2023 Premier Youth League

I know Adamstown decided to forfeit two of their games against North Coast, however, could've done it when North Coast where in town (as others did), or change the other game that weekend (also as others did). The other one was Nelson Bay forfeiting in the U13s, no idea what happened there, though understand that would be more difficult. More a reluctance on the club wanting to bother rather than a real scheduling issue.


Wonder if Northern fined those clubs that forfeited, particularly those like Thornton that couldn't be bothered going for a two hour drive to play.

As long as all parties had a say in proposed changes, fair enough.

I do question how you can play the one match as a cup/regular fixture though as happened in at least one case. A knockout game is very different to a league fixture and unfair to play both as one.

Maybe a compromise is gala type arrangements including early rounds in regions?

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Originally Posted by Taffy

I know Adamstown decided to forfeit two of their games against North Coast, however, could've done it when North Coast where in town (as others did), or change the other game that weekend (also as others did).

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Im not sure what you mean by play it when Nth Coast were in town?Nth Coast play 2 games in a day or stay overnight?The issue I had was a lack of communication when fixtures were due.The NPL draw last year came out around new year I think which gave everyone plenty of time to work out road trips/overnight stays etc.Not everyone has a monday to friday 9-5 job.People on rosters,business owners,on call professions etc dont have the luxury of clicking their fingers one or 2 weeks in advance to clear schedules.Our club certainly had very little idea when each stage was due to be played and the opponent and I cant blame either NNSW or the club as I dont know.But going forward having set dates laid out for the whole program is the perfect solution.If that means keeping it to just Newcastle/Lake Mac and Hunter to save these travel issues then even better.Plenty of good ideas being floated around (bringing NPL Div A teams in later rounds etc).I liked the idea of the knockout tournament but didnt rate the orgaising.Again I dont see anything but genuine feedback on here that hopefully NNSW take a look at it might make things even better for next years version of it.

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Originally Posted by sapdad

Im not sure what you mean by play it when Nth Coast were in town?Nth Coast play 2 games in a day or stay overnight?The issue I had was a lack of communication when fixtures were due.The NPL draw last year came out around new year I think which gave everyone plenty of time to work out road trips/overnight stays etc.Not everyone has a monday to friday 9-5 job.People on rosters,business owners,on call professions etc dont have the luxury of clicking their fingers one or 2 weeks in advance to clear schedules.Our club certainly had very little idea when each stage was due to be played and the opponent and I cant blame either NNSW or the club as I dont know.But going forward having set dates laid out for the whole program is the perfect solution.If that means keeping it to just Newcastle/Lake Mac and Hunter to save these travel issues then even better.Plenty of good ideas being floated around (bringing NPL Div A teams in later rounds etc).I liked the idea of the knockout tournament but didnt rate the orgaising.Again I dont see anything but genuine feedback on here that hopefully NNSW take a look at it might make things even better for next years version of it.

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Not to mention kids in u16 and u18 age bracket with part time jobs. Hard to arrange work availability when knockout games get thrown up at short notice. My eldest had to miss a few games during preseason and knockout due to late notice. Don't think he ever played a game during spare weekend due to various byes.

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Originally Posted by sapdad

Im not sure what you mean by play it when Nth Coast were in town?Nth Coast play 2 games in a day or stay overnight?

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Happened two weeks ago and neither of the match days were for cup games.

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Our club certainly had very little idea when each stage was due to be played and the opponent and I cant blame either NNSW or the club as I dont know.But going forward having set dates laid out for the whole program is the perfect solution.

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I remember you saying you were under the impression that Round 2 was meant to be played the following weekend, I do know our club told us what weekends were booked in at the start of the season, we all knew the following weekend was a washout weekend and that Round 2 was to be played on the weekend between end of Div1 and the first week of the second phase.

The clubs should be telling parents the set dates that were laid out, because these were obviously available to people.

Who the opponent is, I recognise will be unknown until later in the piece and isn't the clubs fault but can't be done till after the first round.

Northern may be more organised next time, and should just ensure all games are played on the weekend or as soon as possible after, so the draw can be done quickly and give people more time to organise.

I felt the cup comp was a shambles. Good idea but but inviting every team who felt like it then not turning up or getting smacked by 20 is a waste of time.

