Has the FFA and FFSA made the right decisions?

[johnydep]

http://www.uefa.com/uefa/footballfirst/ ... index.html

UEFA's two long-running youth competitions are the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and the UEFA European U17 Championship. These serve as a stage on which talented young footballers can test themselves against their peers from across the whole of Europe.

European countries are using their U17, and U19 teams to help develop players for their professional teams.

Each competition runs annually and comprises two phases of qualifying followed by an eight-team final round. They were originally run as U18 and U16 competitions until 2001/02 when a change in player eligibility dates meant they became U17 and U19 events

Why is South Australia dropping the U17 age group?
I'm told it is to force clubs to persue a younger playing group in the U18 and Reserve leagues. That will of course work. But what about all the 16/17 year old players that will not have a team to play in? Where will they go?
People say that if they haven't made it by 17 they're not going to. Tell that to Goodwin and Leckie.

Summary

• • UEFA runs U17 and U19 competitions for both men and women every year.
  • All four competitions are staged in an uniform way i.e. two qualifying rounds and a final round with eight teams (except UEFA European Women's U17 Championship which has a final round of four teams).
  • Every second year the final round of a championship counts as the qualifying competition for the FIFA World Cup.
  • These give young players an opportunity to compete against the best players from other countries – and an early taste of the demands of a final tournament at national-team level.

[on-side]

I was of the understanding that its because they (FFA?) want SA to align with the eastern states who field U16s and then U18s (which they call their youth team - I think).

I am not saying that this is the right way to go, but thats what I was lead to believe is the reason why they are making 17s optional and then I guess phasing this age group out longer term.

[muts]

It's about the pathway, and nothing but the pathway.
Those players who miss the AIS/Joey boat can still develop through the U18 & U20 programs.
If they come out the other end as a 20 y.o. and still aren't socceroo material, they either play A league to further their development towards being a socceroo or they can return to their roots and support the local clubs that supported them, thus enrichening the develoment opp's for future generations and rewarding those clubs with elite development programs for juniors (hence the point system).

[on-side]

Can you clarify - what are the U18 and U20 programs?

[themessenger]

Can you clarify - what are the U18 and U20 programs?

I think he means Under 18s playing in club competition and U20s which in South Australia is the Reserves competition again at club level but has no age restriction on it unlike some other States.

[on-side]

Ok thanks.

[muts]

Can you clarify - what are the U18 and U20 programs?

I think he means Under 18s playing in club competition and U20s which in South Australia is the Reserves competition again at club level but has no age restriction on it unlike some other States.

Temporarily?

[johnydep]

Craig Goodwin - a talent that many of of SA's local coaches knew of, but missed by the FFSA State teams, SASI and the Adelaide United Youth coaches. How many more players will our system miss once the U17 league is scrapped?
Some players need longer to develop, they may not start to show their full potential until they are in the 16 - 18 age group. Our selectors missed Craig from the age of 13 - 18, he had to go interstate when he was 18.
In Europe they still encourage U17 squads, and the U18's are still in the Junior system

JUST nine months ago, rising Newcastle Jets star Craig Goodwin was living on the bones of his backside in Melbourne, working occasional shifts at KFC to keep his football dream alive.

So tough was the struggle, the 20-year-old survived on a diet of cheap pasta and rice.

There were days when he battled to even afford the petrol to get himself to Melbourne Heart training.

"There was one time early this year, not long after I'd made my A-League debut for Heart, that I had no money and no petrol in the car to get me to AAMI Park for training," Goodwin recalled yesterday.

"I had to scramble around the house for any loose change and came up with $7 in 10 and 20c pieces.

"I only just made it to a petrol station and then to AAMI Park and back.

"I rang my mum that night to tell her I really needed some money and she was like 'OK, I'll put $100 in your account'.

"I was basically living from day to day and it wasn't easy because I was on my own in Melbourne. But I guess those are the kinds of things you have to sacrifice to get anywhere.

"Looking back now, I appreciate being able to get though the tough times. It's not that long ago."

Goodwin no longer fries chicken to make ends meet and limping to a petrol station is a thing of the past.

Being recognised as one of the hottest young talents in the game has seen to that.

As many as four A-League clubs including Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and Wellington, chased him at the end of last season.

Goodwin chose the Newcastle Jets because, as he puts it, "they made me feel like I needed to be here".

"I spoke to Gary (coach van Egmond) and Robbie (chief executive Middleby) and the way they sold the club and the city to me left the biggest impression," he said.

"It was about the playing style they wanted to develop here and how they thought they could improve me as a player."

Few would argue he made the right choice.

After three eye-catching games for the Jets, the left back with the blinding speed and the lethal left foot has some of the most respected voices in the code - people like Central Coast coach Graham Arnold and commentator Mark Bosnich - suggesting he is a future Socceroo.

