A-League to have its own National Youth League

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has made huge steps in giving young footballers in Australia regular, quality competitive games by finalising plans for a National Youth League Competition. The NYL will kickoff in line with the next Hyundai A-League Season.

“The establishment of a national youth league competition was identified as a priority in the National Football Development Plan we released last November,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

“This competition is particularly important because, for the first time, talented young players will have an opportunity to play regular, quality competitive games regardless of whether they are part of the AIS program, the State sports institutes or the State football leagues.

“There is also a clear link with the Hyundai A-League, as well as the various national teams in football at Under 17, Under 20, Under 23 levels, as well as the Qantas Socceroos.

“If you’re a young, talented male athlete, football should be your sport of choice as it offers fantastic opportunities within Australia as well as unparalleled opportunities to wear the green and gold representing Australia on the global stage,” Buckley said.

The national youth league will be made up of seven teams, including only the current Australian A-League teams and not Wellington Phoenix. Its a similar development setup used throughout Europe and the UK.

“The key to improving the technical skills, proficiency and tactical maturity of players is playing games – and as many games as possible,” National Technical Director of FFA, Rob Baan, said.

The main aim of the National Youth League will be to provide 16-21 year old players with a clear link between youth league to senior football and then onto a professional level. This is a crucial time for young men of this age to be able to play competitive matches against quality opponents as it a critical time in their growth as an elite sportsman.

At the moment, the best 16-17 year olds are recruited by the AIS, but the anticipated National Youth League will make it possible for these young players to be offered contracts by the Hyundai A-League youth teams.

Each of the seven A-League clubs will field youth teams and play 21 rounds in line with the senior team. These games will be played as curtain raisers to the main match or will be scheduled on the following day.

Four overage players from the first team squad will be allowed to play in these matches.

To have a go at becoming a Sydney FC youth player in the new National Youth League then log on to http://fox8.tv/footballsuperstar/ Foxtel’s Football Superstar Competition will select one player for a scholarship worth $30,000.

Published on March 9, 2008