Maybe run a cup (div 1) and plate (div 2).
12 teams play a total 6 matches on a Saturday, with the 6 winners playing 3 games on the Sunday (same weekend) with a 4th game made up of best performed 2 losers (in case of multi teams being equal, then a hat draw for the last two teams). Play this round half way through the first part of the season.
At the point the comp breaks into 3 groups play the semi on Saturday and the final on Sunday. Use either the LMRFF or grounds where two fields are available nearby (eg Adamstown/Olympic, Magic/Jaffas, South Cardiff 1/2, Kahibah 1/2). Teams tht are not required on the semi/final weekend can either play any weather affected catch up games, arrnage their own trials or have a weekend off.
Minimises season disruption, cup and a plate reduce the blowouts, provides a break between the Div 1 and 2 grading proccess and the Group A,B and C competition.

Tactical master class from Jaffas 13s Coach.👏

Putting your right back for those 90 seconds in the first half is great development and fosters a life long love of the game. Bravo

#dEvELopMEnt

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

Tactical master class from Jaffas 13s Coach.��

Putting your right back for those 90 seconds in the first half is great development and fosters a life long love of the game. Bravo

#dEvELopMEnt

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See that happen at all top 4 teams. Did he get more minutes in other games? Was he injured? Edgy do it to 1 or 2 as do magic.

Semi's time is for the guns to shine. Your "development" is also reading that you may need to improve in certain areas or move on.

Take a tissue in the meantime.

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

Tactical master class from Jaffas 13s Coach.👏

Putting your right back for those 90 seconds in the first half is great development and fosters a life long love of the game. Bravo

#dEvELopMEnt

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Jaffas are one of the most ruthless clubs when it comes to this stuff.They are also one of the most successful because they recruit hard and results are expected (I dont have a problem with any of it).Maybe ask your kid if he wants to play 80mins every game at a weaker team or get limited opportunities at a top team.If hes only playing 90 seconds in a final hes probably already been replaced for next year anyway.Just to note,Jaffas won the game so the coach seems like a genius I guess.

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Originally Posted by sapdad

.If hes only playing 90 seconds in a final hes probably already been replaced for next year anyway.Just to note,Jaffas won the game so the coach seems like a genius I guess.

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Would rather be a genius at developing and retaining kids than getting results and releasing them

Jog on SadDad 🙄

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

Would rather be a genius at developing and retaining kids than getting results and releasing them

Jog on SadDad 🙄

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Not really sure what the 'jog on' comment was about but theres plenty of opportunites for kids to get great coaching and be involved in teams that are all about the long term.Jaffas isnt one of those clubs and most everyone in NPL knows it.If the events of today was your first experience with it then thats fine but just know thats how it is at some clubs and they wont change it just to suit you.Sorry if you find that offensive and feel the need to insult me with your reply.

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

Tactical master class from Jaffas 13s Coach.��

Putting your right back for those 90 seconds in the first half is great development and fosters a life long love of the game. Bravo

#dEvELopMEnt

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I feel sorry for the boy, but as others have said, that is the way it is at some clubs. Also, as others have said, it would appear that he is not in favour at Jaffas. When my son was there they made the GF and one lad sat on the bench for the whole match and didn't get 1 second on the pitch.

Take the lad to another PYL club. There are about 20 to choose from, many close to Lambton. I am sure that he would find a spot where he will be appreciated and where he would enjoy his football.

PYL Youth League Semi Finals results

Group C
13s
NIAS 6 def Singo 1
14s
NIAS vs Cessnock (result not known)
15s
NIAS 1(5) def Westy 1(4)
16s
Thornton 3 def Cessnock 0
18's
Kahibah 3 def Wallsend 1

Group B
13s
Lake 6 def Belswand 0
14s
Lake 3 def Cookers 1
15s
New Lambton 2 def Lake 1
16s
Southy 2 def Belswans 1
18s
Adamstown 4 def Lakes 2

Group A
13s
Jaffas 3 def Olympic 2
14s
Weston 0(5) def Maitland 0(4)
15s
North Coast 2 def Magic 0
16s
Edgy 0(11) def Magic 0(10)
18s
North Coast 2 def Jaffas 1

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Originally Posted by Hunter403

PYL Youth League Semi Finals results

Group C
13s
NIAS 6 def Singo 1
14s
NIAS vs Cessnock (result not known)
15s
NIAS 1(5) def Westy 1(4)
16s
Thornton 3 def Cessnock 0
18's
Kahibah 3 def Wallsend 1

Group B
13s
Lake 6 def Belswand 0
14s
Lake 3 def Cookers 1
15s
New Lambton 2 def Lake 1
16s
Southy 2 def Belswans 1
18s
Adamstown 4 def Lakes 2

Group A
13s
Jaffas 3 def Olympic 2
14s
Weston 0(5) def Maitland 0(4)
15s
North Coast 2 def Magic 0
16s
Edgy 0(11) def Magic 0(10)
18s
North Coast 2 def Jaffas 1

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Rough season for Broadmeadow. No minor premiers or teams in grand finals.

