Anna 
Football NSW hosted a successful Junior Development Leagues (JDL) Launch in early February at Valentine Sports Park, attracting over 200 coaches from across the state. The event, spread over two days, marked the rebranding of the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) to the Junior Development Leagues, focusing on player-centric sessions aimed at improving technical skills and decision-making.
Neil Mann, Football NSW’s Club Technical Development Manager, highlighted the significance of the event for the football community. “It was fantastic to see coaches from various clubs come together. The launch provided a chance to celebrate the great work already happening, collaborate, and build new connections,” Mann said. “We look forward to supporting the growth of these programs and creating an environment that helps develop players at their clubs.”
Football NSW’s Coach Education Manager, Chris Adams, emphasized the importance of the event in educating coaches and clubs. “The highlight was seeing all the JDL coaching staff connect and learn in the same space. It showed that clubs are not alone in their role and are an integral part of football development in NSW.”
Troy Cook, Head of Inter Lions’ Girls JDL program, praised the event for its practical demonstrations and networking opportunities. “Our coaches really enjoyed the sessions and took away valuable insights. The chance to connect with other clubs and observe different approaches was invaluable,” Cook said. “The positive atmosphere and Football NSW’s support in strengthening the JDL platform were evident.”
Enzo Palumbo, Head of Bonnyrigg White Eagles’ Men’s JDL program, also shared his appreciation for the launch. “The event was informative and well-structured, with a strong focus on key interventions,” Palumbo noted. “The sessions provided new ideas and useful tips that we can incorporate into our coaching.”
The Junior Development League’s and Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework will officially begin in 2025, following a pilot process in 2024. While benchmarking outcomes were not published last year, the results for the 2025 season will be released at the end of the year.
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