Football West is pleased to announce the dates for trials for the 2027 Football West Academy Boys Program.
We can also confirm the trial dates for the WA Boys State U15s and U16s extended squads for next year’s CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships.
IMPORTANT: Football West will conduct a combined trial process for the Boys Football West Academy U16s and WA Boys U15 State Team extended training squad (2012-born players). Players who do not wish to join the Academy but want to trial for the State U15 Team should still attend these trials.
FOOTBALL WEST ACADEMY
Football West is inviting talented young boys aged 12-15 to trial for the Football West Academy – a development-focused program aligned with Football Australia’s player pathway and designed to prepare players for progression to higher levels of the game.
The Academy aims to identify and support players with the potential to progress through State Teams and national programs.
The Academy aims to enhance technical skill, tactical understanding and high-performance behaviours in a structured and supportive environment.
Program overview
- There are four squads covering U13, U14, U15 & U16 age groups
- The program is delivered by experienced, accredited coaching staff
- It is a 40-week program, averaging four sessions per week
- Teams compete in the Junior Development League (JDL) one year above their age group
Teams
- Players turning 12 in 2027 (born 2015) play in U13s
- Players turning 13 in 2027 (born 2014) play in U14s
- Players turning 14 in 2027 (born 2013) play in U15s
- Players turning 15 in 2027 (born 2012) play in U16s
What to expect
The Football West Academy focuses on developing the complete player through:
- Individual player development
- Improved technical proficiency
- Age-appropriate tactical education
- Injury prevention strategies
- Personal growth, discipline and resilience
Membership players (train-on program)
- Open to players in U13-U15
- Train once per week with Football West Academy squads alongside full-time players
- Ideal for players seeking additional development outside of club football
- Eligible for CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships when age-appropriate
Trial process
- Players will only be assessed in their correct age group (based on year of birth)
- Players born outside the listed age groups will not be eligible to trial
- All players must register and attend the first two trials
- Third and fourth trials are invite-only
- Players must arrive 30 minutes early
- Only registered players can participate
- Shin pads are compulsory
Football West Academy Trials (Boys Program)
Players will trial according to their year of birth:
- U13: Players turning 12 in 2027 (born 2015)
- U14: Players turning 13 in 2027 (born 2014)
- U15: Players turning 14 in 2027 (born 2013)
- U16: Players turning 15 in 2027 (born 2012)*
*Football West will conduct a combined trial process for the Boys Football West Academy U16s and WA Boys U15 State Team extended training squad (2012-born players). Players who do not wish to join the Academy but want to trial for the State U15 Team should still attend these trials.
Membership Players (Train-On Program)
The Football West Academy Membership Program provides an additional development opportunity for players in the U13–U15 age groups.
Membership players:
- Train once per week alongside Football West Academy squads
- Receive additional technical and tactical development outside their club environment
- Remain connected to the Football West player development pathway
- Provides an opportunity to be identified for future Emerging Socceroos Championships selection when age eligible
Commitment to Trial
By registering to trial for the Football West Academy, you confirm that you are doing so with the genuine intention of accepting a position if you are successful. As trial places are limited, we ask that only players who are committed to joining the Academy register. Subsequently declining an Academy offer may prevent another player from accessing the program and impacts the Academy’s planning and selection process.
For further enquiries, please email Jenny.Davis@footballwest.com.au
Trial Schedule
UNDER 13 (2015 born only)
Trial 1 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Thursday 17 September, 5-6.30pm
Trial 2 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Saturday 19 September, 8.30-10am
Trial 3 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Tuesday 22 September. 5-6.30pm
Trial 4 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Thursday 24 September, 5-6.30pm
REGISTER HERE (Registrations for U13s close Monday 14 September)
UNDER 14 (2014 born only)
Trial 1 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Monday 5 October, 8.15-9.45am
Trial 2 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Wednesday 7 October, 8.15-9.45am
Trial 3 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Tuesday 13 October, 5-6.30pm
Trial 4 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Friday 16 October, 5-6.30pm
REGISTER HERE (Registrations for U14s close Wednesday 30 September)
UNDER 15 (2013 born only)
Trial 1 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Monday 5 October, 10.30am-12pm
Trial 2 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Wednesday 7 October, 10.30am-12pm
Trial 3 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Wednesday 14 October, 5-6.30pm
Trial 4 (Invitation Only) – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Saturday 17 October, 8- 9:30am
REGISTER HERE (Registrations for U15s close Wednesday 30 September)
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FOOTBALL WEST ACADEMY U16 & WA BOYS U15 STATE TEAM
Football West will conduct a combined trial process in October 2026 to select the Football West Academy U16 squad and the U15 State Team extended squad for players born in 2012.
