2023 Colts Geraldton Camp

The colts squad left for Geraldton bright and early on Friday morning for their annual camp to Geraldton, courtesy of Casey Australia Tours.    After a couple of stops, Cataby and Badgingarra we arrived at Geraldton Camp school just after 1pm.

After a little time to settle in and relax the team were back on the bus and heading for Railways Football Club for a training session.  In very windy conditions the team took to the training track.  It was great to have our Global Civil & Mining Midwest Academy players join us for this session. Our Global Civil & Mining Mid-West Academy Coaches assisted with training with Beau Walker, Stuart Gerreyn and Gerard Marquis helping our colts coaching group take the boys through their paces on the night.

After a short sharp session, it was time to head upstairs a for a fantastic pasta spread supplied by Tarts & Co. The boys then directed their attention to coach Sam Mainwaring to develop their team values and listened intently as the game plans for 2023 were presented to them. A quick trip back to the campsite , an early night to bed in preparation for our intraclub match the next morning.

As the sun was rising the next morning so were the staff whilst the boys gradually started to surface. A brisk morning walk to the beach for the team , a light breakfast and it was time to head out to Rover Football Club for our intraclub scratch match.

Before the game we were “Welcomed to the Country” in a very warming ceremony by Kathy Councilor. With two even teams picked, including numerous colts aged players from the Midwest region, it was game on!  In warm conditions the game was played at a frenetic pace, going from end to end. The conditions took its toll in the second half as the pace of the game slowed considerably. The game was a great success with several players impressing in different roles, it was also pleasing to see the players execute the game plans as presented only 24 hours earlier.

After a hard fought match, it was time to cool down and relax. We set off to the local beach for a swim and followed with a couple of hours in Geraldton town centre for some lunch. Back on the bus and we set off for Nagle College, very kindly organised by former EFFC player Mitch Boyle. The players, coaches and staff showed their competitive spirit with numerous games of basketball, soccer, cricket, and dodgeball took place over the next couple of hours.

A tired looking group (including coaches) headed back to camp for some chill time before gathering for some dinner. We enjoyed a great BBQ dinner with the local Gearing Butchers and Aussie Pastries providing the meat and bread rolls respectively.  Following dinner. The judging of the “worst shirt” took place , and a quiz night based around EFFC history and knowing your coaches and players took place. At this stage we had a few weary faces starting to appear and it was time to relax. The team had some fun and laughter with each other, whilst the coaches took a breather before it was time to hit the pillow.

Sunday morning was a slow rising for most as the effects of a great weekend took its toll on most. Fair to say that the bus trip back was a very quiet affair.

All in all, it was a very successful camp where the main aim was for the team and coaches to get to know each other, form new friendships, and develop a strong team bond and culture.

Thank you to the following who made the trip possible:

Casey Tours (Tim Casey and driver Brian)

Global Civil & Mining

Mid-West Academy of Sports

Australian Offshore Solutions

SINWA Global

Weststar Industrial

MGM Bulk

Countryman Safety

Geraldton Camp School

Railways Football Club

Rovers Football Club (Daniel and Jo Starling)

Kathy Councilor

Nagle Catholic College (Mitch Boyle)

Gearing Butchers

Aussie Pastries

Tarts and Co.

Coaches and staff (Sam Mainwaring, Chris Harry, Sam Buhagiar, Brad Cooper,  Alec Da Silva, Josh Claydon, Spencer Grebe, Trent Farmer, Beau Walker , Gerard Marquis, Stuart Gerreyn and Clinton Bolton)

David Depane - EFFC Talent Academy Manager