Over 400 boys aged 10-11 years old descended upon Lakeside Oval last week to take part in the Open Athlete Assessment Trials for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

The trials involved a range of tests that measure fitness, hand/eye co-ordination, agility, speed and a range of different ball skills.

Head coach Michael O’Loughlin was on hand to witness some of the best young talent in action in wet and cold conditions.

Talent Identification & Operations Manager Chris Smith said it was pleasing to see such a strong turn out to the trials.

“We had a record number of kids trailing which indicates a large number of boys are wanting to train in an elevated environment and explore their true potential,” Smith said.

“The format of the assessment provides all boys an opportunity to showcase their skills and athleticism in a variety of activities.

“We understand that it is not an exact science selecting boys at such a young age, therefore we encourage all boys that are not initially successful to persevere as we are confident we will eventually capture those boys who have the desire to be part of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.”

Players will be notified in the coming weeks on their performance in the trials with a position in the 2016 Swans Academy program on offer.

The U12 assessment trials were scheduled for last Friday but the ground was deemed too wet to safely and accurately assess players.

The U12 assessment trials have been rescheduled for Thursday 10^th September.