Players are not trialing for two separate teams.
This combined approach provides a broader development opportunity and recognises that some players may choose to remain with their current club rather than join the Football West Academy. By combining the trial process, Football West can continue to identify, monitor and support these players, providing an extended State Team training opportunity and maintaining their connection to the Emerging Championship pathway.
Preparations will commence in November 2026, with the Football West Academy U16 squad and selected U15 State Team extended squad members training together once per week as part of their ongoing development pathway.
For enquiries, please email: Jenny.Davis@footballwest.com.au
Trial Schedule
FW ACADEMY U16 & WA BOYS U15 STATE TEAM (2012 born only)
Trial 1 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Tuesday 6 October, 8.30-10am
Trial 2 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Thursday 8 October, 8.30-10am
Trial 3 – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Thursday 15 October 2026, 5-6.30pm
Trial 4 – Sam Kerr Football Centre
Saturday 17 October 2026, 10.15-11.45am
REGISTER HERE (Registrations for U16s & U15s State Team close Wednesday 30 September)
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WA BOYS U16 STATE TEAM
Football West will conduct trials for the WA Boys U16 State Team for players born in 2011, as part of the selection process for the Football Australia Emerging Championships pathway.
The trials will identify players for the U16 State Team extended and final squads, providing selected players with the opportunity to represent Western Australia at the national Emerging Socceroos Championships.
Eligibility
- Open to players born in 2011 only
- Players outside this age group are not eligible to trial
- The trial process will be used to select:
- The U16 State Team Extended Squad
- The final U16 State Team (2011-born players)
Early Trials Process
The earlier trial process is designed to:
- Maximise preparation time for selected players.
- Provide a clear pathway from trial → squad selection → training → competition.
- Allow players and coaches to establish team identity and preparation ahead of the Emerging Championships.
Details
- All players must complete an online registration prior to attending
- Players must attend a minimum of two trial sessions
- Additional trial sessions will be invitation only
- Players must trial within their correct age group based on year of birth
- Shin pads are compulsory
Format
Trials will typically be conducted across multiple sessions and will include:
- Assessment led by Football West technical staff, supported by experienced selectors and State Team coaches
- Technical and tactical evaluation through training activities and 11v11 game environments
- Assessment of players’ ability to perform within the demands of a high-performance environment
Selection Criteria
Players will be assessed across the following areas:
- Technical execution under pressure
- Tactical understanding and decision-making
- Game intelligence and ability to influence matches
- Physical attributes and athletic capacity
- Attitude, effort, commitment and coachability
Squad Announcement
- Selected players will be notified via email
- An initial extended squad will be announced, followed by ongoing training, review and assessment before the final State Team is confirmed
Program Commitment
Selected players will enter a dedicated training program in preparation for the Football Australia Emerging Championships. The focus will be preparing players for the demands of a national-level competition environment.
Players selected are expected to demonstrate commitment through attendance at all scheduled training sessions and matches.
Trial Schedule
For enquiries, please email Jenny.Davis@footballwest.com.au
WA BOYS U16 STATE TEAM (2011 born only)
Trial 1 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Thursday 8 October, 10.30am-12pm
Trial 2 – Gibbney Reserve, Maylands
Friday 9 October, 8.30-10am
Trial 3 – Sam Kerr Football Centre, Queens Park (Invitation Only)
Monday 19 October, 5-6.30pm
Trial 4 – Sam Kerr Football Centre (Invitation Only)
Wednesday 21 October, 5-6.30pm
REGISTER HERE (Registrations for U16s State Team close Monday 5 October)
