Gold Coast United establish deal with Ballina Coast High School to deliver Targeted Sports Program

GOLD Coast United have bolstered their northern NSW connections after establishing a partnership with newly-formed Ballina Coast High School.

GOLD Coast United have bolstered their northern NSW connections after establishing a partnership with newly-formed Ballina Coast High School.

With the school – a merger between Southern Cross K-12 and Ballina High School – to launch the district’s first Targeted Sports Program next year, United will deliver the football program.

The TSP will initially focus on five sports – football, rugby league, surfing, basketball and netball – and will also draw expertise from the Gold Coast Titans, Surfing Australia and Brisbane Bullets.

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“Our club is very excited about being involved and helping establish a first-class football program at Ballina Coast High,” United technical director Craig Midgley said.

“United’s playing ranks are packed with very talented players from the area. Some of our best players travel to the Gold Coast for training from across the Northern Rivers.

Ballina Coast High School Targeted Sports Program coordinator Justin Stewart, Surfing Australia's Michael Crisp, Brisbane Bullets' Jeremy Kandle, Gold Coast Titans' Jamie McCormack, Gold Coast United technical director Craig Midgley and Ballina Coast High School deputy principal John Gollan.

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“One of our young players, Tate Baldwin, is from Ballina and he has just been selected into the Brisbane Roar Academy. Something like the TSP allows more young aspiring players the chance to receive high quality coaching closer to home and develop their skills locally.”

Moving forward, the TSP will expand into other sports and increase its focus on female and indigenous athletes.

Ballina Coast High deputy principal Josh Gollan said United’s assistance with the program had given it instant credibility.

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“The Targeted Sports Program will provide a unique and authentic opportunity to engage in an innovate program that enhances the school culture and individual growth and development,” Gollan said.

“The partnerships that we are fostering with the local and elite sporting organisations will allow our students to dream big and provide every opportunity for them to reach their potential, athletically and academically.”