Not bad for an Adelaide kid who, only two years ago, wasn't considered good enough to make the Reds' youth squad, necessitating the move to Melbourne.

"It's nice to hear those things but I don't focus on it," he said.

"I have to take it week to week because there is always another game to play coming up. If I don't perform well, suddenly the talk is my spot's up for grabs.

"I've only been here a short time. I just want to keep playing, keep improving and if that gets me a Socceroo spot down the track then that will be fantastic but for now, I'm just focusing on the Jets."

Newcastle will chase a third consecutive win tonight when they host Melbourne Victory.

More reading - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/f ... 6495728363

[aufc_123]

Craig Goodwin - a talent that many of of SA's local coaches knew of, but missed by the FFSA State teams, SASI and the Adelaide United Youth coaches. How many more players will our system miss once the U17 league is scrapped?
Some players need longer to develop, they may not start to show their full potential until they are in the 16 - 18 age group. Our selectors missed Craig from the age of 13 - 18, he had to go interstate when he was 18.
In Europe they still encourage U17 squads, and the U18's are still in the Junior system

JUST nine months ago, rising Newcastle Jets star Craig Goodwin was living on the bones of his backside in Melbourne, working occasional shifts at KFC to keep his football dream alive.

So tough was the struggle, the 20-year-old survived on a diet of cheap pasta and rice.

There were days when he battled to even afford the petrol to get himself to Melbourne Heart training.

"There was one time early this year, not long after I'd made my A-League debut for Heart, that I had no money and no petrol in the car to get me to AAMI Park for training," Goodwin recalled yesterday.

"I had to scramble around the house for any loose change and came up with $7 in 10 and 20c pieces.

"I only just made it to a petrol station and then to AAMI Park and back.

"I rang my mum that night to tell her I really needed some money and she was like 'OK, I'll put $100 in your account'.

"I was basically living from day to day and it wasn't easy because I was on my own in Melbourne. But I guess those are the kinds of things you have to sacrifice to get anywhere.

"Looking back now, I appreciate being able to get though the tough times. It's not that long ago."

Goodwin no longer fries chicken to make ends meet and limping to a petrol station is a thing of the past.

Being recognised as one of the hottest young talents in the game has seen to that.

As many as four A-League clubs including Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and Wellington, chased him at the end of last season.

Goodwin chose the Newcastle Jets because, as he puts it, "they made me feel like I needed to be here".

"I spoke to Gary (coach van Egmond) and Robbie (chief executive Middleby) and the way they sold the club and the city to me left the biggest impression," he said.

"It was about the playing style they wanted to develop here and how they thought they could improve me as a player."

Few would argue he made the right choice.

After three eye-catching games for the Jets, the left back with the blinding speed and the lethal left foot has some of the most respected voices in the code - people like Central Coast coach Graham Arnold and commentator Mark Bosnich - suggesting he is a future Socceroo.

Not bad for an Adelaide kid who, only two years ago, wasn't considered good enough to make the Reds' youth squad, necessitating the move to Melbourne.

"It's nice to hear those things but I don't focus on it," he said.

"I have to take it week to week because there is always another game to play coming up. If I don't perform well, suddenly the talk is my spot's up for grabs.

"I've only been here a short time. I just want to keep playing, keep improving and if that gets me a Socceroo spot down the track then that will be fantastic but for now, I'm just focusing on the Jets."

Newcastle will chase a third consecutive win tonight when they host Melbourne Victory.

More reading - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/f ... 6495728363

0 because players like Craig never played U17's at 16 or 17, he and players as good as him are playing either reserves or first team. I'm all for keeping the league to provide a league for kids to play, have fun and keep fit, but it's a bit far fetched to this that we'll miss a future star due to scrapping this league.

[johnydep]

I guess only time will tell, whether FFSA and clubs like Adelaide City made the right choice; unless you and your club (AC) have some facts and figures to share?

[aufc_123]

I guess only time will tell, whether FFSA and clubs like Adelaide City made the right choice; unless you and your club (AC) have some facts and figures to share?

I'm not from AC and have no facts or figures, but one thing I do know is you cannot compare the UEFA 17's and 19's elite national championships to South Australian 17's and 19's leagues.

[johnydep]

Football body approaches APL with caution

THE Northern NSW Football board wants its state league clubs to be eligible for the Australian Premier League, but will not change rules at all costs to make it happen.

The APL, which will become the second tier of Australia soccer, is due to start next year with Queensland and South Australian conferences.

Clubs will be expected to field a senior team and junior boys’ teams in the under-12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 categories.

Women’s junior teams in under-13s, 14s, 15s and 18s will follow in 2014.

