Football NSW Launch Junior Development Leagues

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW successfully launched its Junior Development Leagues (JDL) in early February with a two-day event at Valentine Sports Park, drawing over 200 coaches from across the state.

With a focus on rebranding the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) to the JDL, Football NSW delivered youth-focused, player oriented sessions, presenting approaches which could be adopted to assist players in decision making and technical execution.

Praise for the Launch

Inter Lions’ Girls JDL Head Coach, Troy Cook, praised the launch, highlighting its numerous benefits.

“The chance to connect with other clubs, share ideas, and see different approaches in action was valuable.

“The atmosphere was positive, and it’s clear that Football NSW is putting a lot of effort into supporting clubs and making the JDL a strong development platform,” Cook stated.

Focus on rebranding SAP to JDL

The implementation of the JDL from SAP aims to create a stronger focus on Club capability building, the sharing of best practice program elements and the accountability of Clubs and Football NSW to each other. 

Initially introduced throughout the 2024 season, the Club Standards & benchmarking Framework will drive this achievement.

Football NSW’s Coach Education Manager Chris Adams stated how crucial this launch was in further upskilling clubs and coaches.

“The highlight of the weekend was seeing all our JDL clubs coaching staff connect and learn in the same environment.

“This in itself showed that the clubs are not alone in their role of a JDL coach and that they are a part of football development within NSW,” Adams concluded.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles’ Mixed JDL Head Coach, Enzo Palumbo, highlighted the launch’s role in fostering valuable networks and knowledge.

“The 2025 JDL launch from Football NSW was informative for us coaches, it was well-structured, and we stayed focus on the key interventions.”

“Some key points that we found useful was the different session styles that can be used such as more streamlined methods and incorporating some fun within the team,” Palumbo said.

Future Outlook 

The Junior Development Leagues and Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework will officially launch following a 2024 pilot process where benchmarking outcomes remained unpublished.

In 2025, these outcomes will be reset, and the results will be published at the end of the season.

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

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Image Credit: FQ Far North & Gulf Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

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Image credit: Football Australia

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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