Junior Development Cup Descends on Valentine Sports Park
Football NSW recently hosted the 2025 Junior Development Cup where 26 JDL teams from mixed Under 10 and Under 11 Girls categories participated in what was a fantastic two-days of action at Valentine Sports Park.
With the objective of running a specialised tournament format for JDL clubs to assist in the further development of each of the individual players, the non-competitive games program proved to be a smash hit for each of the participants.
Game Leaders from Hills Football Association also assisted while Football NSW offered to film coaches during matches to allow them to observe their touchline approach to aid in their professional development.
“We started the day holding meetings with parents and spectators with the focus being to create the right kind of environment to allow the boys and girls to showcase their skills and make their own decisions,” said Football NSW’s Technical Coordinator Joe Fox.
“This also extended to the game leaders who are still learning the game. It was fantastic to see the Under 10 Mixed JDL and Under 11 Girls JDL players display such passion, skill and enjoyment throughout the tournament.
“Alongside the quality football on display, Football NSW conducted an analysis project and collaborated with students to analyse aspects of the game, providing valuable learning and insight into the JDL age groups.
“We look forward to sharing these observations with clubs and continuing to support one another in growing the game. A further highlight was the opportunity for coaches to be recorded and filmed, helping promote self-awareness and reflection.
“We’d like to thank the clubs for creating an environment where development remains a priority, even in a tournament setting.”
Sydney Olympic FC’s Head of Girls JDL Darren Pye acknowledged the positives the Junior Development Cup had on its players and coaching staff.
“We registered both our Under 10’s and Under 11’s teams for the JD Cup to maximise the development opportunities our girls have for 2025.
“We used the JD Cup to mix things up a little by combining our teams together to focus on building club culture as well as pushing our teams to adapt to a different situation of having younger girls in the team to support.
“Being able to play a range of different teams with different styles over two days helped us build the development of our girls, while also providing coaches an opportunity to further their development. The most beneficial aspect though was our girls spending time together during their holidays.”
Football NSW will be hosting a second JD Cup on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July 2025 to be held at Valentine Sports Park for the Mixed Under 12 and Girls Under 13 age groups.
For enquires please contact Football NSW’s Program and Venue Coordinator Ryan Mettenbrink on ryanm@footballnsw.com.au
For more information on the JDL Cup please click here.
