Join us for an exciting opportunity learning
The program welcomes boys and girls, regardless of their experience level, and is open to participants from every football code. Whether you are just starting out or have been playing for years, this event provides an inclusive environment for everyone interested in learning and improving their skills.
TACKLING ACADEMY (13-16 years)
CLOSED
JUNIOR ACADEMY (8 to 12 years)
Coming Soon
At the football academy, each participant will develop essential skills to enhance confidence in both defensive and attacking aspects of the game.
A highlight of the experience is the chance to meet and receive coaching from former NRL and Maroons players, providing invaluable insights and inspiration from athletes who have competed at the highest levels of the sport.
A Sports Dietician and a Sports Psychologist will each conduct a half-hour workshop over the two days for academy participants. During these sessions, they will address the importance of nutrition and healthy habits. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how proper nutrition can enhance athletic performance and overall well-being, while also learning strategies to develop and maintain positive routines for both their physical and mental health (Parents welcome to attend these workshops).
Required Items for Participants
All children attending the clinic must ensure they are wearing a hat or cap. In addition, it is essential for each participant to bring their own water bottle. A towel should also be packed, particularly in case of wet weather.
While sunscreen will be made available on the day, we strongly encourage all participants to apply sunscreen before leaving home.
Optional Protective Gear
If your child feels comfortable, they are welcome to wear their headgear and mouthguard during the activities. While these items are optional, they can provide an extra level of safety and protection for those who prefer it.
Provided Equipment
All other necessary equipment for the session will be supplied by the academy.
Changing Facilities and Amenities
The venue provides change facilities and bathrooms for all participants attending the Tackling Academy.
What Does the Registration Fee Include?
The registration fee of $135.00 covers participation in both days of the Tackling Academy program. Each registered participant will enjoy a fruit break and lunch provided on both days.
The cost also includes access to presentations delivered by two qualified health professionals—a Sports Dietician and a Sports Psychologist. Additionally, each participant will receive a merchandise item as a memento of their experience at the academy.
Registration Forms and Confirmation Process
Once you have received the forms, complete all required information as soon as possible and return them to us promptly. If you do not receive the registration and photo consent forms within two working days of submitting your payment, contact us immediately so that we can resolve the issue and ensure that you received the necessary documentation.
Important Note: Your spot in the program is not reserved or confirmed until we have received your completed registration and photo consent forms. Returning these forms in a timely manner is essential to secure your place.
Trevor “The Axe” Gillmeister is a renowned former rugby league player with an impressive track record. During his career, he served as Captain of the Queensland Maroons and was also a member of the Australian Kangaroos team. Currently, Trevor works as a defensive coach. After receiving a request to help young players stay safe while playing football, he decided that the most effective way to achieve this was to engage directly with the youth on the field. His approach focuses not only on safety but also ensuring the players build confidence and have a lot of fun along the way.
All members of our coaching staff possess current blue cards and bring years of experience, both in coaching and playing. GTA coaches are professionally qualified and have backgrounds that include playing for or working with NRL and QRL football clubs. Many of them have competed at the highest levels of the sport, ensuring a wealth of knowledge and expertise is available to all participants.
If you have any questions or need further information about our clinics, please contact us at gillystacklingacademy@outlook.com We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to assist with your inquiries.
"Thanks to the Axe and Stacey!
My 11 year old son had a great time at the recent clinic. He said that he learned more in Gilly’s 1 ½ hour Junior Academy clinic than a 3 day holiday camp he recently did. Tackling is a foundational skill that I wish had more emphasis. I think this clinic has transformed my son’s relationship with rugby. Competence = Confidence & Safety. It was also very impressive to see origin and kangaroo greats helping out the kids and giving back to the community. Really nice for the kids to see superstars being good human beings!
See you at the next clinic/pre-season program!"
"Amazing, our son attended the Junior Academy recently and absolutely loved it. Hearing tips and advice from the coaches in a one-on-one setting, was awesome. He absolutely can’t wait to get back on the field this weekend to try it and put it all together. The coaches are full of knowledge, energy and fun. They provide the practical skills to build confidence but also know just how to build these kids up and send them away with a spring in their step. We will be back, that’s for sure!"
"I would like to say the knowledge that the kids come away with and the attention they receive from the staff from participating in the 2-day tackling academy is amazing and a real credit to Gilly and his team. Super impressed as a parent how they include a sports nutritionist and psychologist and how these presentations are presented in a way that the kids can understand and start to implement. And to registering online to any queries before the day such an easy process for us parents."
"Gilly and his team of legends gave up Saturday and Sunday morning to help a bunch of young players. Great to see their passion for the game. Excellent program!"
"Excellent clinic, the young players were extremely lucky to be coached by the best. Lots of one-on-one opportunities and great advice. This is a must for all young players. My son thoroughly enjoyed the clinic. Thank you!"
"Highly recommend Gilly’s Tackling Academy. Everyone makes you feel welcome from the get-go. I signed my daughter 14 and my son 13 up to do it for the first time and the kids had an amazing time learning new skills. They both can’t wait to do it again. Thank you all involved and the legend himself Trevor “The Axe” Gillmeister."
"Exceptional coaching and mentoring for both on and off field aspects of the game. Very personal coaching due to keeping the group small, no one misses out on anything. All the coaches clearly love their job and sharing their extensive knowledge.
"I wanted to take a moment to extend my sincerest gratitude to you and your team for the incredible experience my daughter had over the past two days at Gilly’s Tackling Academy.
The program was nothing short of amazing and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed every moment. She gained valuable knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly contribute to her growth and improvement in tackling. Your expertise and dedication were evident throughout the sessions, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a well-organized and impactful program."
