News — training

Well we’re well and truly into Preseason 2013 with only a few weeks to go before we start our Metro Season in May. Numbers so far have been very encouraging with many new faces as well as a few of the older ones coming back to see what’s left in their tanks.

The less than fabulous Chicago Spring weather may have slightly dampened the field at Waveland but it certainly hasn’t done the same to the enthusiasm shown by the Swans on the track.  We’ve been able to take advantage of the open ground to work on full ground ball exercises while adding to our base fitness in this early stage of the season.

A couple of big “Atta boys” to Pony Boy on his recent Revolution selection and also to Super Dave Grzesiak on his most impressive results at the AFL Combine in LA this week.  We congratulate you both on your fantastic achievements.

If you haven’t signed up for Metro please contact Metro Comish’ Brian Hoyt (vp@chicagofooty.com) – hopefully he’ll check his email – and let him know you’re in.  Not long to go with May 3rd as the kick-off round for 2013.  This is when the real fun starts.

Also Saturday, April 27th the Chicago Swans will be hosting an ANZAC Day celebration at Bar Forza.  A replay of the Swans vs St Kilda match played in New Zealand will be televised…and possibly the Pies victory over the Bombers if time permits. For the drinkers.. $38 gets you all the draft beer, Oxford Landing Estates wine and well drinks you can handle from 9pm to midnight. $4 Cooper’s all night is also up for grabs.

If you haven’t already join us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.  If you think you might want to join us for a kick come on down and see what it’s all about.

We’ve only just started…but already 2013 looks to be a huge year as we begin our journey to Austin in October.

Cheer, cheer the Red and the White.

That’s right… the snow is melting.. beers with orange peel, sea salt and “hints of citrus” are again appearing in liquor stores across Chicago.. this can only mean that the footy season is almost upon us! Training will being on Tuesday 22nd March at Chicago Indoor Sports, 3900 S Ashland Ave 6-7pm so for all of you that have been hibernating all winter, time to start stretching and getting in shape for footy training!

NOTE: Change of date. Indoor training starts 22nd March…. no excuse to slack off on your pre-pre-season training however.

The season schedule so far for 2011 is as follows. The Metro teams and schedule is still TBD:

May 21 – Canada (home)
June 18 – Columbus (home)
July 23 – Minnesota (away)
July 30 – Milwaukee (home)
Sept – 17 Metro GF
Sept 24 – Nashville (home)
Oct – Nationals (Austin, TX)

The 2010 Chicago United squad has been eager to get back on the pitch ever since they were put down at Nationals by the Calgary Kangaroos. With the sour taste still fresh in their mouths United leaders took off season training to the next level.

“It’s always nice to get out and break a sweat playing basketball or hitting the gym.” said new coach of the United, Anthony Hendrie. “But our lads wanted to get the footy in their hand again, work on some footwork, and start the season off strong.”

A typically Chicago United offseason would bring the team together for some pick up basketball games, extra fitness, and the ever present night festivities. However, the club went the extra mile to rent indoor soccer space at a nearby facility. As a result, recruiting numbers are up and the United are getting an early start on their championship run.

“We made some great changes and additions this off-season. New coach, new sponsor, and some quality recruits.” President Frank Bradley explains. “We’re bringing back a lot of our starters this year. More importantly is that we’ve got some young guys who will challenge those veterans for starting spots. It makes everyone better.”

The indoor training sessions have allowed The United squad to focus on getting their mechanics back after a cold off season and several months away from a football. Back in October, the United squad faced a focused Calgary in their first Nationals is two years.

“It was a wake up call for a lot of our guys.” says veteran B.J. Gambaro. “Our pace just wasn’t there and Calgary did a good job of taking us out of our game. Regardless, 2010 is a big year for us both in the MAAFL and at the National level. We’ll be ready for Nashville.”

The Chicago United have 3-peated in the Mid American Australian Football League (MAAFL) claiming titles in 2007, 2008, and 2009. As the weather turns in Chicago the team looks to get off to a quick start and many of the new recruits will get the first taste of the big Waveland Oval. It all starts with Chicago’s own Metro Divison where the Wrigleyville Rhinos will face the defending champs, Lincoln Square Tigers, on April 9th. The Chicago United squad will first suit up for the Columbus Jackaroos on May 22nd.

Welcome to another year of Aussie Rules in Chicago!

Time to dust off the boots and and prepare yourselves for what will be a great year of footy in this fine city! Last year’s disappointment will be a distant memory come Nationals in Louisville later this year, and will only spur us on to greater things. We are now in control of our own destiny and have a lot of work to do between now and October!

There is not much time to waste until the first game (Metro League Friday April 9th)!! Yes 4 weeks from now will be your first hit out. The harder WE work now the easier the year will become as WE progress. 

You should all have begun your own training program, bike riding, swimming, and running. Your level of fitness and endurance will also affect your mental ability during games and training. Start now!

The schedule for the next 2 months is as follows:

March
Mon 15th (6-7:30pm) – Windy City Fieldhouse – 2367 West Logan Boulevard Chicago, IL 60647, (773) 486-7300 – $10**
Sat 20th (7pm) – Metro League Launch @ Brownstone
Mon 22nd (6:30-8pm) – Chicago Indoor Sports 3900 S. Ashland Chicago IL 60609, 773-376-2900 – $10**
Mon 29th (6:30-8pm) – Chicago Indoor Sports – $10**

April
Sat 3rd (11am) – Waveland (training, weather permitting)
Mon 5th (7:30-9pm) – Windy City Fieldhouse – $10**
Fri 9th (6pm start) – Waveland (Metro League 1)
Tue 13th (6pm) – Waveland (training)
Fri 16th (6pm) – Waveland (Metro League 2)
Tue 20th (6pm) – Waveland (training)
Fri 23rd (6pm) – Waveland (training)
Sat 24th (7pm) – Anzac Day party (Brownstone Tavern – Lincoln Ave)

** please bring $10 on these nights, the club is contributing half the cost of rental.

Looking forward to seeing you and your new recruits! Send this onto everyone you know who is sick of playing mixed softball! Any questions call, email or txt me.

Cheers,
Ant