Magic parents tell me v.poor development culture in 13 and 14 age group. 15 and 16 headings backwards after success in younger ages. 18 age not good enough to move into seniors.

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Originally Posted by Hunter403

I Take the lad to another PYL club. There are about 20 to choose from, many close to Lambton. I am sure that he would find a spot where he will be appreciated and where he would enjoy his football.

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I hope so. Just for clarity this isn?t my kid. I?m not a parent who feels his kid is hard done by.

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Originally Posted by The Bear

15 and 16 headings backwards after success in younger ages.

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Think you'll find Magic 15s were pretty dominant first 2 years,this year several players have been pushed up to 16s to help their development.It has certainly weakened both teams in terms of results,but is much better for the individual players.I cant speak on 13s and 14s.Magic 16s still made the cup final where they lost to a quality Olympic team.There are 4 really strong teams in 16s this year which is great for the comp but im not convinced its because Magic have gone backwards.

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Originally Posted by sapdad

Think you'll find Magic 15s were pretty dominant first 2 years, this year several players have been pushed up to 16s to help their development. It has certainly weakened both teams in terms of results, but is much better for the individual players. I cant speak on 13s and 14s.Magic 16s still made the cup final where they lost to a quality Olympic team. There are 4 really strong teams in 16s this year which is great for the comp but im not convinced its because Magic have gone backwards.

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Disagree. Magic have gone backwards. The culture is a big part of that. You can ask around. Playing kids up isnt that big a deal. Happens at all clubs. Not saying that only this club has these issues either.

But agree that other clubs have become stronger. So many reasons from recruitment to coaches moving etc. Creates a better comp for everyone

Its one big constant revolving football bubble. Everyone looking to get their child into best place for their own success. 99.9% end up playing local league anyway.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sapdad

Jaffas are one of the most ruthless clubs when it comes to this stuff.They are also one of the most successful because they recruit hard and results are expected (I dont have a problem with any of it).Maybe ask your kid if he wants to play 80mins every game at a weaker team or get limited opportunities at a top team.If hes only playing 90 seconds in a final hes probably already been replaced for next year anyway.Just to note,Jaffas won the game so the coach seems like a genius I guess.

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You obviously didnt see Magic and Olympic over the last 15 years. Jaffas have only started to match their recruitment you idiot.

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Originally Posted by JustMe

Disagree. Magic have gone backwards. The culture is a big part of that. You can ask around. Playing kids up isnt that big a deal. Happens at all clubs. Not saying that only this club has these issues either.

But agree that other clubs have become stronger. So many reasons from recruitment to coaches moving etc. Creates a better comp for everyone

Its one big constant revolving football bubble. Everyone looking to get their child into best place for their own success. 99.9% end up playing local league anyway.

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Agree Justme - and only a very small % of that 99.9 progress through to even 1st grade NPL level.

Magic had 17 players playing up ineligible to play in their age group for finals football this season...

But to ensure we can win a 220x300mm piece of MDF with brass foil on the front next season, we will make sure all players are eligible.

We very happy with our development pathway. How many of your first graders have come through your youth system, it should be considered when you judge a club on their youth development rather than fake timber plaques. And Magic only finished 1 point behind the million dollar team.

Or are you happy for little johnnys rego to pay Topors $2k a week so you can high 5 him when he is on his way to take a piss before first grade head into the sheds.

All PYL teams should have to publish their fee structure. I wonder how many parents will vote with their wallet?

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Originally Posted by JustMe

You obviously didnt see Magic and Olympic over the last 15 years. Jaffas have only started to match their recruitment you idiot.

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Agreeing with my point then thinking Im an idiot for saying it isnt quite the burn you think it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

Tactical master class from Jaffas 13s Coach.👏

Putting your right back for those 90 seconds in the first half is great development and fosters a life long love of the game. Bravo

#dEvELopMEnt

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I'd wager finals are a different story, though.

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Originally Posted by The Bear

18 age not good enough to move into seniors.

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Quite a few of their 18s are actually 16s, but a few have been told by Jim they will be in the reserves team next year.

