Football South Australia has announced a major restructure of its youth competitions to enhance player development and create a more competitive environment for young players. The decision follows a thorough analysis conducted in 2023/24 by Football SA. The findings from this analysis led to the adoption of a Youth Club Championship (YCC) model for youth competitions.
This new structure focuses on providing a playing environment where players face high-level competition on a regular basis, encouraging growth and fostering an atmosphere of player, coach and match official development. The YCC model aims to create leagues where the best teams compete against each other, providing a pathway for players to reach their potential in an environment where players compete against others of a similar skill-set.
The Youth Club Championship consist of U13, U14, U15 and U16 Youth Premier League (YPL) teams. The YPL replaces previous seasons Junior Premier League (JPL). Clubs can also have a U12 YPL and U17 YPL team that don't form part of the YCC championship table but are part of the elite player pathway.
Championship Points will accumulate across all ages which participate in the tiered competition. Separate League tables will be utilised for each age league, however promotion and relegation amongst a tier is club based. Additional points can be obtained through coaching licenses and Technical Directors and Coaches attendance of workshops. Points will be deducted due to Disciplinary matters, for example Red Cards Infringements, and coach and spectator behaviour.
There are three tiers for Boys and one tier for Girls which will split to two tiers after the girls play each club once. The clubs within Tiers compete as a club and at the Seasons end one Club will be crowned Youth Club Champion. Football SA would like to thank all Clubs for their support of the Youth Competition Restructure. We are pleased to confirm the Clubs participating in the YCC for season 2025 are as follows:
| YCC Tier 1 | YCC Girls Tier | YCC Tier 2 | YCC Tier 3 |
| Adelaide City | Adelaide City | Adelaide Cobras | Adelaide Atletico VSC |
| Adelaide Comets | Adelaide Comets | Croydon FC | Adelaide Blue Eagles |
| Adelaide Croatia Raiders | Adelaide Jaguars | FK Beograd | Adelaide Hills Hawks |
| Adelaide Olympic | Adelaide University | Football SA (Girls) | Adelaide University |
| Campbelltown City | Campbelltown City | Fulham United | Cove FC |
| Cumberland United | Cove FC | Noarlunga United | Eastern United |
| Football SA | Elizabeth Grove | Para Hills Knights | Elizabeth Grove |
| MetroStars | Flinders United | Playford City | Gawler Eagles |
| Modbury Jets | Metro United | Port Adelaide | Modbury Vista |
| South Adelaide | Modbury Vista | Sturt Lions | Salisbury Inter |
| Vipers FC | Salisbury Inter | West Adelaide | Salisbury United |
| WT Birkalla | South Adelaide | Western Strikers | Seaford Rangers |
| Sturt Lions | |||
| West Adelaide | |||
| Western Strikers | |||
| WT Birkalla |
A major feature of the restructure is the introduction of a Final Series for the YCC teams. The top teams in each age group will compete in a three-week finals series to determine the champions of their individual leagues. The addition of a final series aims to offer more opportunities for best vs. best matchups towards the end of the season, creating an exciting conclusion for the competition.
As part of the Youth Restructure, Football SA is committed to enhancing the development pathway of Match Officials. The YCC will provide greater opportunities for Match Officials to gain experience and there will be greater coverage, mentoring and support. Youth Competitions will be a positive environment that supports the Football SA “Respect Starts Here” Campaign, an initiative designed to enhance the safety and respect of our young Match Officials.
The new system also introduces the Youth State League (YSL), which replaces the Junior State League (JSL). The YSL League structures and fixtures will be finalised soon.
In terms of game formats, all U12 and U13 Youth teams will play in a modified 9v9 format. Small-sided games significantly aid player development, providing more touches on the ball, greater involvement in the game, and better individual engagement. The smaller format allows coaches to provide more individualized attention, boosting player confidence and self-esteem while supporting overall development.
Junior Football Manager, Marie Spagnoletti, shared her enthusiasm for the new structure:
"We are excited for the first season of the Nova Youth Club Championship! The competition restructure is designed to give young players more opportunities for growth and success. We hope clubs, players, coaches, and parents will embrace this change, as it aims to create a stronger, more competitive environment while also ensuring a positive game day experience for everyone involved."
Through this restructure of Youth Competitions, Football South Australia hopes to foster a more competitive, player-centred environment that encourages optimal development at every level. With the introduction of the Youth Club Championship model, new Final Series, and tiered league system the goal is to create better opportunities for young players to develop their skills and compete at their best.
The Nova YCC season officially commences on Sunday, 9 March.
Click here to view the Tier Ladders.
Click here to view the Youth Premier League Fixtures.
Click here to view the Girls Youth Premier League Fixtures.