Newcastle Jets, in partnership with NNSWF and FFA, have announced a player development program called ‘Emerging Jets’.
Newcastle Jets, in partnership with NNSWF and FFA, have announced a player development program called ‘Emerging Jets’, which aims to create a pathway for players as young as 10 to progress to the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League.
The joint initiative between the Jets, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) and the Football Federation Australia (FFA) with its high six-figure investment, makes the Emerging Jets Program the most affordable talented player pathway in this country.
“This unique and ground breaking program will give our kids the best chance to fulfil their dreams of representing the Newcastle Jets, our Socceroos and our Matildas,” CEO Robbie Middleby said.
“The key components to the program will be the quality of coaching, sports science and most importantly the ongoing guidance for these young players.
“All aspects of the Jets senior football department, co-ordinated by head coach Gary van Egmond, will contribute to the success of this program and each Emerging Jets team will have an A-League or W-League player actively involved as its mentor.
“Our model is based on world-s best practice but most importantly, we are confident that this program will give our youngsters the best opportunity to reach the highest level without leaving our region.”
The program will also provide other A-League Clubs a blueprint to work nationally to ultimately produce world-class footballers throughout Australia.
“Currently we are not producing enough quality young players in Australia and losing ground on the world stage,” FFA-s Technical Director Han Berger said.
“As a first step towards a situation where every A-League club has a development structure from their first team down to grassroots, the Jets, NNSWF and FFA have joined hands to make that happen in Australia.
“That is why I-m very excited about this initiative and sincerely hope it will set an example that-s followed by the other A-league clubs as soon as possible.”
Northern NSW Football are delighted to be leading the way in junior development.
“Today-s announcement reflects the coming together of the two premier stakeholders in football in Northern NSW – ourselves at grassroots level and the Newcastle Jets at the professional and national league level,” Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said.
“The Emerging Jets Program is a ground-breaking initiative for the sport and an Australian first between a National League side and a State Federation.
“We believe world class players need access to a world class facilities such as our proposed new facility at Lake Macquarie and these young players will benefit directly from this development.”
“By definition, this pathway provides a succinct and clearly discernible development program for players as firstly Junior Jets, progressing onto Emerging Jets and finally culminating in elite level at National Youth League, W-League and A-League.”
