Football South Australia (Football SA) has revealed a change to its Youth Competition Structure which will be launched in 2025.
This new structure to hit Football SA next year has been based on an extensive two-year review led by Football SA Technical Director Michael Cooper.
A Club Championship model was proposed to Club Presidents at the President’s meeting in November 2023 which was unanimously supported.
The following Youth Club Championship model has been constructed following consultation with individual Clubs, Football SA Technical Department, Advisory Committees.
Ages until Under 9s Mixed and Girls will not have a changed championship system.
This new system will be applied to under 13, 14, 15, 16 mixed & girls’ teams.
Some of the key features 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. For example, abuse of the Referee or violent conduct receives a -3 championship points.
This was used to ensure the Youth Club Championship is not solely reliant on results and is fostering an improved player development environment and match day culture, points bonuses and deductions will be incorporated in the championship table.
Michael Cooper, Football SA Technical Director, stated via media release:
“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 overall outcomes from these plans will foster:
- Enhanced oversight from Club Technical Directors which is key for player development and the different clubs balance of player abilities.
- Improved match day culture with a “sports day carnival” atmosphere engaging not just highlighting singular teams, but a more united entire club culture.
- 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
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.”
This new Youth Championship is created importantly to help kids play in a supportive and safe environment. This will encourage the passion of the game and hopefully bring the much needed increase in positive sporting behaviour.
The overachieving South Australia is truly leading the way in positive you football development.
It will be interesting to see the outcomes in the coming years.
