MEET ANOTHER PLAYER from our 2021 Football Development Squad, Regan Uwandu!
Joining the Carlton College of Sport program from the Northern Knights Football Club and the Macleod Football Club, Uwandu signed up to the Football Development Program to make the most of the facilities on offer at the Carlton Football Club.
‘I love being here and using the facilities at IKON Park, as well as getting a qualification and doing extra footy training,’ Uwandu said.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing in beginning the program earlier this year, having sustained a significant ankle injury in the weeks before the start of the footy season. While taking the time to recover from his injury, Uwandu still trained to develop his skills and undertook a rehabilitation program with the Carlton College team.
‘I missed a bit of footy because of the injury, but since coming back my craft has been a lot cleaner. Having a lot more touches on the footy during the week on top of training has helped me a lot.’
Through the Football Development Program, Regan had access to Carlton physios and rehabilitation staff to ensure that his recovery was as fast and effective as possible.
‘My biggest area for improvement would be my fitness. It’s hard coming back from an injury but I’m building up my fitness again and running out a bit more,’ he said.
While Uwandu is focusing on his areas of improvement with the coaches, he is certain of his strengths that he brings to his game.
‘My biggest strengths in footy are my one-on-one contests, I really pride myself on that.
‘What I learn here at Carlton I can bring down to my Club. Some of the things that I may not get to work on at my normal training, I can work on here,’ he said.
Like many young football players, Uwandu’s vision for the future is clear.
‘Once I’ve finished my qualification, I want to be playing at the highest level by next year.’
We’re looking forward to following the football careers of Regan and the rest of the 2021 Football Development players!
Keen to join the team? Applications are now open for the Football Development Program for 2022. Apply here.