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Originally Posted by The Magician

But to ensure we can win a 220x300mm piece of MDF with brass foil on the front next season, we will make sure all players are eligible.

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Haha, good to see when clubs don't think this is the be all and end all.

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How many of your first graders have come through your youth system

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The bigger question is how many of Magic's first graders came through their youth system? That's the bigger judge of good development.

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Or are you happy for little johnnys rego to pay Topors $2k a week so you can high 5 him when he is on his way to take a piss before first grade head into the sheds.

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Let's not pretend that Magic rego fees don't contribute to player payments.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Magician

Magic had 17 players playing up ineligible to play in their age group for finals football this season...

But to ensure we can win a 220x300mm piece of MDF with brass foil on the front next season, we will make sure all players are eligible.

We very happy with our development pathway. How many of your first graders have come through your youth system, it should be considered when you judge a club on their youth development rather than fake timber plaques. And Magic only finished 1 point behind the million dollar team.

Or are you happy for little johnnys rego to pay Topors $2k a week so you can high 5 him when he is on his way to take a piss before first grade head into the sheds.

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Always the same salty excuse from you. Cant win so the others paid more or the trophy is plastic. Remember you also needed tissues over the Hartley v Gomez academy $$ :rof:
Immature muppets like you continue to give your club a bad name.

Btw jaffas get a decent sponsorship to pay firsts as well. Most clubs put youth fees into seniors at some point. some more than others. The system was never perfect.

Anyway im glad your crying. Makes the rest of Newcastle happy. :rof::rof::rof:

Premier Youth League Grand Finals
Group A Sunday Adamstown Oval
13 - 8.30
Edgy vs Jaffas
14 - 10.30
Jaffas vs Weston
15 - 12.30
Maitland vs North Coast
16 - 4.30
Olympic vs Edgy
18 - 2.30
Maitland vs North Coast

Group B Saturday Blacksmiths Oval
13 - 8.30
Lakes vs Adamstown
14 - 10.30
Azzurri vs Lakes
15 - 12.30
Mid Coast vs New Lambton
16 - 2.30
New Lambton vs South Cardiff
18 - 4.30
New Lambton vs Adamstown

Group C Saturday Rockwell Automation Park Weston
13 - 10.30
NIAS vs Westy
14 - 12.30
NIAS vs Westy
15 - 2.30
Thornton vs NIAS
16 - 8.30
Thornton vs Kahibah
18 - 4.30
Kahibah vs Westy

Note the changes of time for some games to accommodate North Coast and NIAS

The bigger question is how many of Magic's first graders came through their youth system? That's the bigger judge of good development.

Glad you asked... From our GF Squad...

Dom Brymora U13s NPL>>> First Grade
Jayden Stewardson U15s NPL >>> First grade
Jeremy Wilson U15s NPL >>> First Grade
Angus McLeoad U13s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Josh Benson U13s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Cale Graham U15s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Xander Woweries U15s NPL>>> First Grade


Kale Bradbery >>> Magic U18s >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas
Josh Piddington >>> Magic First grade as 16 year old >>> Jaffas
Ben Kennedy>>> Magic First Grade >>> Jets >>> Jaffas
Matthew Hoole >>> Magic Community >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas
Sam Webb>>> Magic 15s NPL >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas

So 4 players

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Originally Posted by The Magician

The bigger question is how many of Magic's first graders came through their youth system? That's the bigger judge of good development.

Glad you asked... From our GF Squad...

Dom Brymora U13s NPL>>> First Grade
Jayden Stewardson U15s NPL >>> First grade
Jeremy Wilson U15s NPL >>> First Grade
Angus McLeoad U13s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Josh Benson U13s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Cale Graham U15s NPL>>>> Jets Youth >>> returned to First Grade
Xander Woweries U15s NPL>>> First Grade


Kale Bradbery >>> Magic U18s >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas
Josh Piddington >>> Magic First grade as 16 year old >>> Jaffas
Ben Kennedy>>> Magic First Grade >>> Jets >>> Jaffas
Matthew Hoole >>> Magic Community >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas
Sam Webb>>> Magic 15s NPL >>> Magic First Grade>>> Jaffas

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Now the long list where youth from other clubs have gone to Magic. Let someone who has a fair view do that research

Ignoring the other side of the argument is stupidity but usual from you lot.

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Originally Posted by Eastwest

Now the long list where youth from other clubs have gone to Magic. Let someone who has a fair view do that research

Ignoring the other side of the argument is stupidity but usual from you lot.

