Talented Player Program

In February 2012 Football4ALL will be launching a Talented Player Program for players playing in the U10-U13 age groups. There will also be an introductory program for U9s and U10s. The program will be based in Avalon but is open to talented players from any club.

The program will be based on the FFA Player Development curriculum and in particular the FFA Skills Acquisition Program (SAP). This program is designed to accelerate the skill development of players at the critical ages of 9 to 13 as this is the age group in which children are best able to learn motor skills.

The focus of the SAP is on functional game skills with an immediate skills transfer to a game situation. It is based on World’s Best Practice and has been developed by internationally acclaimed Technical Coaches and the FFA Technical Department. It is currently being rolled out by the FFA nationally and is the foundation for any player wishing to play representative football in Australia.

Selection Process

Only 6-9 players per age group will be selected based on: current ability, perceived potential, attitude, capacity to learn and commitment to the program.

The selection process will include:

• Performance during 2011 season
• Skills trial
• Recommendation from coach
• Application form
• Short interview

Timing and Location

Training Sessions: Two sessions per week during Terms 1, 2 and 3.

Time:7.00am – 8.15am.

Days: Mon & Wed - Players born in 2001 & 2002

          Tue & Thu   - Players born in 1999 & 2000

           Fri               - Players born in 2003 & 2002 (introductory program - 1 session per week)

Location:TBC (central Avalon location such as Dunbar Park or opposite Avalon School)

The program will commence during week 2 of Term 1.

It is also hoped that we will be able to play some matches/tournaments against Rep and/or other Academy teams.

Avalon Soccer Club Junior Player Academy

Football4ALL is a proud partner of the Avalon Junior Player Academy. The Academy program is a key part of the Player Development program instigated at Avalon Soccer Club by Matt Whitten in his role as Junior Coaching Director.

Skill Acquisition Program

The Skill Acquisition Program is for those players in the U8-U11 age groups who wish to further develop their football skills. The academy takes place during school terms 2 & 3 and consists of 6x1hr coaching sessions designed to further develop players technical and team skills. There is a small fee for this program and although priority is given to registered players of Avalon Soccer Club, players from other clubs can join the program if space is available.

Game Training Program

The Game Training Program is for players in the U12-U15 age groups and is held during school term 3. This program will focus on team and tactical skills such as maintaining possession, transitional play, playing out from the back, as well as game sense skills, such as vision and decision making. As with the SAP the program will consist of 6x1hr sessions. There is a small fee for this program and although priority is given to registered players of Avalon Soccer Club, players from other clubs can join the program if space is available.