Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell says Football Australia’s new nationally-aligned Academy program will be vital in helping the next generation of West Australian talent fulfil its rich potential.
Football West is proud to partner Football Australia in piloting the Academy program which is designed to identify and develop our best young footballers across the state.
Launching next month, the Football West - Football Australia Academy aims to refine the technical skills, tactical understanding and high-performance behaviours of talented young male and female players, guided by Football Australia’s newly established player and coach development pathways.
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 (AFC) to formalise Australian coaching accreditations as globally recognised qualifications.
The Academy is a first for football in this country, with Football South Australia, Football Tasmania and Football Victoria also co-piloting the Academy program in their respective states.
The Football West - Football Australia Academy will cater for talented boys aged 12-15 and girls aged 12-18 who are in the Hyundai NTC program.
The Academy marks an important step in the progression of Australia’s male and female player development pathway system.
It includes:
- the FIFA Talent Development Scheme
- National Youth Championships
- selection for the Australia U17 boys and girls national teams
In addition, the Football West - Football Australia Academy allows for the identification, progression and mentoring of talented coaches within the program, and for those within local clubs across the state.
Mr Harnwell said: “The Football West - Football Australia Academy is a hugely significant step for young male and female players in Western Australia and Football West is thrilled to be a key player in its roll-out.
“It is great for Football West and the other Member Federations involved to pilot this exciting initiative and it allows us to offer our young footballers an incredible pathway to take their game to the highest level.
“It also means Football West, as well as Football Victoria, Football South Australia and Football Tasmania, can play an important hand in shaping the program as we collaborate with Football Australia.
“We would like to thank Football Australia for the opportunity to be involved in its Academy program from the outset as we identify and develop our best young boys and girls.”
Football Australia Chief Football Officer Ernie Merrick said the program would create a football environment that is “best-in-class and caters to the needs of elite players and coaches”.
“It will create more opportunities for young players across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas of WA ensuring a broader and more inclusive pathway for talent,” he said.
More details about the Football West - Football Australia Academy can be found on the Football Australia website HERE.
Trials for the new Football West - Football Australia Academy are currently taking place.
