Official launch of Football West Academy

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Football West officially launched the Football West Academy at the Sam Kerr Football Centre last night.

More than 130 young players and their parents joined coaches and staff at the state-of-the-art venue in Queens Park.

Football West General Manager – Football David Lewis addressed the audience to explain the Academy model and its goals and expected outcomes.

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Football West Football Development Officer Neil Kilkenny is overseeing the program alongside Football West Policy and Advocacy Manager Garth Naven.

The former Socceroo and English Premier League player, who is now a UEFA A-Licence coach, spoke of the opportunities the boys and girls have in front of them and the sacrifices required to have a chance of becoming a top-level professional.

"I'm big on standards, that's the one thing I will be pushing," Kilkenny said.

"I've always had an interest in coaching. I want to give back to the young players coming through in WA, and hopefully I can contribute and help them realise their dreams."

There was also a video message of support from Football Australia Chief Football Officer Ernie Merrick, for both the players and their "taxi driver" parents.

WHAT IS THE FOOTBALL WEST ACADEMY?

Football Australia invited Football West to co-pilot the Academy program, along with Football South Australia, Football Tasmania and Football Victoria.

The nationally aligned initiative has been established to provide a high-performance training environment for boys aged 12-15 and girls aged 12-18, offering a pathway to elite competition and national recognition.

The program will provide access to highly skilled, qualified and experienced coaches throughout the player development journey, with Football Australia working with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to formalise Australian coaching accreditations as globally recognised qualifications.

The Football West Academy aims to develop world-class players and prepare them for a professional sporting environment.

The player development pathway system includes:

the FIFA Talent Development Scheme
the Emerging Socceroos Championships and Emerging Matildas Championships (formerly the National Youth Championships)
selection for the Australia U17 boys and girls national teams

Academy launch — More than 130 players and their parents attended the launch. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Trials and selection for the Football West Academy took place late last year. Players will have a minimum of three training sessions per week as well as a game.

Each of the Boys teams will play up one year in age group in the new Junior Development League.

The Girls teams will be sponsored by Hyundai Australia, as they were when part of the old NTC for Girls Program. The U13 Girls will play in the Boys U12s JDL, while the U14 Girls are in the Boys U13s JDL.

The U15s Girls will compete in the NPLWA – Women’s U21s and the U18s in the NPLWA – Women’s competition.

Football West Chief Operating Officer Perry Ielati said: “Football West is excited to launch the Academy and we look forward to helping develop and prepare these talented youngsters for a possible career in football.”