What is the new FFSA Development Pathway?

[johnydep]

I presume that the Development Pathway for Girls has changed from what is listed http://www.ffsa.com.au/game-development ... -programs/ ?



I haven't heard anything about the U14 State, other than a combined U14/15 team. So I presume that the U15/16 State team is cancelled.

What is the set up now? U16 is the NTC squad?

[Mopar]

Johnnydep, is that a serious question? The FFSA have no idea what 'a' development pathway is? They have no long term goals, they keep changing the structure on a weekly basis!! Now they're taking girls out of clubs!! When its time for these girls to come back to club, (realistically only one in every two-three hundred girls would be lucky to play for lady reds), it wont be the same, these girls will have to start all over again to fit back into the club socially & mentally. FFSA are influenced & intimidated by parents, the parents that have stars in their eyes!!! FFSA are responsible for killing women's soccer in our state!!! The new development pathway.....(yes where & what is it??) FFSA need a major restructure, look how out of date the website is - just that proves the quality of people involved!!!

[juniorsupporter]

If I'm not mistaken, the change in age grouping from U13, U14 and U15 to U13 and U15 was in response to an FFA change in the age groups for the national tournament. For the record there was only one U16 player in the U15 squad this past season. Anyway, point is that the FFSA doesn't just make this stuff up. And pressure from parents "with stars in their eyes" has nothing to do with any of it.

I haven't heard of any changes to the NTC program, I assume it will continue to be largely a U17 squad with a few overage players. Trials haven't happened yet- I guess DE is just trying to get the WLeague up and running smoothly and into the season.

As for taking players out of their clubs, I think it's the best solution to the issue that has confronted SA for awhile now. Namely, how to compete nationally in elite junior football. Taking the U15 players out is nothing new, it was done this year and worked pretty well for the team as a whole. Taking the 13's out will benefit them- the demands on the players and their parents won't be as onerous (ask any of the parents about 4 trainings and two game per week for two different clubs for their young
ones). I also don't think that any one club is losing that many players (anyone have input here- cumby losing 4 U13's I think).

There is no perfect solution, obviously.

[Mopar]

I agree with some of your points juniorsupporter, but I'm a believer that you look after the clubs first. Why don't FFSA assign a delegate that works with clubs for coach development. These players are torn between leaving a club & playing state. So are you saying that the ongoing changes to stics/state this year came from FFA? Those state girls were initially told they don't have to participate in stics, then were told they do & will be split up between the zones but they don't need to attend training. Then were told they have to train. It's been a huge roller coaster ride & the enjoyment has been completely taken out of the game! What happened to the days that players were identified in their clubs in their own surroundings, & after outdoor season were then able to be involved in state programs? The season is getting longer each year, it should be shortened with cup games played mid week. And to answer that question on amount of players taken out of clubs, I think Uni & AC most affected - somewhere between 8-12 players from each club. Its absurd!!! By the time these girls hit the age of 20, their bodies are thrashed, they are not just physically thrashed but mentally as well. I'm telling you, our state has huge problems with our federation, & I bet the FFA have no idea exactly what is going on inside our federation!!!

[juniorsupporter]

I'm definitely not saying that every bit of misinformation or confusion on the local level is the fault of FFA. I am saying that the changes in age groups for state teams came from FFA. SA has to have state teams that conform to the national competition offered by FFA.

As for coaching development, there are coaching courses all the time and clubs can call FFSA and even arrange to have one run at their club. All they need to do is ask and avail themselves of the resources that are available.

FFSA is not a perfectly run organization by any stretch, but neither is FFSA the adversary of the clubs.The changes in the state programs are in line with what the other states are doing- and I think the girls are tougher than you think. They always have the option of not playing in the FFSA program and staying at their clubs if that's what makes them happy. But for those of them that have ambitions to play at the highest levels of the sport, training twice a week and playing on Sunday, even at 13, won't get them there.

[Mopar]

Let's ask all those players, men & women that play at a high level (either lady reds, Adel Utd etc), if they got to that level by playing for a club at the age of 13 training twice a week, or by being in a skilleroo type program training 4 times a week. I think we both know exactly what the answer is. If they're going to make it, they'll make it wherever they're playing. If they are good enough to play at a high level they will be recognized, even playing at club level!
I'm definitely no expert & only voicing my opinion. I've been involved with women's soccer for many many years & in the past 2-3 years the amount of changes & the decisions made by FFSA are extremely frustrating. And watching games & tournaments, hearing the complaints, the arguments about women's soccer - the morale has decreased, the amount of girls playing soccer have dropped. I recall a few years ago that stics had 40-60 girls trialling, now I hear you're lucky to get 10 players out trialling. It's not that difficult, it can be a simple enjoyable sport, it's the people running the organization who are complicating it!!!

[johnydep]

Some good info, and a great debate starting up here.

Unless I've missed the info, I can't see anything about the U16 development. Does the State system stop at combined U14/15 team? Or is there an U16 team in one of the boys JPL leagues for Season 2013?

I agree with everyone's comments, and I think that Gic is correct with his points on the lack-of/poor communication from the system. Over the past 6 years I've had two children involved in State and Development squads, I can't recall one year where all the stated points were fulfilled.

