UPDATE: Football West is excited to release the final outcomes to its Junior Football Review and the proposed implementation plans for the 2025 season.
Led by independent consultants in conjunction with Football West's Game Development Committee and football technical staff, the wide-ranging review was undertaken to look at all aspects of junior football in Western Australia, including the existing Boys Junior NPL competition and Boys and Girls Junior Leagues.
The review, which began in early 2023, encompasses competition structure, player development opportunities and pathways, and club youth development standards.
Recommendations were released late last year ahead of Phase Two of the review, which was held this year and involved a series of workshops with technical staff from across the state, clubs, coaches and the public.
With consultation finished, the implementation of the review will see:
- A uniform Junior Development League for both Junior Boys and Girls U13-U16 competitions. For boys, this will replace the current Junior NPL structure
- The ability for teams in each age category to move up and down divisions via a promotion-and-relegation system
- The introduction of a Junior Development Cup and a Junior Community Cup to replace the current Junior Cup tournaments
- A focus on coach education and development across all competitions
- A Junior Community League for teams and players who prefer to play local football, replacing the existing community junior leagues
- Separate Boys and Girls Youth Club Championships open to clubs that meet youth development and whole-of-club criteria. The club-based competition will encompass additional matches for eligible clubs outside of the standard league season
Objectives of the new format:
- Enhance player development
- Ensure fair competition
- Provide clear and linear competition pathways for junior footballers in WA
- Incentivise, recognise and reward clubs for holistic player development and welfare, and positive club culture
Details of the new structure, including required criteria for each competition and associated nomination processes HERE
Infographics breaking down the Junior Football Review HERE
Read the full Consultation Report HERE
Further details, FAQs and timeline for 2025 applications are expected to be released by the start of September.