SOUTHS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB INC.

Junior Development Plan

2013
Player and Coach SSF and Divisional

Adopted 1 January 2013

Junior Development Plan 2013

The purpose of the Junior Development Plan is to provide both Club (Management Committee; Director
of Football; Junior Director of Coaching or Small Sided Football Director of Coaching) and Members
(primarily Team Leaders/Group Leaders, Players and Parents) a reference as to how Souths United
Football Club will promote player and coaching development, acknowledging the key criteria for
delivering to Football Federation Australias National Curriculum, for both Junior Small Sided Football
(SSF) and Divisional age groups.
These plans will provide guideline for training programs for U6 and U7 Age Groups and; more specific
direction for the development approach for U8 U11 and divisional Age Groups. These plans have been
developed in association with the Junior Directors of Coaching and the Vice President Juniors SSF,
Vice President Juniors Divisional and; are aligned with:
the Club Junior Policy
Football Brisbane Competition criteria
Football Queensland
Football Federation Australias National Curriculum (and specifically as it relates to the TIC
Program:
At the individual player level the team tasks lead to individual skills and competencies that are
position specific and partly depend on the style of play / formation. These are defined by
Technique, Insight and Communication.
o Technique (technical ability, skills)
The Ball
first touch
Rules
playing out
Direction
creativity
o Insight (awareness, vision)
Opponents
decision making
Space
handling speed
Time
game reading
o Communication
Teammates
tempo change
Score
game cleverness
Pressure
leadership
Technique, Insight and Communication are distinguishable but in football (training) not
separable.
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Learning to master the ball

AGE GROUP
U6 U7

TIC
Getting a TIC for football

U8 U9

TIC

U10 U11

TIC

Learning the positions and basic tasks

in 11 v 11
Learning how the basic tasks link
together
Learning how to play as a team

U12 U13

TIC

U14 U15

TI C

U16 U17

TIC

Performing / winning as a team

U18 U19

TIC

Learning to act with the ball

purposefully
Learning to play together purposefully

The size and colour of the 3 characters TIC indicate which of the 3 aspects, Technique, Insight and Communication is being
emphasized (not isolated) in training during that particular development phase.

Junior Development Plan 2013

UNDER 6 AND UNDER 7

Coaching Structure
Group Leader

Team Leaders

The number of teams will dictate number of Group Leaders

required. If 8 teams, look at having 2 Group Leaders (4 each)
A Team Leader will be allocated to each U6 & U7 team (of
between 4-6 players each)

Refer Club Handbook for role descriptions for Group Leader and Team Leader

General Approach to Establish Effective U6 & U7 Coaching Structure &

Training Plans

COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Group Leaders and Team Leaders at least one
week before they start to train (refer Handbook for the meeting date and time). This session will
include:
Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football
Director of Coaching (SSFDOC)
Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders
Overview of the first training day procedure
The Group Leader does not have to be highly experienced with football but does need to have
good inter-personal skills and an appreciation of diversity in childrens sporting capabilities and
behaviours at such a young age.
Each player in each team may be assigned a numbered singlet/bib (ideally in the colour of their
teams jersey) to be worn at each training session. This will help to identify teams/groupings of
teams during training; allocating drills to certain groups and; when executing SSF training games.
Group Leaders, Team Leaders, Managers and Parents are to be informed as to the expectation of
player development in accordance with FFA National Curriculum; the TIC program and; training
schedule for this age group. This will be covered in the aforementioned compulsory meeting also.

Each team leader will be involved in each training session. Each group of teams will have a Group Leader who may
or may not be one of the team leaders. Group Leaders will liaise with the SSFDOC regarding the overall direction
for the age group. Group Leaders (and Team Leaders as required) will meet on a regular basis with the JDOC and/or
SSFDOC. Team Leaders in these age groups are required to complete the Grassroots Certificate Course. Both
Group & Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development
Plan for these age groups.

Player Development FFA TIC Program

Learning to master the ball

U6 U7
4x4

No formation / tactics consist of

only very general instructions

Getting a
TIC for
football

General Description:

Very short concentration span

All want to have ball
Quickly distracted
No ability yet for team play
Not able to pass / make combinations (do not try to
Able to understand very simple rules
change this)
Able to understand very basic coaching like stay
Learning through trial and error
inside the field do not use your hands go with the
ball to the goal etc
The biggest challenge is discovering how to control that rolling and bouncing round thing with your feet.
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Junior Development Plan 2013

Relevant Training Content
All sorts of FUN games involving ball mastering / running with the ball (if possible, each with a ball)
All sorts of small sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4)
Various games should last no longer than 10 minutes and appeal to childrens fantasy
No queue exercises
No Stretching
Number of sessions per week: 2 (though Souths United Football Club only offers 1 session per week, however
encourages ball skills work in players own time) (+ game)
Maximum duration per training session = 45mins to 1hour

U6 & U7 Training Program 2013

OVERVIEW
6 grids of approximately 15m x 12m.
2 teams of 6 players (maximum 12) per grid.
Groups of players to rotate every 8 12 minutes for 3 or 4 rotations.
Each week teams start in different grid.
Session to conclude with a game (maximum 6 v 6) for at least 20 minutes

GRID
1

DRILL
Ball Control:

Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players) Each player

has a ball.

