Raelene Hennicke:  Are you happy with the start to your preseason training?

Eamonn Kelly:  Yes.  Very happy with a number of items, including the number of players attending, and it’s on the increase every session.  However, there could always be more.

And, the number of new faces from other clubs attending and enjoying the sessions.

The number of senior and reserve players turning up this early shows good commitment, and those still in holiday mode have a long hard battle ahead.

It’s great to see the involvement from most committee members at training sessions as it’s a good morale builder for the squads.

RH:  Are you seeing new players come along to training?

EK:  We have had six new players turning up for the training sessions, and there are still more to come.  Watch this space for their names.

RH: What is your attitude to players missing training sessions at this time in the preseason training?

EK: My attitude towards players missing training is very simple.  If they’re on holidays, that’s acceptable.  If they are sick, that’s acceptable.  If they’re studying or have exams, that’s acceptable, but they should still attend once a week.  Work commitments are acceptable, if I have been advised.  Anything else is unacceptable, so start thinking about your future.

RH:  Would you like to say anything to new players who are thinking about coming along to train with you?

EK:  Come along as you may even enjoy training for a change, instead of the same old boring sessions.  Change is as good as a holiday.

I would you like to see a few spectators turning up for training sessions? If any under-age players wish to attend, come along and be part of your future with this great club.

From myself and all the coaching staff, we look forward to a successful campaign in 2012 and beyond.

Tilford Zebras youth technical director Romeo Frediani has just spent four weeks at Cosgrove High School working with Year 9 and Year 10 physical education students.

They were studying a subject called ‘Team Sports’ and Frediani coached them in football and futsal.

“It was a pleasure to have Romeo Frediani visit Cosgrove High School over a 4-week period to work with our grade 9 and 10 students,” said Cosgrove teacher Jonathan Welch.

“Romeo provided expert coaching and advice to students in the areas of outdoor soccer and futsal.

“Through his coaching, he modelled the professionalism that students could expect from all coaches at club level.

“Romeo modelled the types of training drills and skills that all members of the Hobart Zebras Football Club, from its junior grades right up to senior level, practised every training session.

“As well as the basic skill of soccer, the drills developed communication, agility and a requirement to read the play.

“Fitness development and a desire to improve were strong messages that Romeo sent to our students.

“It was great to have Romeo introduce a pathway for any student who is serious about their soccer, or the game of futsal, to continue at club level.”