Quote Originally Posted by Aegon View Post
I saw a post on facebook from Maitland saying they had about 70 kids turn up for Under 9's trials this week.
That's a huge step up from the reported 15 kids they had turn up to their first trial last year.

Jaffas reportedly had 50 or so kids at their trials last week as well.

Is SAP becoming more well know, being advertised better by the clubs or something else leading more kids to try out?
My perception is that clubs are advertising it much, much better. I've noticed a real upturn in information from some clubs on it. I suspect a few clubs were caught on the hop last year and advertised their trials too late (or, actually followed the NNSWF requirements on when they could trial, where others didn't) and don't want to be in that position again. It makes sense that u9s trial as soon as the community season ends. You've got to catch the kids while they are still in football mode.

I think Maitland have been very on the ball. I know they (and other local Maitland community clubs) have been doing some development squad stuff with Graham Law (Cooks Hill coach) who lives in the area. I've no doubt everyone attending these and the clinics Graham runs have been kept in the loop on SAP, and I'm sure Maitland were already aware of the more talented kids in their area. This, plus 70 kids at the trials, means that Maitland could be strong in the 9s next year.