- What is the Johnny Warren Football Foundation program?
- When does the program take place?
- What is the age group?
- How do I get selected?
- How many players are selected for each intake?
- Who should I contact if I want to find out more about player selection?
- How does the program work?
- Where are the training centres?
- Who runs the program sessions?
- How is selection for the final camp determined?
- What cost is involved?
- What happens once I finish the program?
- Are there plans to extend the program outside New South Wales?
What is the Johnny Warren Football Foundation program?
The program is a skills/technique based program involving elite players throughout New South Wales.
The program is presently conducted on the Foundation’s behalf by Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) and Soccer NSW (SNSW) and has the support of Football Federation Australia (FFA).
Players are taught various skills and techniques. The program is designed to also develop good playing habits, strengthen decision making skills and encourage team work and cooperation between players. Players will also receive instruction on subjects such as anti drugs in sport, sports psychology and time management.
back to topWhen does the program take place?
Currently the program takes place between November and April each year and involves:
- At the commencement of the program, a 2-day induction camp (regionalised in Armidale [NNSWF] and Glenwood [SNSW]).
- A series of coaching sessions.
- At the conclusion of the program, a 2-day camp for the best 50 inductees.
What is the age group?
The age group will vary depending upon the age groups for inductees to the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) programs. For players participating in the Foundation’s 2006/2007 program, the age groups are:
- Boys 13 years
- Girls 14 - 17
How do I get selected?
For players in Northern NSW, boys are selected from the preceding Under 12 development programs. However, NNSWF will accept recommendations from their staff coaches regarding the suitability of players not in development programs, and will then determine whether they should attend trials.
Girls are identified at the national titles, but as with the boys, NNSWF will accept recommendations regarding the suitability of girls to attend trials.
In Soccer NSW, players are selected from teams participating in the State Titles. (For the November 2006 inductees, the players were selected from the 2006 Under 12 boys and Under 14 and Under 16 Girls State Titles.)
Selection can also occur by way of acceptance of recommendations made to the Coaching and Development Manager at Soccer NSW.
A further opportunity for selection is provided by expressing an interest to the Coaching and Development Department at Soccer NSW, who will, upon review, determine whether the player is suitable to attend further trials.
back to topHow many players are selected for each intake?
The Foundation’s first intake of players for the program that took place between December, 2005 and May 2006, numbered approximately 270.
A similar number of players are participating in the second program, which commenced in November, 2006 and which will conclude in April, 2007. Of these players, over 80 are from NNSWF.
back to topWho should I contact if I want to find out more about player selection?
If you are enquiring about a player who plays under the auspices of Northern NSW Football, you should contact that federation’s Coaching and Development Department:
Tel:: 02 4964 8922
Fax: 02 4964 8921
Email: admin@northernnswfootball.com.au
How does the program work?
After players are selected into the program, they participate in an induction camp.
One camp is held by NNSWF at either Armidale or Coffs Harbour, where the program is explained, and players are tested and receive expert tuition on skill and technique.
A similar induction camp is also held by SNSW at Glenwood.
Players then receive further expert tuition in their respective centres (based on residential addresses) from November to March, allowing for a six week summer break.
The best 50 players who have excelled during the program are then selected to participate in a final camp at Glenwood in April.
Where are the training centres?
Northern NSW Football:
Far North Coast (Lismore/Ballina)
North coast (Coffs Harbour)
Mid North Coast (Port Macquarie)
Hunter (Newcastle)
North Inland (Armidale)
Soccer NSW:
Sydney North (St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill)
Sydney South (Bonnyrigg High School)
Sydney East (Caringbah High School)
Sydney West (Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood)
Central Coast (Pluim Park, Lisarow)
Riverina
llawarra (Wollongong University)
Western NSW (Bathurst)
Southern NSW
Who runs the program sessions?
In Northern NSW, the program is conducted by the Coaching and Development Department of Northern NSW Football. Football Manager, David Smith, is in charge of the program and appoints staff coaches to the various centres.
Soccer NSW conducts the program within its boundaries, under the guidance of its Coaching and Development Manager, Norm Boardman and his staff coaches.
The Foundation will eventually appoint a Technical Director and is also seeking to appoint a Brazilian coach to oversee the program.
How is selection for the final camp determined?
The coaches responsible for each centre will make their nominations to Norm Boardman and David Smith respectively. They in turn will determine the best players to attend. Selection will be based on the ability of individuals.
Because the best players will be in attendance at the final camp, selection will be merit based and will not be determined by ensuring that each centre is represented.
What cost is involved?
The program is free to participants. There are no fees of any nature charged, and each player is provided, free of charge, with Nike training apparel and a Nike football.
The cost of each induction camp as well as the final camp for the best players in each intake is paid for by the Foundation. These costs include overnight accommodation and meal costs.
What happens once I finish the program?
Once players finish the program, the best players continue to be coached by their respective state federation with a view to selection into the NSWIS program.
back to topAre there plans to extend the program outside New South Wales?
Currently the program is confined to New South Wales. However, the Foundation proposes to hold discussions with other state governments and football bodies to extend the program nationally. Expansion of the program is obviously dependant upon the Foundation’s ability to fund these additional costs.
In order to achieve this aim, the Foundation is seeking to reach agreement with additional prospective sponsorship partners and welcomes any approaches from interested organisations and benefactors.
