WITH the Greater South West Junior Football League shifting to an Under-17 format in 2022, Cavendish is one team set to field a side in all three age groups.

The Bloods will enter an Under-17 team and will be coached by Ben Kamp.

The fixture was released last week with a full contingent of teams entered except Heywood and Hamilton Orange have elected not to enter a team in the oldest age group.

Kamp said the club was confident numbers would be strong across the teams.

“It is hard to get commitment, but number wise we should field every team pretty easily,” he said.

“It is a big stepping stone, to be able to have all the junior sides filled and it will help player retention as well.”

The Under-17 mentor said other sports had impacted numbers at training, as skills and fitness took priority.

“We are trying to do a lot of gameplay and fitness, obviously with cricket and basketball pushing into the footy season it makes it hard, but mainly just working on our development with skills and a bit of fitness,” Kamp said.

“This year I just want to be competitive, I won’t really know until round one when I see how our team goes against other teams.

“With it being our first year, we could go great or bubble along, hopefully we will finish mid-pack though.”

Kamp also said having an Under-17 team would also make the pathway into the club’s reserves and senior South West District Football Netball League (SWDFNL) teams easier.

“With the boys having the option to train with the seniors, they can get more player interaction which will help,” he said.

“It is going to be massive as far as bolstering numbers for the future, I think this is going to happen the outer teams who struggle for numbers to get the momentum.”

Training continues each Tuesday night at Mitchell Park, starting at 5pm with Thursday sessions optional out at Cavendish Recreation Reserve.

“We are open to any kids who are interested,” Kamp said.

“Anyone who has missed out elsewhere, feel free to come down.”

The club’s other GSWJFL coaches include Brad Thomas taking charge of the Under-14s and Andy O’Connor will mentor the Under-11 squad.