Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has wasted no time responding to the Newcastle Jets’ recent decision to assume full responsibility for the ground-breaking Emerging Jets Program by announcing a review of the Talented Player Pathway in the Hunter Region.
NNSWF has been responsible for the administration, management and implementation of the Emerging Jets from the inception of the program in September 2012. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the parties, which underpinned the execution of the program concludes on 30 September.
The Emerging Jets remains the only academy aligned to a Hyundai A-League Club which caters for aspiring girls and boys from the age of 9 years. The Newcastle Jets has advised NNSWF that the program will be refined to cater for boys and girls in the Game Training Phase (13’s to 18’s).
The review’s terms of reference will principally be restricted to the Skill Acquisition Phase (9 to 12 years) and will consider the aspirations identified by Football Federation Australia (FFA) in their “Whole of Football Plan” and NNSWF’s Strategic Plan (2016-2019).
“NNSWF welcomes the Newcastle Jets’ commitment to take full responsibility for the youth structure which will underpin the club’s long-term participation in the Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League and Foxtel National Youth League,” NNSWF’s Chief Executive Officer, David Eland said.
“The club’s decision has prompted NNSWF to fast-track a review of the current Talented Player Pathway and subsequently redeploy resources in accordance with our strategic direction and the needs of our stakeholders.” continued Eland.
In accordance with FFA’s vision, the review will examine how to best increase the number of players engaged in the pathway and elite environments including Skill Acquisition Programs and the introduction of Talent Support Programs for boys and girls from Premier Clubs between the ages of 13 to 16 years who have the potential to transition into the Emerging Jets.
The review and proposed amendments to the current Talented Player Pathway have been endorsed by FFA’s National Technical Director, Eric Abrams.
A review of the pathway which identifies and develops aspiring players in Regional Northern NSW will coincide with the conclusion of the current Skill Acquisition Program and National Premier Leagues Youth License Agreements in October 2019.
“NNSWF is committed to consultation throughout the review with the myriad of stakeholders who are committed to working with us to achieve the goals aligned to our Strategic Pillar – “Building generations of successful National Teams,” Eland concluded.
