November 15, 2008 will forever be known as the day the Gold Coast Football Club had their first training session at Gold Coast Stadium. The initial group of 35 players including eight contracted players sweated it out on a scorching hot day for GCFC coaches Guy McKenna, Shaun Hart and Marcus Ashcroft.

The moment was not lost on GC17 chairman John Witheriff whose vision and hard work has ensured that the Gold Coast Football Club would become a reality. “This commences our journey,” said Witheriff. “It has been a great opportunity for the Gold Coast.” Well before these guys ran out on the paddock today, 42,000 signed-up Gold Coasters put their hand up to say we want these guys to do well… and there has been 116 businesses now who have said they want to give us some financial support.“These boys are taking out with them the hopes of so many people in this city.”

In front of a small crowd of parents and members of the football community, McKenna’s new squad started off on their own journey firstly to TAC cup action that will begin in March and then hopefully on to 2011 and AFL action.

“This (training session) was one of very small steps for them and this club looking towards 2011 (and the expected AFL launch),” said McKenna. “It will be a gentle process because these are young kids.” “Generally most of them are good sportsmen because they have done other sports like volleyball, basketball, rugby and cricket.  So we have a program designed around getting them through a conditioning program, and on top of that a skills program.”

GCFC will train three times a week, learning from three of the best in the business. McKenna, Hart and Ashcroft have played over 800 AFL games and won 8 premierships between them ensuring the Gold Coast Football Club could not be in better hands.

Image courtesy of the Gold Coast Bulletin