Football West confirmed the final outcomes of its Junior Football Review, along with the proposed implementation plans for the 2025 season.
The extensive review, which was initiated in early 2023, was led by independent consultants in collaboration with Football West’s Game Development Committee and technical football staff.
According to the infographic breakdown, the review had an initial focus of boys and girls junior competition pathways for u13-u18 including the Junior NPL Boys competition.
Overall, the review covered a broad scope, including competition structure, player development, opportunities and pathways, and standards for club youth development.
Recommendations were shared late last year, paving the way for Phase Two of the review, which took place this year and included a series of workshops with technical staff from across the state, as well as input from clubs, coaches, and the public.
After consultation and a strenuous reviewing process, Football West pledge to make six changes that will be implemented as soon as possible.
Changes:
– A unified Junior Development League for both Junior Boys and Girls U13-U16 competitions, replacing the current Junior NPL structure for boys.
– Two top tier divisions will be created with multiple feeder divisions below, similar to the Football Victoria structure (Introduction of a promotion and relegation system for juniors).
– Creation of a Junior Development Cup and a Junior Community Cup to replace the existing Junior Cup tournaments.
– A strong emphasis on coach education and development across all competitions.
– Establishing of a Junior Community League for teams and players who prefer to participate in local football, replacing the current community junior leagues.
– Separate Boys and Girls Youth Club Championships, open to clubs that excel in youth development and whole-of-club criteria.
The objectives of the new format are to:
– Enhance player growth.
– Guarantee equal competition.
– Offer well-defined and organised competition pathways for junior footballers in WA.
– Motivate, acknowledge, and reward clubs for comprehensive player development, well-being, and fostering a positive club culture.
– Support regions and enable their participation
Conclusion:
This new combined system will help flow the separate divisions and finally create a clear pathway for junior clubs and players to move up based on league results.
The Junior Development League now becomes the premier league for youth players in WA, with a purpose to enhance player development and promote long-term success. It also requires coaches to get a C-Licence minimum in coaching to take over one of the teams, encouraging more people to become licenced coaches and get involved.
Whilst the Community League focuses more on inclusivity, engagement and participation with less of a focus on the player or coach development.
In the consultation report, Football West also confirmed that they will conduct a comprehensive review of the league competition and Youth Club Championship structure at the conclusion of the 2025 season and implement any changes needed to improve the competition for future seasons.
It’s a great, modernised structure that combines coaching education and the higher and lower leagues with a new relegation and promotion system, which gives Football West a chance to target both a serious and more laid back audience that wants football to be their number one sport in WA.