Basic dribbling/ moving with ball and learning to control the ball
with different parts of the body eg. Inside of foot, outside of foot,
top of foot, bottom of foot.

Encourage use of both feet. At coachs command stop or move

the ball with different part of foot or body. (Ball can be stopped
using knee or even sitting on ball).

PROGRESSIONS

Change of direction
Acceleration
Weaving in and out between
players/ cones
5 touches then swap/pass ball with
another player (have to look for
partner)

Specific Dribbling:

Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players). Each player

has a ball.

Using skills learnt in Ball Control dribble around cones. Focus

on one type of ball control/ dribbling each round or each day
depending on skill level.

Change style of dribbling course slightly each week.

Passing

Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players) One ball for 2
or 3 players, depending on drill.

Pass between cones or try to hit cones. Concentrate on using

inside of foot only.

Alternate feet
Smaller target
Longer distance
Moving ball (light touch then pass)

Dribble and Pass

Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players)

Combination of drills 2 and 3. Place one player behind goal/

target to receive the ball and then join next line.

Cones closer together

Change dribbling course (not
recommended in one session,
every few weeks ok)
Acceleration at different points of
course (eg after every red cone
player has to speed up)
Alternate feet
Smaller goal/target
Longer distance to goal/ target

Alternate feet
Change distance
Make a small goal for passing
Change angle of receiving and

Receive and Pass

Encourage players to receive the ball using the inside of their

foot then pass to next player. Basic instruction is Stop the ball
with your foot and then pass it to your friend

Cones closer together

Slalom instead of zig zag (tighter
turns)
Acceleration at different points of
course (eg after every red cone
player has to speed up)
Alternate feet
Look for friend running in other
direction (makes player get eyes up
off ball)

Junior Development Plan 2013

passing (eg into a triangle)
1v1

Divide your 15m x 12m grid into 2 grids 12m x 7.5m and place a
small goal at each corner so each team has 2 goals to play
towards.

Play for 1 minute (or 1 or 2 goals) and then change players.

Remember only 4 players can play at one time and we want to

discourage standing around not playing so keep changing.
Other players in group can be ball collectors to chase stray
balls.

The main coaching point is to encourage the player to dribble/

run with the ball not just kick it Try to match ability of
opponents.

Smaller goal
Only one goal
Left (or weaker foot only) for
scoring or for all touches.

General Note:
Most progressions will be too difficult for this age group. The Group/Team Leader/s is to try to set the
drill up so it is successful, i.e. everyone can do it and it is fun.
Drills should be based on fun rather than technical competency. For example passing between 2 cones
should not be as much about having the correct technique but should be a fun game of getting the ball
between the 2 cones/ markers. Ask the players to count how many times they can do it without missing
or count to 20 and ask them to do as many as they can before you call Stop to make it more fun.

UNDER 8
Coaching Structure
Team Leaders

A Team Leader will be allocated to each U8 team

Refer Club Handbook for role description for Team Leader

General Approach to Establish Effective U8 Coaching Structure; Player

Development & Training Plans

COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Team Leaders at least week before they start to
train (same night as U6 & U7) (refer Handbook for the meeting date and time). This session will
include:
Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football
Director of Coaching SSF (SSFDOC)
Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders
Overview of the first training day procedure

Team Leaders in this age group are encouraged to undertake formal coaching courses and gain junior coaching
qualifications that will assist development and progression through the junior divisional ranks.
It is envisaged that Football Brisbane will conduct a Development Program in line with FFAs National Curriculum.
When details are made available to the club regarding a Development Program, identified players will be invited to
attend. Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development
Plan for this age group.
Under 8 Player Assessments
In accordance with the aforementioned (expected) Football Brisbane Development program, and Souths
Uniteds internal Development Approach, assessment of all Under 8 players will be held on a designated
competition day within the first month of competition. Assessment will be performed by the JDOC and
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Junior Development Plan 2013

SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and will be based on performance during small sided
game activity. Players will be identified and assessed according to abilities: 1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3.
Those identified as 1 could possibly train with the Under 9 Development squad later in the season and
will be included by invitation only and on authorization from parent/s and/or guardian.
IF FQ run a Talent Program in 2013, those identified as 1 would be nominated to attend. If known on
sign-on, advise parents.
Teams will be based only on friendship groups.
U8 Team Leaders to be encouraged to complete the Junior Certificate.

