The Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) is excited to announce the launch of a new Academy structure for its 2025 Junior Representative Program. This initiative aims to enhance the identification, development, and preparation of elite young athletes, providing them with opportunities to train in a highly skilled and elite environment alongside like-minded players.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new Academy structure, which reflects our commitment to developing elite young athletes in a supportive and challenging environment,” said Jeff Downes, General Manager of Football Operations. “This program is designed not only to identify talent but also to cultivate the skills and mindset necessary for success at higher levels of competition. We look forward to seeing the impact this initiative will have on our players and the broader football community.”
In addition, the league will be advertising shortly for Head Coaches for the Academy for each age group, ensuring that players receive expert guidance and mentorship throughout their development.
A Phased Academy Model for 2025
The new three-phase structure introduces a progressive approach to talent development across three key age groups:
- Under 14 Boys – Born in 2011
- Under 15 Boys – Born in 2010
- Under 15 Girls – Born in 2010 & 2011
Each phase allows athletes to develop gradually and compete for selection into the Final Academy Squad, ensuring that only committed, high-level players advance through the program:
- Two-Week Try Outs
- Four-Week Training Squad
- Ten-Week Final Academy Program
At the conclusion of this selection process, 52 players per age group will be chosen for the Final Academy Squad. These squads will represent the NFNL in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series (MJDS), competing against top talent from other metropolitan leagues.
Club Nominations Open for Try Outs
Junior clubs are invited to nominate their elite players for the 2025 Try Outs, scheduled for February. Each club may nominate up to 10 players per age group, with all nominations due by Sunday, 8 December 2024.
This program is not designed for general participation; it is an elite-level development pathway tailored for highly skilled and committed players. Clubs must ensure that nominated athletes can compete in an elite training and playing environment and are prepared to meet the program’s rigorous training commitments if selected.
Clubs may choose to pass any try-out fees on to parents, and all nominated athletes must attend both try-out sessions to be eligible for selection.
Key Dates and Program Timeline
Two-Week Try Outs
- Dates: Sunday, 16 February 2025 & Sunday, 23 February 2025
- Location: La Trobe Sports Oval
- Session Times: To be announced
Four-Week Training Squad
- The top performers from the try outs will advance to the Training Squad phase.
- Training Dates: 2, 16, 23, and 30 March 2025
- Location: La Trobe Sports Oval
Final Academy Program and Representative Matches
- The 52 selected players from each age group will participate in a 10-week Final Academy Program before representing the NFNL in the MJDS competition.
- Weekly Training: 7 April – 16 June 2025
Representative Matches:
- Game 1: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
- Game 2: Saturday, 7 June 2025
- Final Game: Monday, 9 June 2025
The NFNL is committed to developing the next generation of football talent and looks forward to an exciting 2025 Junior Representative Program.
