GLEN Debono, who guided Campbelltown Collegians to the Group 6/Wests rugby league third grade premiership this year is hoping to continue the club's success as the team steps up to first grade next season.
Debono, the Collegians' first grade coach, has coached at a representative junior level with Wests Magpies.
Debono realises that mixing it with the likes of the league's heavyweights Picton and Thirlmere/Tahmoor could pose a few problems.
But he is eager to step up to the challenge with a squad he hopes to take to the finals.
``We have a lot of young players that are going to surprise next year and the best thing about them is that they are all local juniors who have come through the junior system and are ready to take the next step,'' Debono said.
``They are under no illusion of what lies ahead of them and how tough it's going to be in their first year of first grade, but feel now is the time for themselves to take the next step.
``We won't be there to just make up the numbers and are looking forward to the challenge of stepping up and playing first grade football.''
``We have a very young squad and with the addition of some more older and experienced players, it is going to be good combination of youth and experience, which should ensure we have a very competitive side.''
Collegians' president Mitchell Hoffmann said the club intended to play all senior games at Campbelltown Stadium but some games might be played at Bradbury Oval.
``The reason we are making the move to the stadium is to provide the best possible facilities for our players and supporters that we can,'' he said.
``It is very important for the Collies club that our junior players have senior teams that they will be able to play for in the future if they wish to continue playing rugby league after their junior football.''
Any players interested in joining the club or attending training can contact 0414 566 965.