Player Development FFA TIC Program

Learning to act with the ball
purposefully

U8 U9
7x7

1-3-3 formation / basic tactical

instructions / everyone plays all
positions.

General Description:
The players now understand that the games purpose
is winning by scoring more goals than their opponent

Now playing 7 v 7 on a pitch, feeling for team play,

direction and opponent is developing

Bigger goals with goalkeepers automatically appeals

to aiming and shooting

TIC

Still a lot of individual play but the players start to

understand that acting with the ball purposefully is
necessary in order to be successful
Preference and talent for a specific position starts
to show (but encourage everyone to still play in
every position regularly)

Relevant Training Content

Ball mastery (during the warm up)
Running with the ball, 1 v 1, shooting, passing and receiving, first touch in various short FUN games
Variations of 4 v 4 and 7 v 7
No queue exercises
No Stretching
Number of sessions per week: 2-3 (+ 1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 1hour

UNDER 9 UNDER 11
Coaching Structure
Team Leaders

A Team Leader will be allocated to each U9 U11 team

Refer Club Handbook for role description for Team Leader

General Approach to Establish Effective U9-U11 Coaching Structure, Player

Development & Training Plans

COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Team Leaders at least one week prior to the start of
training (refer Handbook for meeting date and time). This session will include:
Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football
Director of Coaching (SSFDOC)
Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders
Overview of the first training day procedure
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Junior Development Plan 2013

Each team will have a Team Leader to perform coaching activities and will be supported by coaching peers and
direction from the JDOC and/or SSFDOC. Team Leaders in these age groups are encouraged to undertake formal
coaching courses and gain junior coaching qualifications that will assist development and progression through the
junior divisional ranks.
The Club will offer the opportunity for players in these age groups to be assessed. This gives the players an
opportunity to play with similar ability players against teams of similar ability on a weekly basis.
It is envisaged that Football Brisbane will conduct a Development Program in line with FFAs National Curriculum.
When details are made available to the club regarding a Development Program, identified players will be invited to
attend. Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development
Plan for these age groups. (Refer to the Clubs Junior Player Assessment Policy Under 9 - Under 11 for more details).
Parents will be asked at sign-on to indicate a preference into which type of team they would like their
child placed:
Highest level Skill based (may not get to play with friends)
Friendship based.
Under 9 Under 11 Player Assessments
In 2009, Football Brisbane introduced a tiered structure to both the Under 9 and Under 10 competitions.
In 2011, this was extended to the Under 11 competition and will continue until further notice. This allows
players to be placed in teams that will play against players and teams of similar ability and experience
each week. It also allows players to be grouped together to progressively develop in line with their
capabilities and potential. This approach enables growth of the players and provides a balanced
competition when playing against teams of a similar level each week.
There are three tiers within each of these age groups. Briefly these are described:
Komodo Dragon
Goannas
Geckos

more competent players requiring minimal/no direction from the coach

competent players requiring direction from the coach
new players or players that need more time to learn the game.

Assessments for these age groups will be held during the couple of weeks immediately after sign-on, per
the schedule set by the Vice President - SSF. This will allow time for the JDOC, SSFDOC and Vice
President SSF to place players in teams before formal training starts. This process will be conducted in
association with the designated Age Coordinator as required. Failure to attend the assessment session/s
may impact on which team the player is placed.
The following pre-assessment activities will be responsible to the JDOC and SSFDOC:
Confirm with the Club Administrator by 31 December 2012 whether each age group
needs their own timeslot for these assessments.
Organise assistants recruited from JDOC and SSFDOC Panel of coaches and identified
coaching pool for each assessments
Provide different coloured, numbered bibs for easier identification of players
Assessments will be performed by the JDOC and SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and
will be based on performance during small sided game activity and may include skills exercises. Players
will be identified and assessed according to abilities: 1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3.
Those players identified as 1 would form the basis of the Development squads. IF FQ run a Talent
Program in 2013, those identified as 1 would be nominated to attend. If known on sign-on, advise
parents.
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Junior Development Plan 2013