The senior competition will replace the state leagues in the regions.

The Northern NSW, West Australian and Victorian federations have turned down the chance to be ready next year, but could join the competition in 2014.

The league has come from the findings of Football Federation Australia’s National Competitions Review, which was handed down in May.

Clubs must meet the criteria set down in the review to be part of the APL.

Among the compulsory aspects is a player points system designed to curb player payments and encourage clubs to develop their own talent.

NNSWF has formed a committee consisting of chief executive David Eland, operations manager Alan Nisbet and two representatives each from the state league and first-division ranks to examine the implementation of the NCR recommendations.

Bill Moncrieff will chair the committee.

Eland said the group would meet every two months to discuss the review, then seek feedback from clubs next year.

‘‘We will work through the recommendations and work out what is realistic and what is financially sustainable,’’ Eland said.

‘‘Hopefully we can work towards going back to the FFA at an appropriate time with a model that we think is realistic and financially viable.

‘‘The board are very keen to be part of the Australian Premier League, but not at all costs.’’

Eland said changes such as the introduction of a player points system were not a fait accompli.

‘‘If we go through this process and our findings indicate player payments are sustainable in Northern NSW, well, why would we implement a player points system?’’

[johnydep]

Team trials are over, clubs have finalised teams and put in the nominations to the FFSA, the year is just about over.

STOP. Time to go back a step or two. http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/vi ... 9#p1146659

The FFSA are now seeking feedback on the implementation of an U18 Junior State League (JSL). Clubs have been asked to send back their views ASAP, because "the FFSA has received significant feedback from clubs about the amount of players without positions" (which clubs?).

After implementing the demise of the U17 JPL, taking all confidence away from the U17 league, introducing a one - two year stop gap until the age group is totally shut; now the FFSA want feedback about implementing an U18JSL for Season 2013 , possibly 2014.

What's everyone's view on this?

Dear All

Football Federation SA has received a significant amount of feedback from clubs regarding the large number of players who have participated in trials with clubs in preparation for the 2013 season in both Junior and Senior Competitions. As a result of this large participation, some clubs have indicated that a significant amount have not been able to be placed in a team for competitions taking place in 2013.

With the re-structure of the Senior Men’s Competition for season 2013 and in particular the lowering of the Under 19 Competition to Under 18s in line with the National Competition Review, FFSA has been reviewing the implications of these structures. One of the discussion points that has been raised is the introduction of an Under 18 Junior State League competition to accommodate the demand for positions within clubs.

FFSA is seeking feedback from clubs in regards to the introduction of a Under 18 Junior State League Competition to gauge interest and whether clubs would support the introduction of a second-tier Under 18 competition. The name of the competition should not be the focus of the discussion but whether there is a need for such a structure.

If there is support from enough clubs for the implementation of this competition, the FFSA may consider implementation for Season 2013 otherwise it would be considered for 2014.

It must be stressed that this competition is not a requirement of the National Competition Review or FFSA, and is only released to clubs for consultation and discussion prior to any further plans being implemented.

Clubs are encouraged to provide their views and feedback on this initiative by Friday 7 December 2012.

Yours in Sport,

[on-side]

Have players been left without a team to play for because (pick any that apply)

- they are too old to play in U18s but not quite good enough for reserves or firsts?
- they are not prepared to change clubs? travel etc
- there are too many U 17s from the last season to fit into 1 U 18 team in each club
- clubs are not fielding an U17 team for Season 2013

Or a combination of all four factors?

Not sure if implementing a U 18 JSL comp is going to solve anything especially if the players are still too old to play in U18s.

[johnydep]

Have players been left without a team to play for because (pick any that apply)

- they are too old to play in U18s but not quite good enough for reserves or firsts?
- they are not prepared to change clubs? travel etc
- there are too many U 17s from the last season to fit into 1 U 18 team in each club
- clubs are not fielding an U17 team for Season 2013

Or a combination of all four factors?

Not sure if implementing a U 18 JSL comp is going to solve anything especially if the players are still too old to play in U18s.

We lost talented players that could still play for U16 and U17 teams, because they were not selected for the U18 Men's league squad. They had heard the limited information and rumours about the U17 and U18 leagues, and believed that they had no chance of making it any further. Some gave up football, some went looking to other clubs and some have taken up another sport.

How can we get those players back?

In a club perspective, the past several months has been ridiculous. These constant changes are made without proper consultation with club administrators, change is made on the run, information is sent out a bit at a time.

All the clubs want is to be prepared, to have information about change 12 months ahead so that we can prepare. Why are we receiving information on a possible change at this stage of the year?

