Football NSW host successful Boys and Girls TSP Tournaments

Valentine Sports Park was a hive of activity during the recent school holidays as Football NSW hosted successful Boys and Girls TSP tournaments.

The Boys TSP tournament saw the Under 15’s and 16’s age groups take centre stage which saw 5 Football NSW TSP teams, A-League Academies including Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Regional TSP sides as well as two Member Federations Northern NSW and Capital Football collaborate on a great two-days of top-quality youth football.

“These tournaments play an important part in the talent identification and monitoring of players who could potentially go on to represent state teams and even national teams in the future,” said Football NSW’s Player Development Manager for the Boys Phil Myall.

“Football Australia (FA) Technical Director Trevor Morgan, and FA Elite Player Pathway manager Ian Crook were in attendance and led a talent identification workshop for local coaches who then assisted with the talent identification over the two days.”

The Girls TSP tournament also proved to be a major hit with all that attended as teams in the Under 14 and 16 age groups from five TSP regions, Regional TSP sides, Northern NSW as well as A-League academy sides Central Coast Mariners and Emerging Jets all took part.

“This is the second Girls TSP Tournament that we have held,” said Football NSW’s Player Development Manager for the Girls Nadine Shiels.

“We can see the progress and development of these players increasing and the intensity of matches growing.

“It has been a great opportunity to have them in a tournament environment, playing back-to-back games and showcasing their talent.”

Unfortunately, Rae Dower and her team at FA were unable to attend due to being in Mongolia for Round 1 of the AFC Qualifiers. Ordinarily, they would have been in attendance as with previous events and will look to continue to support the TSP program upon their return.

Football NSW Technical Director Warren Grieve highlighted that this tournament was not only beneficial for the players, but for the coaches and referees also.

“The TSP tournaments have once again demonstrated their importance providing coaches, players and referees with high level games allowing national team staff to observe potential and bench mark them against the level required.

“It was also a great opportunity to provide parent education and deliver what we hope to achieve overall with a holistic and individual approach to player coach and referee development.”