Times are so different now with opportunity and I feel for the kids (in the sense that there seems a lot of pressure to make these teams or their football dreams are over).
Newcastle United Youth teams folded the year I trialled as a bit of fun, got told I wasn’t in the picture for the squad atm, but there was a chance if there were cancellations. They folded, that squad basically went into Macquarie and NPS SYL which had replaced the older club based SYL. Played inter district juniors in like G-B grade until 15s when ID senior coach invited me to play and train. Which I thought was the top tier at the time. He then told me about NBN trials and off I went into the NBN/NPL system at 16 with no previous “elite” training. Imo, held my own and maybe lacked the skill of some but made up for it with effort, communication and willingness to learn.
I guess now, kids are so lucky that parents like you, know about and are aware and able to access these elite programs. My parents has NFI. My cousin married an ex breakers who played first grade at Edgy, and my parents thought it was their All age A grade....
kids can develop and make it at any age. Preserve fence and effort go just as far as natural talent imo.
Unless you have a footballing background or a link to the premier clubs the information was not easy to find. Community clubs have no incentive to advertise it.
The only reason I found out about SAP/JDL was through co-workers & even then they were pointing me towards the old association SAP program. Thankfully the Hunter Valley Football Operations Manager was extremely helpful and pointed me in the right direction.
All opinions expressed here are my own.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin
I had no idea of the SAP program.My sons community coach thought he was decent enough and more importantly in love with the game that he suggested my son trial.From there he has had an amazing experience and still has the same enjoyment for the game.In contrast one of his mates is a year older and never had any experience other than community football but went straight into one of the top 4 NPL youth clubs and is thriving.Im all for every kid hopefully finding their own path and setting their own goals.Kids in my sons team are laser focused on wanting to play for the Jets and there is no reason to doubt them based on ability and desire,i hope they make it.My son would love to get into an NPL youth squad and develop further from there.He wont ever make TSP or play for the jets but i wouldnt swap the experience for anything in the world.My kid has met so many awesome people and made lifelong friendships that may no have been there without being involved in JDL.I look at JDL like anything in life,if you can give your kid the best chance at a happy and educational experience you take it.
Received an update from the club:
- Phase 2 wraps up 4-6 June
- Phase 3 draw released on the 9th of June
- No games 11-13 June
- Phase 3 commences 18-20 June
- No games 2-4 July
- Phase 3 concludes 27-29 August
That means Phase 2 is 8 rounds & Phase 3 is 10 rounds.
So an 18 round season.
Same amount of rounds as the COVID reduced 2020 season but finishing 2 months earlier.
4 rounds less then 2019 finishing 2 weeks earlier. They played 2 games per round.
4 rounds less then 2018 finishing roughly the same time. They played 2 games per round.
All opinions expressed here are my own.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin
In saying that, the consistency of competitive games this year has far outweighed any other year.Less games but also less 20-0 blowouts.Some scores I've seen have been deceptive as the games themselves have been high quality even contests.Id much rather this set up than years 1 and 2 for sure.
I agree with every word of this.
My bugbear is more with the consistent reduction in playing time with no commensurate reduction in fees to NNSWF.
Northerns portion of the fees is greater than the full fees at some community clubs without the benefit of game leaders being provided or draws being issued with enough notice.
With an 18 game season you could go back play community level with finals and play the same amount of actual game time.
All opinions expressed here are my own.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin
All opinions expressed here are my own.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin