Football West is pleased to present the final report into the findings of its Junior Football Review.
The comprehensive review covers all junior male and female competitions across WA and was undertaken to ensure that the state’s junior football structure aligns with best practice principles.
Recommendations from the review included:
- End the current Boys Junior NPL competition structure and introduce a simple divisional structure, ensuring entry and exit mechanisms between the current Boys Junior NPL and the community competitions. This is set to be implemented from 2025
- Introduce an appropriate number of top divisions and teams per division based on the number of “quality” teams able to be fielded by clubs that will be competitive at this level
- Provide the opportunity for talented players to play the recommended minimum number of games (30) for developmental purposes
- Promotion/relegation to occur at every level between U13 and U18
- Clubs and teams to meet any licensing criteria in order to nominate to the top divisions and/or each division prior to the start of each season
Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell said: “Following on from the release of the Football West Strategic Plan 2023-2026, we are excited to publish the findings of the Junior Football Review.
“The recommendations made are the first steps of a revamp of our junior competitions, with the aim of offering young, talented players the best chance to prosper.
“Football West is aware of the passion for junior football, which is why we gave everybody involved in football in WA the opportunity to be involved and we would like to thank everybody who contributed to the junior review.”
FOOTBALL WEST RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS
Background
Independent consultants were engaged in March 2023 to lead the consultation and development of a report. Support was provided by Football West staff.
The review consisted of eight workshops encompassing the various stakeholders, desktop review and a survey of junior players, parents, club administrators, regional associations, and coaches.
There will be no change to the current structure for 2024, Football West will work with its Game Development Committee, relevant Standing Committees and clubs to finalise the implementation plan for 2025.