Team Announcements
After consultation between assessment staff and the Vice-President SSF, the JDOC and SSFDOC will
select those players capable of playing at a higher standard and those that will benefit from playing at a
lower level for that season. Players will be assigned to a team. Where possible, players will be placed into
a team with friends of similar capability (though this is not guaranteed).
Team announcements will be advised via the clubs website and also on the Clubhouse verandahs
exterior windows on the initial training night. Notification of team coaches and managers (where known)
will also be advised. Training nights, times and locations along with maps of the fields indicating the
position will also be available.
Appeal Process
The Club, JDOC, SSFDOC, Vice-President SSF and where applicable, age coordinators, are careful to
ensure that players are playing in the correct team. However, some parents and players may still be
disappointed with the final team make-up. The Club asks that parents talk through the concerns with their
child and only then, contact the SSFDOC by email with their concern. (ssfdoc@southsunited.org.au)
Players and parents need to take into account that the assessment process is undertaken by independent,
qualified and experienced coaches.
Development Squads/Teams Under 9 - Under 11 Age Groups:
Under 9:
Parents will be offered the opportunity to accept the Club's offer for their child/ren to participate n the Development
Squad. This squad may also include Under 8 players identified by the JDOC and/or SSFDOC. Players will attend
extra training sessions on a user pays basis. Players will participate in various Carnivals throughout the year. This
may include specifically identified carnivals identified by the club where the carnival/competition will benefit the
development and experience of the players in this squad. All carnival participation will be on a user pays basis. In
2013, the U9 Development Squad Team/s will participate at minimum in the 2013 Souths United Leprechaun Cup
and potentially, the 2013 Logan City Cup, 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup.
Under 10 Under 11:
Parents will be offered the opportunity to accept the Club's offer for their child/ren to participate n the Development
Teams. Players will attend extra training sessions on a user pays basis. Final teams will participate in selected
Cup/Championship competitions, such as (but not limited to) 2013 Souths United Leprechaun Cup, 2013 Logan
City Cup, 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. This will be on a user pays basis. Details will be made available when
they become known. There may also be opportunities to attend other carnivals throughout the season. Again, this
would be on a user pays basis.
Development blocks
Two blocks of 4 6 weeks (one to run in Term 2 and the other in Term 3). Development training sessions
during this block will consist of one night per week for invited U8s, Under 9s, Under 10s and Under
11s.
Final timings and cost for these blocks will be determined prior to sign-on day, however it is anticipated
that players participating in the Development Squad will be charged a Player Development Levy of
approximately $50.

Junior Development Plan 2013

Player selections and opportunities:

Komodo Dragon players and selected Goannas. Criteria for selection will be based on assessment
performed in the couple of weeks after sign-on weekend and through training and game observations
conducted by the JDOC and SSFDOC. Team Leaders will be asked for any subsequent nominations
where they feel a child/ren may have potential for participation in the program. The JDOC and
SSFDOC will assess this child/ren accordingly during the initial development program session.

U11s: Approximately 16-17 players will be selected for participation in the development squad with
a view to provide depth and further development for U12 Div 1 the following year. See section for
U11 U12 Transition for further information.

It is envisaged that the club will enter an Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 team in the 2013 Souths
United Leprechaun Cup, 2013 Logan City Cup and depending on competition criteria, will also
consider entry to the 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup.
Club participation at these two carnivals will be reserved for Development Squad teams only (in the
first instance). Other SSF club teams wishing to participate at these competitions will need to first
seek approval from the Management Committee. Player participation from club teams must not be at
the detriment of the Development Squad team and must not cause any player/parent distress should a
player be part of the said Development Squad and SSF Club Team. This will be on a user-pays basis.
The Club Administrator will write to GCCC seeking confirmation as to what age groups and
restrictions will be in the competition in 2013. This information will be required prior to announcing
to development squad/parents.

Development squads may be considered for participation in other carnivals throughout the season.

Carnivals
The club is considering holding carnivals in various age groups. Selected clubs will be invited to
participate. Carnival details for the 2013 Leprechaun Cup are now available on the website. Participation
in external carnivals will be at the discretion of the JDOC, SSFDOC and Development Squad (age group)
Team Leader (Head Coach) who will also make recommendation to the Vice President: Juniors SSF.
The Club Administrator will complete associated entry criteria for approved carnivals. This will be on a
user-pays basis.
(Refer also to the Clubs Junior Policy with regards to general participation in Carnivals, not specific to Development Squads)

Player Development FFA TIC Program

Learning to act with the ball
purposefully

U8 U9
7x7

1-3-3 formation / basic tactical

instructions / everyone plays all
positions.

