Waratah launches its own junior Academy in memory of former ruckman Alex Aurrichio

NTFL club Waratah has honoured the memory of its late ruckman and US recruit Alex Aurrichio by naming their junior Academy after him.

Waratah Football Club has launched the Alexander Aurrichio Academy. Picture: WFC

NTFL club Waratah has launched its Alex Aurrichio Academy in honour of the late ruckman who died in a tragic road accident this year.

The Waratahs Alexander Aurrichio Academy will cater for exceptional junior athletes at the club.

The mission of the WAAA is to recruit, develop, foster and retain junior footballers who strive to live by the values exemplified by ‘Rooch’ Aurrichio during his life – passion, commitment and resilience.

Junior footballers in the under-12 to U18 age group who display exceptional performance and attitude aligned with the values of the Academy will be nominated by their coaches.

The program, which offers special skills training and a series of workshops, is proudly funded by the Aurrichio family, Waratah Football Club and its corporate partners.

The Academy was launched with an impassioned message from Alexander’s father Lou who said the Aurrichio family is very proud and excited to announce the kick off the Academy.

“It is looked upon with great anticipation as part of the legacy of our son Alexander stood for three key elements in both sport and life,’’ Lou Aurrichio said.

“Commitment to rise above all obstacles and train hard to be your best, both on and off the field. Determination to fully prepare yourself every day, to be better than your best and will yourself to win.

“And passion to love this game, after all passion is one’s greatest asset. These are the values that Alexander trained with, played with and how he lived his life.”

Waratah president, Rohan Langworthy said his club was proud to be launching a program that honoured Rooch and was poised to carry on his spirit at Gardens Club for years to come.

“Waratah welcomes junior players. Juniors are the future of the club and we are committed to investing in them both on and off the field.’’

“We’d like to thank the Aurrichio family and everyone who has worked so hard to make this a reality, including our junior development manager Bailey Zobel.”