February 6, 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

Cairns Lions Junior Representative Program

The AFL Cairns Juniors are thrilled to announce the continuation of the 2025 Cairns Lions Junior Representative Program. This initiative aims to elevate training and development standards for junior players and coaches, while fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for all participants.

Program Purpose

The Cairns Lions Junior Representative Program is dedicated to:

• Building high standards in training and program support for players and coaches.
• Creating development opportunities for a larger pool of players and coaches.
• Strengthening community connections by engaging AFL Cairns Junior families and cultivating a supportive, enjoyable environment.

Program Structure

The Cairns Lions program will implement a structured approach to maximize development for both players and coaches:

• Trials: Trials will be held throughout the year to select players for the squad.
• Training: Selected squads will train the month leading up to the program matches or competitions. Training to focus on team building, skill development and high performance.
• Intensive Training: In preparation for representative events, such as the U18 exhibition match, U16 Tri-Series, and U14 North Queensland Community Carnival (NQCC), squads will train weekly for four weeks leading up to these events.
• Representative Selection: Teams for representative games will be chosen from within the squad, ensuring a high level of preparation and team cohesion.

This enhanced structure provides year-round support, skill development, and a pathway to competitive opportunities, while preparing players and coaches for the season’s representative games.

Program Outlines

U14 Boys and Girls – North Queensland Community Carnival (NQCC)

Born 2011 and 2012

• Competitions against other regions (Cape York, Townsville, Mackay & Capricornia)
• Community connection fostering a sense of belonging and respect
• Boys: Location: Cairns | Dates: June 27, 28, and 29
• Girls: Location: Townsville | Dates: July 25, 26, and 27

Program to begin in May, with details to be confirmed.

U16 Boys and Girls – Tri Series

Born 2009 and 2010

• Competitions against Cape York and Papua New Guinea
• Community connection fostering a sense of belonging and respect
• Location: Cairns | dates: September 12,13,14

Program to begin in July, with details to be confirmed.

U18 Men’s and Women’s

Born 2007 and 2008

• Travel to Melbourne to play matches against academy, club and or school teams.
• Visits to AFL venues for tours and watch AFL matches.
• Travel dates are from April 3rd to April 6th

Program to begin in February, with registration to the trials on the below link https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/1425dc

The Cairns Lions Junior Representative Program is committed to providing players with opportunities to grow their skills, represent their community, and compete at a higher level. We encourage families and community members to stay tuned for additional updates as event dates approach.

If you are interested in being a coach, or assistant coach for any of the Representative teams in 2025 please contact Jordan Gregurke on details below

For more information, please contact:
Jordan Gregurke

E: jordan@aflcairns.com.au | P: 0455 545 401
AFL Cairns Juniors

ENDS