General Description:
The players now understand that the games purpose
is winning by scoring more goals than their opponent

Now playing 7 v 7 on a pitch, feeling for team play,

direction and opponent is developing

Bigger goals with goalkeepers automatically appeals

to aiming and shooting

TIC

Still a lot of individual play but the players start to

understand that acting with the ball purposefully is
necessary in order to be successful
Preference and talent for a specific position starts
to show (but encourage everyone to still play in
every position regularly)

Junior Development Plan 2013

Relevant Training Content
Ball mastery (during the warm up)
Running with the ball, 1 v 1, shooting, passing and receiving, first touch in various short FUN games
Variations of 4 v 4 and 7 v 7
No queue exercises
No Stretching
Number of sessions per week: 2-3 (+ 1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 1hour

Learning to play together

purposefully

U10 U11
9x9

1-3-2-3 formation / limited tactical

instructions / talent for specific
positions more clear (but still
flexible).

General Description:
More and more understanding and feeling for
teamwork
Understanding for acting without the ball (running to
or off the ball) develops
Preference / ability for specific positions becomes
clearer and clearer

TIC

Understanding of individual role in relation to

teamwork is developing
With 8 outfield players a tighter and more strict
task allocation is required
Perfect mental and physical ability for developing
motor skills

Relevant Training Content

Functional game skills in possession of the ball: Passing and receiving, running with the ball, 1v1, first touch
Defensive game skills: 1v1; block tackle; sliding tackle
Skills transfer: Executing the game skills in corresponding game-related situations (1v1, 4v4, basic positioning
games)
Training games: Various small sided games to develop ball possession objectives
Transitioning:
o Learning the general principles in training games
Dynamic stretching in warming up
Number of sessions per week: 3 (+1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 75mins

COACHING CLINICS & OTHER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Coaching Clinic 2013

It is proposed to run at least two Coaching Clinics in 2013. The first clinic will be hosted by Souths
United in collaboration with our partner, Success Football Academy, and will run during the last week
of the 2013 January school holidays (21- 25 January 2013) for ages 6 - 16. The coaching director for
this clinic is Vedran Becirbegovic, who is also Souths Uniteds SSFDOC. This will be on a userpays basis.

Promotion and awareness of Clinic details will be done via Souths United Website; contacting 2012
participants via email, publishing on Football Brisbane website and; advising other clubs of its
availability.

Date of second clinic will be advised during the course of the season.

The Club Administrator will also liaise with St Laurences whether they have any functions booked
for the dates of our Clinics (will impact how car park is managed during these clinics).
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Junior Development Plan 2013

U11 U12 TRANSITION

What happens with the Under 11 players moving into Under 12s in 2013 and how will this be managed at Souths
United Football Club?
In Under 12's, all players are graded into teams based on their capability demonstrated at pre-season grading
sessions and the pre-season grading games. Teams are then placed in divisions that suit their abilities. In Under
12's, we move away from players being selected in teams with their mates to grading them into teams based on
ability. These teams will play competitions against southside clubs similar to what occurs in U11.
Souths United will be applying to have a team in the Under 12 division 1 competition due to the strength of our
Under 11 players. Under 12 division 1 is the highest competition in this age group offered by Football
Brisbane (exception is BPL).
There is no Brisbane Junior League (BJL) competition in Under 12's. Therefore no clubs in Brisbane will have a
BJL team in Under 12's. The BJL competition includes the best teams in Brisbane from those clubs who have teams
that meet the criteria for competition at this level. BJL teams play clubs from both south of the river as well as north
of the river.
The BJL competition starts in Under 13's and is dependent on where teams come on the points table/competition
ladder in Under 12's. The top 3-4 teams in each Under 12 competition (South, West and North) are invited into the
ten team competition. There is no other way of getting into this competition other than performing well in Under 12
division 1 and no clubs are guaranteed of being in the competition.
Another option for the better and highly skilled players is to trial for the Under 12 Brisbane Premier League or
Under 12 Australian Premier League (APL). This competition is administered by Football Queensland. The
southside clubs for these Leagues are:
BOYS BPL

Brisbane Force
Capalaba
Eastern Suburbs
Ipswich Knights

Logan Lightning
Qld Lions
Rochedale
Wolves FC

BOYS APL: Souths United catchment club is Brisbane Strikers

GIRLS APL (only): Souths United catchment club is Brisbane Strikers, however for all APL girls
age groups (U13, U14, U15, U18), Souths United will host these teams in partnership with Brisbane
Strikers. Teams will be known as Souths Strikers.
Each of these age groups is important with linking with our state teams and W-League Team/s in the
future. There are currently State Teams/National Championships in the U/13, U14, U/15 age groups
and the U/18 competition will be the springboard for the W-League competition. It is expected that
by 2014, there will also have an Open Womens Competition in the Australian Premier League.
In the South East Corner, there are 10 Clubs that will be competing against each other on a week to
week basis. This will include identification rounds to allow Football Queenslands Technical
Department to select state teams and W-League players of the future.
The Ten Teams are Wide Bay Revolution, Sunshine Coast Fire, Moreton Bay United, The Gap
(Brisbane City), Redlands United FC, Central Brisbane FC (Brisbane Olympic FC), Souths United
(Brisbane Strikers), SWQ Thunder, Western Pride and Palm Beach Sharks.
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Junior Development Plan 2013

