03 Nov 2017
Illawarra Sports High is excited to announce the inauguration of a formal partnership between Sydney FC and the Talented Football Program.
In a first for the region, the link to Sydney FC will provide young players in the Illawarra with a direct and clear pathway to the A-League and W-League.
Amy Child, Director of Sport at Illawarra Sports High said that, "We are working towards being the school based High Performance Centre for the development of aspiring young footballers in the Illawarra region."
Young athletes involved in the Sydney FC Program based at Illawarra Sports High, will be supported through their education while also having access to the highest quality coaches and training sessions to further their football development.
Illawarra Sports High joins Sydney FC's network of Football Schools; the other three being Endeavour Sports High, Narrabeen Sports High and Bossley Park High.
Kelly Cross, Sydney FC Academy Director stated, "We want all the players in our Illawarra program to feel part of the Sydney FC family, regardless of who they play for or what level they compete at. Our Football School programs have proved over recent years that they will help players reach their potential, whatever that may be."
The school program will also form part of Sydney FC's Talent Identification network, with outstanding school players identified and recommended to train with the Academy for possible selection. "The Illawarra has a strong history of developing outstanding players: there are currently 7 Wollongong boys in the Sydney FC Academy, which is almost 10%." Cross added, "Expanding our network of Sydney FC Football School Programs into the Illawarra is part of our club's intent to help as many young players as we can, not just the 80 or so that we have in our Academy. Our Football Schools focus on individual improvement; players are guided to develop a wide range of skills, which we believe will help them play the game at a higher level."
Illawarra Sports High have an existing partnership with Football South Coast, which now becomes a strong three-party relationship. Underpinning the Sydney FC program at Illawarra Sports High will be development programs for both boys and girls. Football South Coast will continue to be part of the coaching team
The Sydney FC Football School program at Illawarra Sports High will help develop young players of all levels. It will have two tiers, Elite and Development, with all players having access to:
- Quality training sessions at school during school hours
- Access to sessions run by an ‘A-Licence' accredited Sydney FC Academy coach, or Football South Coast staff coaches
- Access to combined Sydney FC Talent ID and development days
- Visits to Sydney FC First Team Training Sessions and Home Matches
Trial Day
Friday November 10th
Berkeley Sports and Social Club
9.30am registration
10am to 12pm
Call school to register your spot