Football South Australia (Football SA) today announces a significant shift in its Youth Competition Structure, designed to provide the optimal environment for player development.
The new Youth Club Championship model, set to launch in 2025, is the result of an extensive two year review led by Football SA Technical Director Michael Cooper. The initiative, which received strong support from clubs when initially proposed in November 2023, aims to maintain South Australia's leading position in player development.
Key features of the Youth Club Championship include:
- Consolidated match venues, with teams from the same club playing at one location.
- A Club Championship table that combines match results with player development metrics.
- Bonus points for clubs meeting coaching license criteria and utilising player development tracking systems.
- Point deductions for disciplinary issues, supporting Football SA's Respect Campaign for match officials.
Michael Cooper, Football SA Technical Director, states: "This is a huge step in the right direction for football here in SA. We look forward to working with the clubs involved to create many positive youth development environments for the next generations of players, coaches, and officials."
The new structure offers numerous benefits for clubs:
- Enhanced oversight from Club Technical Directors
- Improved match day culture with a "sports day carnival" atmosphere
- Potential for increased revenue through food and beverage sales
- A finals series at the season's conclusion
- Better fixture scheduling, leading to improved match official coverage and mentoring opportunities
George Georganas, General Manager Football Operations, added: "This is an exciting time for youth football in South Australia. The competition structure presented today marks a significant shift in the way we have structured youth football in this State and one which we will see benefits for players, officials and Clubs for years to come. This youth model restructure also compliments the current Expression of Interest open for our Senior Men’s Competitions and we anticipate that Clubs not currently participating in our Senior structure, will be excited to apply to be able to provide a full development pathway for its youth players to the semi-professional competitions.”
Michael Carter, Football SA CEO, commented: Having the best players matched against the best week in week out, combined with a finals series for our youth will be great additions to the metropolitan competition.”
For full details on the Youth Club Championship model structure, please read here