THE Jets youth team will not contest next season's Northern NSW National Premier League finals, which have been cut to four teams with a new home-and-away format.
The Jets remain eligible for the premiership, which they won this season, but will then switch focus to preparing for the national youth league.
Five teams have competed in the post-season since the Jets Youth joined the top-flight Northern NSW competition three years ago.
Next year the top four, minus the Jets, will qualify for a home-and-away series.
First will play fourth and second will meet third. The winners over two legs will meet in a one-off grand final.
The same format was in operation in 2011 when Broadmeadow Magic (minor premiers) beat South Cardiff (third) in the decider.
The change, which applies only to first grade, followed talks with the Jets and was signed off by clubs last week.
The main reason for the change was the proximity of the NPL grand final, in mid-September, to the October start of the National Youth League.
"We do an evaluation after every season, and it was one of the things that came out of it," Northern NSW chief executive David Eland said.
"I subsequently spoke to [Jets youth coach] James Pascoe and [Jets chief executive] Robbie Middleby.
"With so many young players in the Jets youth team playing 12 months around, especially when a number start to participate in A-League training, it is hard to juggle the workload.
"They absolutely remain 100 per cent committed to the competition and were more than willing to play in the final series. But, if we were agreeable, they would appreciate the opportunity to shift their focus to the National Youth League."
The Jets finished two points clear at the top of the table this year before going down to eventual champions Lambton 4-3 in the preliminary final.
They missed the playoffs last season but in 2012 finished second and were knocked out in straight finals games.
"I first floated the idea three years ago," Pascoe said.
"In an ideal world we would be able to complete both seasons with ample time for a break and a cycle of pre-season. We have new players come in for the NYL and this season we had two weeks to prepare.
"I think the move also respects the clubs. I have been a coach at a club and understand the importance of playing in the finals.
"This still allows us to play 18 games for development purposes.
"It also gives us certainty on a finishing date and allows us to plan a proper pre-season."
The Jets drew 3-3 with Melbourne Victory in the opening round of the NYL after leading 3-1 at half-time.
"I think that was due to our conditioning," Pascoe said.
The Jets had a bye in round two and played Adamstown Rosebud in a trial game on Saturday, winning 7-4.
Jets foundation A-League striker Guy Bates scored for the Buds.
Originally Posted by De-Champ