BPL, BJL APL Selection Schedule
Selection trials for these teams are held in October/November/December each year and dates will be published on
the Football Brisbane and Souths United websites. These competitions are only for the best players in Brisbane and
are the stepping stone for Queensland representative teams or higher.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Souths United is committed to the continuing development of all our players and coaches and will be nominating
our teams in the highest division possible with a view to placing teams in the BJL competitions for all age groups
available where outcomes of divisional achievements enable their eligibility.
Souths United currently has representation of a number of teams in the BJL competition and has representation in
the APL competition for girls in all indicated age groups. It is the direction of the club to continue to evolve our
participation in the higher level competitions and will look to expand the girls competition to as many age groups
within the divisional level to feed into a stronger APL selection for future years. While there is no APL
representation for boys at Souths United, any opportunity to participate at this level of competition will be
encouraged. This will include proactive talented player identification and seeking training and game experience
with Brisbane Strikers, where opportunity arises.
Consultation with the JDOC and/or Vice President SSF and/or Vice President Juniors is both encouraged and
welcomed to discuss player development and direction opportunities.
For further details, please refer to the clubs Junior Policy 2013.

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Junior Development Plan 2013

JUNIOR DIVISIONAL UNDER 12 UNDER 16

Coaching Structure
Head Coach

Assistant Coach

At minimum a Head Coach will be allocated to each Junior Divisional

and BJL team Minimum qualification is Junior Certificate. Youth and
Youth C licence attainment is encouraged.
Where possible an Assistant Coach is encouraged to provide assistance
to the Head Coach. An excellent opportunity for developing coaches.
Seeking / holding of Junior Licence is encouraged.

General Approach to Establish Effective U12-U16 Coaching Structure,

Player Development & Training Plans

COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Coaches (refer Handbook for meeting date and
time). This session will include:
Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC)
Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders
Overview of the first training day procedure

Each team will have a Head Coach to perform coaching activities and will be supported by assistant coaches (where
possible), coaching peers and direction from the JDOC. All coaches are encouraged to undertake formal coaching
courses and gain junior coaching qualifications or higher that will assist development and progression through the
junior divisional and BJL ranks.
Under 12 Under 16 Player Assessments/Gradings
Preliminary assessments for these age groups for Division 1 (Under 12) and BJL teams (Under 13
Under 16) are held November/December each year. Final assessments and preliminary team selections
occur during the first 2-3 weeks immediately after sign-on, per the schedule set by the Vice President Juniors. This will allow time for the Junior Director of Coaching, Vice President Juniors and Age
Coordinators to place players in teams before formal training starts.
The following pre-assessment activities will be responsible to the JDOC:
Confirm with the Club Administrator by 31 December 2012 whether each age group needs their
own timeslot for these assessments (minimum 2 sessions/age group). Dates will be advised
before/at sign-on and are outlined in the Souths United Handbook. Refer also the website.
Organise assistants recruited from JDOC and SSFDOC and identified coaching pool for each
assessments. Wherever possible, consistency of Assessment Staff for an age group will be
maintained. Assessment Staff do not assess their own children but may assess the other players in
the age group.
Provide different coloured, numbered bibs for easier identification of players
Assessments will be performed by the JDOC and SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and will be
based on performance during small sided game activity. Players will be identified and assessed according to abilities:
1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3. Please note that during assessments the following format will occur:

All players to arrive 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time.

Each player will be individually numbered prior to commencement.
Players will be asked to participate in a number of games.
Players may be asked to change groups at various times throughout the sessions. This is not indicative of their
skill level and players and parents should not read anything in to this.
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Junior Development Plan 2013

