Club Football is sometimes seen as second tier within the development pathway for players and resulting in talented players often having to choose between playing for the local club with friends or following a development pathway with association Skills Acquisition Programs (SAP) or Representative teams. The outcome of this is that the quality of club football drops off rapidly as talented players move to the development programs or players with strong potential choose to stay with their club and are not developed to their full potential.
The aim of NEFC Development Squads is to create a supportive environment for players to enjoy football and develop these skills within the club. We look to build a love for the game in all our players and to be competitive within the NWSF Competitions, as well as building a pathway for players to proceed to Representative Football if they desire.
Some of these obstacles include cost, convenience, locations and the playing culture associated with representative organisations. Through the development programs, NEFC is looking to build a love for the game in all our players and to be competitive within the NWSF Competitions, as well as building a pathway for players to proceed to Representative Football if they desire at a later stage.
It is of critical importance to the club that the values and principles of the entire Normanhurst Eagles Football Club are maintained with the Development Squad program. The purpose of the program is not to develop an elite team to win competitions but to ensure that players are given the opportunity to maximise their football potential while maintaining their connection to Normanhurst Eagles.
While playing ability and skills are a key part of selection into the Development Squads the following criteria are considered:
- Respect for the game, referees, opposing players and coaches
- A fair, competitive and positive attitude during both training and games.
- Respect for the learning process at training and games
- Support for the club and volunteering
For more information on the 2022 NEFC Development Squad Program, see here.
