What is the LNJSA Development Squad?

In 2014 local coaches Stu Farmer and Peter McClurg put forward a proposal to
the LNJSA committee to create a LNJSA Development Squad.

The aim of this squad was to give players, identified as skilful, dedicated,
coachable and eager to learn, an extra opportunity to be developed and
challenged in competitive match situations.

It was hoped this would further develop their game and would assist in lifting
the overall standard of players within the association.

LNJSA approved this proposal and in 2014 a group of identified U/13 players
became the first development squad, playing in the U/15 competition.
Expanding on a successful initial year, in the years following the age groups
were increased and adjusted, as fitted in with the association’s requirements
and recommendations.

What age groups are represented in the Development Squads?

At present there are four age groups for LNJSA Development Squads.
U/12 Boys, (11/12- year-old boys) and U/14 Girls (11/12/13 and 14-year-old
girls) both play in the LNJSA U/13 competition.
U/14 Mixed (13/14-year-old boys and 15-year-old girls) plays in LNJSA U/15
competition.
U/16 Mixed (15/16-year-old boys and 16/17-year-old girls) plays in LNJSA
Youth League competition.

How successful is the Development Squad?

There are many ways to measure the success of the LNJSA Development
Squad, one is seeing players who have progressed to higher levels of football.

LNJSA Development Squad players have progressed to Perth Glory junior
squads, John Curtin Soccer School, FFSW UK Tours, NPL Junior teams, State
Schoolgirls sides, WA state sides, SWP women’s sides, NTC programs, FW
Country State rep sides, LNJSA CW sides plus two players were invited to trial
with Cambridge Utd in the UK.

Cost and Training

The LNJSA Development Squad does not train but instead plays on Monday
nights under lights so that players are still able to play in their regular club
team on Saturdays.

There is no cost to the players participating, the experienced coaches
volunteer their time and pitch/light/shirt costs are covered by the LNJSA.
Players are identified by LNJSA Development Squad coaches watching club
games and receiving feedback from LNJSA club coaches, via the LNJSA Football
West Community Participation Officer.

The Selection Process

Initial selection in the LNJSA Development squad is no guarantee of continued
selection throughout the season as players are rotated based on skill levels,
attitude, performance in both development and club games, willingness to
listen and learn and behaviour on and off the pitch.

Selection in the LNJSA Development Squad is no guarantee of selection in the
LNJSA Country Week squads as players must go through the regular Country
Week trial process.

The Aim of Development Squads

We hope the LNJSA Development Squads motivates all players to:
* do their best in both, LNJSA Development Squad and club games
* play to their potential
* form more friendships
* respect their opposition
* take back what they learn to their clubs and ultimately enjoy football
* have the opportunity to learn from different and experienced coaches
* create opportunity for coach and referee development in a match environment