Consultant Jon Haines on Friday night.

The squad brought out the footballs on Saturday morning for a training session before completing a 2km time trial.

In the afternoon, the group was handed a series of team activities and challenges.

The final day of the camp saw the players taken out of their comfort zone, abseiling off Wilyabrup Cliffs in Margaret River.

To wrap up the trip down south, players took part in an amazing race, consisting of an 11km trek in soft sand, also involving swimming and group challenges.

Jones believes the Busselton experience will stand the group in good stead on several fronts.

“The camp was all about the players getting to know each other better and an opportunity for the group to develop from a character point of view.

The players were in control of all aspects of the camp from planning and cooking the meals, to making sure everyone was on time for various activities.

A key focus was for the players to take control of their own destiny rather than be driven by the staff all the time,” he said.