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The question was how many of Magics first grade come through their youth system... pretty simple question really, with an answer given ... How many from your club?

But if every side of the story must be considered i hope you lay in bed at night wondering how many times your mother considered aborting you next time she wishes you happy birthday.

The reality is:
- that no club in Newcastle has a first grade squad made up of its juniors and probably never will. Having a "my dog is bigger than your dog" argument about it is a waste of time. Every NPL club is as good or bad as the other.
- players move from club to club for a number of reasons, money being one of them, opportunity being another.
- money is paid by all NPL clubs and a number of NL1 clubs (not all) to attract first grade players. Don't pretend it isn't and if you are from an NPL club, don't pretend that yours doesn't pay. There is nothing wrong with it while NNSW turn a blind eye to it, and how they raise that money is their concern. Don't like it, then find another club.
- having coached youth in both NPL and NL1, my experience is that there are good programmes at clubs in both. There are also very good and very average and some down right poor coaches at both levels.
- Youth fees to play in what is now the same comp range from $950 to $2,200. Generally, the fees include strip, training strip, match fees (refs), rego, ground hire, utilities (power), polo shirt, track suite etc. Overall, the packages offerred are comparable whilst the price isn't. You can decide what you think the extra money is for. If you are ok with it: fine. If not, then find another club. I firmly believe that those fees, once approved by NNSW Football should be published. Give families an informed choice.
- the only difference between the NPL based clubs and the NL1 based clubs is the perception that you get better training at an NPL club. That perception is reinforced by the best kids wanting to go to those clubs because they (or their parents) think that's the way to NPL first grade at that club. Those clubs are then kept strong by that perception and it becomes self fulfilling. There are other ways. The current migration of players between clubs already proves it. I guarantee you that if you are a youth player at a NL1 based club and you can play, a NPL club will come knocking.

So can we get on with discussing the current youth comp and not the history of current NPL first graders?

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Originally Posted by Hunter403

The reality is:
- that no club in Newcastle has a first grade squad made up of its juniors and probably never will. Having a "my dog is bigger than your dog" argument about it is a waste of time. Every NPL club is as good or bad as the other.
- players move from club to club for a number of reasons, money being one of them, opportunity being another.
- money is paid by all NPL clubs and a number of NL1 clubs (not all) to attract first grade players. Don't pretend it isn't and if you are from an NPL club, don't pretend that yours doesn't pay. There is nothing wrong with it while NNSW turn a blind eye to it, and how they raise that money is their concern. Don't like it, then find another club.
- having coached youth in both NPL and NL1, my experience is that there are good programmes at clubs in both. There are also very good and very average and some down right poor coaches at both levels.
- Youth fees to play in what is now the same comp range from $950 to $2,200. Generally, the fees include strip, training strip, match fees (refs), rego, ground hire, utilities (power), polo shirt, track suite etc. Overall, the packages offerred are comparable whilst the price isn't. You can decide what you think the extra money is for. If you are ok with it: fine. If not, then find another club. I firmly believe that those fees, once approved by NNSW Football should be published. Give families an informed choice.
- the only difference between the NPL based clubs and the NL1 based clubs is the perception that you get better training at an NPL club. That perception is reinforced by the best kids wanting to go to those clubs because they (or their parents) think that's the way to NPL first grade at that club. Those clubs are then kept strong by that perception and it becomes self fulfilling. There are other ways. The current migration of players between clubs already proves it. I guarantee you that if you are a youth player at a NL1 based club and you can play, a NPL club will come knocking.

So can we get on with discussing the current youth comp and not the history of current NPL first graders?

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Where would you have your grandkids play Hunter? One NPL and one NL1 team for variety.

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Originally Posted by The Bear

Where would you have your grandkids play Hunter? One NPL and one NL1 team for variety.

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I am biased here as I coach at a NL1 club at the moment. Additionally, what would suit me might not suit you. Club culture can vary greatly.
I'd suugest you meet the TD and the coach and try and get a feel for their philosophy. If possible, attend a game and see how the coach behaves. Is he aggressive, calm, silent, noisly critical of players and referees, does he micro manage? Is that behaviour acceptable to you? Does the coach enforce appropriate discipline or is his team loose and uncontrolled? Ask around amongst the parents at the club.
You are going to be paying a significant amount of money and as a paying customer you should do your research.

There are plenty of trials going on right now. Go to some and trial. It is not just the player that is on trial.