All players will be treated as numbers throughout grading. Players will receive scores for their performance during
grading. The scores will determine which team a player is graded into. In some instances, the Junior Director of
Coaching (JDOC) reserves the right to include prior knowledge of a player when a player is on the cusp of a team.
This knowledge may be first hand or obtained through written assessments from the previous years coach etc.
Exceptions to the assessment session process are when players sign-on after the grading sessions have been
completed. These players are invited to trial with a team at the discretion of the JDOC. Players are then assessed by
the coaching staff of the team (and if possible, the JDOC) and an assessment is made as to the players ability and a
recommendation as to which team the player should be graded into.
Those players identified as 1 would form the basis of the BJL/Division 1 Teams for each age group.
All Under 12 to Under 16 must attend assessments each year to ascertain their current level of skill and
overall capability to enable appropriate team selection and level of competition that team is to be placed.
Selection considerations include: Individual abilities, Positions played and; Composition of the team.
Non-attendance at assessment sessions may have an effect on the preliminary team in which a player is
placed.
Where numbers warrant, this may include teams being formed through composite age groups (in a higher
age group).
Preliminary Teams
After consultation between assessment staff, the make-up of the preliminary teams will be at the
discretion of the JDOC. Players will NOT be informed individually into which team they have been
placed. Preliminary teams will be listed and displayed on the Clubhouse verandahs exterior windows as
well as the Clubs website. Notification of team coaches and managers (where known) will also be
advised. Training nights, times and locations along with maps of the fields indicating the position will
also be available.
Preliminary teams are not final. Movement of players up and down divisions can occur up until the
completion of the Football Brisbane grading games but before the first fixture. This does not apply to BJL
and APL teams.
Where an age group has multiple numbers of teams, the lowest division team (s) will have larger
number(s) of players since it is administratively significantly easier to move a player up a division than
apply for permission to move them down a division.
Pre-Season Training
The Club may offer prospective BJL and Division 1 players pre-season training. This does NOT replace
the assessment process that occurs after sign-on however the JDOC, after assessment of a player and in
conjunction with the relevant coach and Vice-President Juniors, can, if desired, give a player a
guarantee that he/she will be selected for a particular team. Such players will be notified in writing or by
email with an offer of a position within a certain team. The notification will request acceptance by a cutoff date and payment of a non-refundable deposit to confirm the position.
Appeal Process
The Club and its coaches are careful to ensure that players are playing in the correct team. However some
parents and players may still be disappointed with the final outcome. The Club asks that parents talk
through the concerns with their child and only then, contact the JDOC by email with their concern.
(jdoc@southsunited.org.au)
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Junior Development Plan 2013

Players and parents need to take into account that the assessment process is undertaken by independent,
qualified and experienced coaches.
Carnivals
The club is considering holding carnivals in various age groups. Selected clubs will be invited to
participate. Carnival details for the 2013 will be made available on the website when known. It is
envisaged that the club will enter teams in the 2013 Logan City Cup and, will also consider entry to the
2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. Souths United may look to host a 2013 Onyx Cup suitable to U12
U16 age groups; however this is still to be determined. Participation in external carnivals will be at the
discretion of the JDOC and the Head Coach who; will also make recommendation to the Vice President:
Juniors. The Club Administrator will complete associated entry criteria for approved carnivals. This will
be on a user-pays basis.
(Refer also to the Clubs Junior Policy with regards to general participation in Carnivals, not specific to Development Squads)

Player Development FFA TIC Program

UNDER 12 UNDER 13
Learning the positions and
basic tasks in 11 v 11

U12 U13
11 x 11

1433 formation: Extending

tactical instruction explaining the
positions and basic tasks

General Description:
Ideal mental and physical conditions in this age group

First high point in the learning of motor skills, well

built/ideal proportions, good coordination

Socially aware, critical of own performance and that

of others
Likes to compete and compare
Imitates Idols

TIC

The start of playing 11 v 11 on the whole pitch

with real game rules demands a big reorientation
on almost all aspects that were learned in earlier
phases
Almost all aspects that were learned in earlier
phases. Focus on learning the positions and basic
tasks in playing 11 c 11 in a 1-4-3-3 formation

Relevant Training Content

Functional game skills and skills transfer (special attention for passing drills and heading)
Position related to the teams output (basic)
Training games
1433 formation: Perfection per position
Functional game skills and skills transfer in possession of the ball
Defensive functional game skills and skills transfer
Transitioning
Learning the general principles in training games and 1433 game training
Dynamic stretching in warming up:
Number of sessions per week: 34 (+ 1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 75 minutes.

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Junior Development Plan 2013

UNDER 14 UNDER 15
Learning how the basic tasks
link together

U14 U15
11 x 11

1433 formation: Choice /

specialising for a position +
corresponding tactical instruction

General Description:
Pre-adolescence: Obstinate, rebels against authority
and provokes conflicts
Self-overestimating and self-absorbed
Development of other interests and hobbies,
reassesses the place of football in his / her life and
sometimes puts it into another perspective

TI C

Sudden big increase in height limits physical

capacity (injury prone)
Stagnation or regression of coordination (clumsy)
In this phase the intellectual learning ability is
bigger than the physical learning ability

Relevant Training Content

Functional game skills and passing drills (basic)
Positioning games (basic)
Training games (basic)
1433 game training (basic)
Transitioning:
In training games, positioning games and 1433 game training.
Dynamic stretching in warming up
Dynamic stretching and core stability exercises
Number of sessions per week: 4 (+ 1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 7590 minutes.

