Football SA launched the inaugural Junior Development League on 26 October for high-performing players to have additional playing opportunities during the off-season.
The Junior Development League is catered for Under 10, 12 and 14’s for boys and Under 13’s and 15’s for girls over an eight (8) week period. This inaugural season will see the Under 10, 12 and 14’s for boys with the girls commencing in 2023.
The objective of the Junior Development League is to provide a structure that allows the continued development of high-performing players in the off-season through a range of measures to really focus on individual player development.
To achieve this, the Junior Development League has been structured with revised rules including a 9v9 playing format and matches split into thirds as opposed to halves to provide greater opportunities for informed feedback to players throughout the matches.
9v9 allows players to be challenged technically as well as physically through multiple repeated actions in smaller areas. It also aims to set realistic expectations that meet the needs of young footballers, rather than senior players. It focuses on the development of a player rather than the result of the match.
The Junior Development League will also provide opportunities for new referees to gain valuable experiences on the field of play in matches where mentors will be able to give greater insights during the matches.
In addition to the revised rules, Coaches must be accredited at a higher level than what is required during the Home and Away Season and hold a minimum qualification of an AFC C Licence.
To ensure the League is able to achieve its objectives of player development, all coaches were required to attend a workshop conducted by the Football SA Technical Director Michael Cooper at ServiceFM Stadium, where they worked collaboratively to agree on a common purpose for the League. An end-of-season workshop will also be conducted for all coaches to review the development of their players.
Football SA Technical Director Michael Cooper stated,
A development league is ideal for players to gain more football experiences in a positive environment. The format has been designed to maximise touches on the ball and decision making in tight spaces against like-minded players of similar development stage.
FSA will work with clubs and coaches to ensure they are providing a positive development experience which is underpinned by long term youth development principles and positive youth values and ethics.”