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Originally Posted by Hunter403

I am biased here as I coach at a NL1 club at the moment. Additionally, what would suit me might not suit you. Club culture can vary greatly.
I'd suugest you meet the TD and the coach and try and get a feel for their philosophy. If possible, attend a game and see how the coach behaves. Is he aggressive, calm, silent, noisly critical of players and referees, does he micro manage? Is that behaviour acceptable to you? Does the coach enforce appropriate discipline or is his team loose and uncontrolled? Ask around amongst the parents at the club.
You are going to be paying a significant amount of money and as a paying customer you should do your research.

There are plenty of trials going on right now. Go to some and trial. It is not just the player that is on trial.

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One of the most sensible things Ive read on here 🙌

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Originally Posted by TopCorner

One of the most sensible things Ive read on here ��

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Not really. You become a better footballer by playing with and against better footballers. It's nice to have a nice coach who will give you a hug along the way, but if you want to play NPL in Newcastle or aim higher then none of that will get you there.

Teaching your player (as a parent or as a coach) how to deal with the adults they come across is going to be the single best skill in this space you can give them. How to get on the pitch and play football, take the direction that helps them and filter out the ridiculous commentary from other players, parents on the sideline and coaches will get them much further. You can't always control who is going to coach you, and just because you start the season with the worlds best coach, doesn't mean it's going to end that way either.

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Originally Posted by KITZ

Not really. You become a better footballer by playing with and against better footballers. It's nice to have a nice coach who will give you a hug along the way, but if you want to play NPL in Newcastle or aim higher then none of that will get you there.

Teaching your player (as a parent or as a coach) how to deal with the adults they come across is going to be the single best skill in this space you can give them. How to get on the pitch and play football, take the direction that helps them and filter out the ridiculous commentary from other players, parents on the sideline and coaches will get them much further. You can't always control who is going to coach you, and just because you start the season with the worlds best coach, doesn't mean it's going to end that way either.

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So is your answer to only go to an NPL club? There are NPL clubs with poor culture, poor programmes and poor coaches. The PYL now allows clubs from either NPL or NL1 to push into the top tier. It is now one comp. Take BelSwans as an example, they finished above NPL clubs in the youth club championship but if we accept that only NPL clubs are worthy of consideration, they would be overlooked.
No one is suggesting that a "nice coach" be found. The suggestion is to look at the club, its programme, its coaches, its TD and choose what you feel is right for you, and that will vary from person to person. Belswans proved this year that the NL1 clubs can compete with the NPL clubs and I think the South Cardiff 16s have shown that they can compete too.

You are right in your second paragraph. Mental toughness is a characteristic any player needs to fight his way up.

Everyone develops and becomes better in different ways.
Sometimes that?s a single method. Sometimes that changes. Sometimes multiple methods are needed.

A player may find a particular coach helps develop their game and wishes to stick and follow them around.
Some players game may not resonate with a coach, and that?s okay. Reality is most coaches can?t develop and resonate with every player in their team. Come
Coaches have a great tactical mind, some coaches may focus on skills development and ?plays?, some may aim to introduce elements of professionalism.

Sometimes a player learns and develops better around better footballers. Sometimes this may be detrimental. Sometimes they may learn more if they drop to an easier tier or play in a team where they are a playmaker and not a benchwarmer or have some more time to make their decisions before mixing it with the ?top? again.

The best thing a player can have is determination and resilience. Determination to be better and improve whether that?s playing at a top club, playing up an age group or ?dropping? to another club to get more time, whatever it is, aim to improve.

Reality of football in this region is it?s who you know, and reputations of coaches and clubs with those affiliations goes a long way. Not all the way?.but a long way.
15+ years ago I turned up to Newcastle United trials and players already had shorts and socks, same with Macquarie etc, the ?trial? was an illusion. And it?s still happening today, and will continue to happen. I had been overlooked because I played community at some clubs, they didn?t even want a bar of me. Got a gig with another club and the club that didn?t offer me a trial asked me to join them the year after?.you can imagine my response.

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Originally Posted by KITZ

Not really. You become a better footballer by playing with and against better footballers. It's nice to have a nice coach who will give you a hug along the way, but if you want to play NPL in Newcastle that will get you there.

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Rubbish there are players who played NPL in Newcastle this year who spent many youth years at what are now Div 2 clubs. Also plenty of players in NL1 and won't make an NPL 1st grade side who spent all their youth at now Div 1 clubs.