UNDER 16
Learning how to play as a
team

U16 U17
11 x 11

1433 formation: Extending

development on one position
related to the teams output

General Description:

Post-adolescence, pre-maturity
More balanced, more sense of reality, less emotional /
aggressive
Critical of own performance, able to share
responsibilities and to make sacrifices for the team
Relevant Training Content
Positioning games (specific / advanced)
Passing drills (specific / advanced)
1433 game training (advanced)
Training games.

TIC

Return of good coordination and technique

For boys: Production of testosterone has begun,
conditioning is now possible

Transitioning:
In training games, positioning games and 1433 game training..
Dynamic stretching and core stability exercises.
Football Conditioning:
Number of sessions per week: 46 (+ 1 game)
Maximum duration per training session = 90 minutes.

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Junior Development Plan 2013

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Coaching Clinic 2013

It is proposed to run at least two Coaching Clinics in 2013. The first clinic will be hosted by Souths
United in collaboration with our partner, Success Football Academy and will run during the last week
of the 2013 January school holidays (21- 25 January 2013) for ages 6 - 16. The coaching director for
this clinic is Vedran Becirbegovic, who is also Souths Uniteds SSFDOC. This will be on a userpays basis.

Promotion and awareness of Clinic details will be done via Souths United Website; contacting 2012
participants via email, publishing on Football Brisbane website and; advising other clubs of its
availability. Date of second clinic will be advised during the course of the season.

The Club Administrator will also liaise with St Laurences whether they have any functions booked
for the dates of our Clinics (will impact how car park is managed during these clinics).

HIGHER DIVISIONS (BJL, Division 1 and Division 2):

Increased focus on individual development, positional play and team performance will be delivered through
qualified coaches under the guidance of the JDOC and DOF. This may necessitate additional training and
development sessions and recommendation to attend Coaching Clinics to hone individual player development. (refer
criteria outlined for these clinics attendance would be on a user-pays basis).
LOWER DIVISIONS (Division 3 Division 9):
Players selected in the lower divisions for each age group will continue to be provided development opportunities
through appointed coaches, observations and sessions conducted by the JDOC or guest coach. Players are also
encouraged to attend the indicated Coaching Clinics (on a user-pays basis) that are hosted by the club.
Players in the lower divisions are encouraged to take advantage of the associated competition level that will assist in
players reaching their potential while enjoying a positive playing atmosphere appropriate to their current skills and
capability. These divisions can provide foundation to higher divisions as their skills and experience develops and
improves over each season.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIER LEAGUE GIRLS TEAMS:
Players selected for APL will be developed through the associated development APL program outline under the
guidance of the Football Queensland State Technical Director and in association with Brisbane Strikers Technical
Director, Souths United Director of Football and; appointed APL Coaches and Assistant Coaches.
The philosophies of both Souths Strikers and Brisbane Strikers and their coaches will be highly
complementary to each other. This will aid the development of the players, embracing the FFA National
Curriculum as well as adding their personal principals, experiences and expertise.
The philosophy is based around a pro-active and aggressive approach to winning matches with skilled and
athletic players (who have qualities including: Technique, Insight, Communication, Problem Solving,
Decision Making, Forward Thinking, Positioning and Awareness). All squads will endeavour to create
goal-scoring opportunities and win as many football matches as they possibly can. The team will be the
aggressor and shall dictate the style and tempo of a game and pursue goals relentlessly until the game is
won.
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Junior Development Plan 2013

The team will use the 1-4-3-3 formation as the starting point, which will encourage the focus on playing
out, building up, attacking, transitional moments and basic defending principles. The players will be
training within a purposefully planned environment that will develop these qualities through the
replication of game specific moments.

Elite Player Pathway

Socceroos Senior
Mens Team
U23 Olyroos
U20 Young Socceroos

U17 Joeys
QAS/SAP/Skilleroos

FIFA WORLD
CUP

A-League and
W-League

Matildas
Senior
Womens
Team
U19

APL

Young
Matildas
QAS

Community Clubs
Assessments:
It is envisaged that player assessments will be completed on at least 2 separate occasions throughout the
season. On the first occasion, player/parent interviews will be conducted during a training session. The
final assessment is at the conclusion of the season and this will be posted to the player.
For further details, please refer to the clubs Junior Policy 2013.

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