16'S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD BOOTCAMP

Saturday 22nd December saw the West Perth FC Les Fong 16's Development Squad converge on Claytons Beach, Mindarie to be put through their paces before having some time off over the Christmas and New Year period.

The squad were handed over to well equipped martial arts experts Graham McDonnell and Phil Britten from WA Institute of Martial Arts for the next two hours of physical conditioning and team building. Graham and Phil are co-owners of the company and both 4th Degree Black Belts, Graham is accomplished in Zen Do Kai, Muay Thai and Kombatan Arnis aswell as a former WA Middleweight Title holder (Muay Thai). Phil also boasts experience in Zen Do Kai, Muay Thai and Kombatan Arnis and comes with a motivational story associated with football attached to his martial arts expert. In 2002, Phil, a young captain of Kinglsey Football Club was involved in terrorist attacks at Bali's Sari Club. Phil came through the ranks as a West Perth development Squad and Colts player prior to this happening, later in the program, Phil will share some of his experiences with the 16's Squad and staff.

The boys were put through their paces both physically and mentally with coaches and facilitators asking players to continually repeat efforts physically and solve mental problems. Coaching staff were pleased with the way the boys set about working out challenges, the way they put their bodies on the line to ensure their team was able to achieve what they set out to and also the teamwork and leadership on display. Activities included dune sprints, an obstacle course- featuring an army cargo net, stick spins, burpees, tuck jumps, lunges, sand bag dragging/ carrying, kicking under pressure and with opposition, team building activities and a refreshing dip in the water.

The squad will now enjoy a 3 week break before hitting the track again on Thursday 17th January.

Thank you to Graham and Phil from WAIMA for organising and delivering such a quality program for the boys, we look forward to working with you further down the track with this squad.