[themessenger]

Have players been left without a team to play for because (pick any that apply)

- they are too old to play in U18s but not quite good enough for reserves or firsts?
- they are not prepared to change clubs? travel etc
- there are too many U 17s from the last season to fit into 1 U 18 team in each club
- clubs are not fielding an U17 team for Season 2013

Or a combination of all four factors?

Not sure if implementing a U 18 JSL comp is going to solve anything especially if the players are still too old to play in U18s.

Our club has already responded to this suggestion, we would not support it for obvious reasons that we are still seeking players for our own Under 18s team, but more importantly because the new Australian Premier League is aimed towards standardising the competition structure across Australia and raising the quality of State League football. So an Under 18 JSL comp would be in direct opposition to what the 30 FFSA clubs have just signed up to.

From a quick search on 'Player Coach Finder' it appears that Modbury, Cumberland and Western Toros are all looking for Under 18s players.

Geographically speaking, that means one club in the north, the south and the west. So if there are significant numbers of players without clubs then there should be at least one club that is close enough for every player to get to, one would have thought.

I wonder who the clubs are that are turning players away? Let's start naming them on here.

And is the proposal for an 18JSL league perrhaps aimed at keeping non-affiliated clubs such as Fulham in the competition for another year beyond juniors? Or maybe that is too cynical of me.

[on-side]

Sometimes players and parents of players just dont know where to go when they dont make it back into a team for the next year.

I know I have already told one person about vacancies for U 18s at Modbury - the person concerned didnt know about the forum pages or even where to start looking.

[themessenger]

Sometimes players and parents of players just dont know where to go when they dont make it back into a team for the next year.

I know I have already told one person about vacancies for U 18s at Modbury - the person concerned didnt know about the forum pages or even where to start looking.

cheers mate

[brooksy7]

Have players been left without a team to play for because (pick any that apply)

- they are too old to play in U18s but not quite good enough for reserves or firsts?
- they are not prepared to change clubs? travel etc
- there are too many U 17s from the last season to fit into 1 U 18 team in each club
- clubs are not fielding an U17 team for Season 2013

Or a combination of all four factors?

Not sure if implementing a U 18 JSL comp is going to solve anything especially if the players are still too old to play in U18s.

Our club has already responded to this suggestion, we would not support it for obvious reasons that we are still seeking players for our own Under 18s team, but more importantly because the new Australian Premier League is aimed towards standardising the competition structure across Australia and raising the quality of State League football. So an Under 18 JSL comp would be in direct opposition to what the 30 FFSA clubs have just signed up to.

From a quick search on 'Player Coach Finder' it appears that Modbury, Cumberland and Western Toros are all looking for Under 18s players.

Messenger can you enlighten me as to why it appears Cumberland are looking for U18's Players??? Given we are just about at the end of U18's & Reserves Trials, I can assure you that if we kept all players out trialling that we could field 2 U18 Teams, on top of the Reserve and 1st Teams, so Im interested as to why it appears we are looking for Players!!!
Cheers

[themessenger]

Have players been left without a team to play for because (pick any that apply)

- they are too old to play in U18s but not quite good enough for reserves or firsts?
- they are not prepared to change clubs? travel etc
- there are too many U 17s from the last season to fit into 1 U 18 team in each club
- clubs are not fielding an U17 team for Season 2013

Or a combination of all four factors?

Not sure if implementing a U 18 JSL comp is going to solve anything especially if the players are still too old to play in U18s.

Our club has already responded to this suggestion, we would not support it for obvious reasons that we are still seeking players for our own Under 18s team, but more importantly because the new Australian Premier League is aimed towards standardising the competition structure across Australia and raising the quality of State League football. So an Under 18 JSL comp would be in direct opposition to what the 30 FFSA clubs have just signed up to.

From a quick search on 'Player Coach Finder' it appears that Modbury, Cumberland and Western Toros are all looking for Under 18s players.

Messenger can you enlighten me as to why it appears Cumberland are looking for U18's Players??? Given we are just about at the end of U18's & Reserves Trials, I can assure you that if we kept all players out trialling that we could field 2 U18 Teams, on top of the Reserve and 1st Teams, so Im interested as to why it appears we are looking for Players!!!
Cheers

I posted that comment a week ago and at the time you yourself were advertising your trials at Cumberland for Under 18s....

Any past and new Players intending to trial for the Reserves & U18's, are advised that Trials will commence on
Tues 13/11/12, 6:15pm for a 6:30pm Start.

so my point being that the FFSA should not be considering an U18s JSL league when there are still clubs actively seeking/trialling Under 18s players and therefore clear opportunities for any players that may have "missed out" at other clubs.

[brooksy7]

Ok fair enough. Thanks for clarifying it...

[themessenger]

Ok fair enough. Thanks for clarifying it...