As a representative of a Super League club, I recently asked for information on the junior set up for 2013. It was quite a job getting an answer but I did get something the help us prepare for Season 2013. However, part of that answer was made redundant with change to the girls U13/14 State system (I'm not going to even mention the uncertainty with the U17 boys league).

Since about 2003 I have supported, backed and helped the FFSA. In the past 3 years the FFSA has slowly chipped away at my trust, and I find it very hard to support them.

I'm a strong supporter of the FFSA and beleive that the State needs the FFSA, but something needs to be done to bring back the trust from clubs, players and parents. A start would be - reliable, consistent and early information.

[Easy Tiger]

The question is...do FFSA care about the clubs or not? If they do, they are not good at showing it.

[southern]

juniorsupporter, please stop always playing devil's advocate and defend FFSA! People keep voicing their frustration but reading your comments it seems that everything is great and FFSA are doing a good job. I agree that sometimes the tones here are a bit over the top, but most ppl make good points and it's VERY CLEAR how unhappy ppl are with FFSA.

The question is...do FFSA care about the clubs or not? If they do, they are not good at showing it.

Just go and talk to ppl at clubs - your nickname indicates that you care about juniors...and most ppl will tell you that they can't stand FFSA, that the state coaches are arrogant, that they don't care about clubs, that this and that is wrong etc. etc. etc. There are a lot of true football people out there who know what they are talking about, with a lot of experience with boys, overseas etc. and have daughters playing for women's clubs too. Go and talk to them and hear what people really feel. This is what FFSA should be doing, listen to clubs!

I don't know exactly how to fix it but it's not my job. Instead they get paid, it's their job to run football and if most ppl think they are clowns...what does it mean? If you run a company and most employees think you are a disgrace, do you think you are doing a good job? FFSA make the Gillard government look popular

[johnydep]

Read this; http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/vi ... =4&t=65160

[juniorsupporter]

Bad Egg, clearly everything is not great- I do share some of your frustrations believe it or not. And it may seem like I'm a lone voice, often defending FFSA. I certainly feel as if things have changed in the game over the last few years in the women's game and not for the better(I don't claim to be paying attention to the men's game- they have enough people paying attention to it). - I personally don't think that combining with the men's programs under the same umbrella organization has done the women's comp any good. But I prefer to take a more comprehensive view of the matter and not JUST blame FFSA or any one person in particular because it's never that simple, just easier to have some one thing or organization to rail against. It also allows people who are doing the yelling to claim it's none of their responsibility, not their fault at all or to walk away when things get all too hard.

I think that rather than contantly whinging about FFSA and focusing on the problem, people should be thinking about and discussing, on forums like this, what the solutions could be and what they can control. Discussing what clubs can do to attract and retain players, find and develop quality coaches, access sources of revenue and funding etc. All too often rumours get posted and people spend space and time discussing things that aren't going to happen anyway. In offering my thoughts I am sorry if I don't first acknowledge the frustrations that are being expressed in some posts. I'll try to do better next time, which is all any of us can do anyway.

[johnydep]

Bad Egg, clearly everything is not great- I do share some of your frustrations believe it or not. And it may seem like I'm a lone voice, often defending FFSA. I certainly feel as if things have changed in the game over the last few years in the women's game and not for the better(I don't claim to be paying attention to the men's game- they have enough people paying attention to it). - I personally don't think that combining with the men's programs under the same umbrella organization has done the women's comp any good. But I prefer to take a more comprehensive view of the matter and not JUST blame FFSA or any one person in particular because it's never that simple, just easier to have some one thing or organization to rail against. It also allows people who are doing the yelling to claim it's none of their responsibility, not their fault at all or to walk away when things get all too hard.

I think that rather than contantly whinging about FFSA and focusing on the problem, people should be thinking about and discussing, on forums like this, what the solutions could be and what they can control. Discussing what clubs can do to attract and retain players, find and develop quality coaches, access sources of revenue and funding etc. All too often rumours get posted and people spend space and time discussing things that aren't going to happen anyway. In offering my thoughts I am sorry if I don't first acknowledge the frustrations that are being expressed in some posts. I'll try to do better next time, which is all any of us can do anyway.

I think that a move forward in Women's football would be the creation of a 'Competition Panel'. Made up of something like - Football Director/Coach from the top three teams of the top three leagues, with representatives from the FFSA, NTC and Adelaide United Women's team.

That would make a panel of 12 - 15 people; discussing, planing and implementing ideas and structure for the betterment of Women's football in SA.

The panel would have to be voluntary and meet on a regular basis before the season starts to bring in required structure, and then during the season to monitor and implement any changes until the best system is found.

I know it sounds like a dream, but under the right leadership it can be done. Bring in the FFA to help lead it. We can't keep going the way we're going, our State is just not developing enough players.

Thoughts, ideas?

[here we go]

Some good points being discussed here.

The FFSA still appears to put a lot of resources in this "pathway", but realistically it’s a very bumpy path that lacks structure and direction. The realities of today are that without a defined strategic plan, long term goals cannot be defined nor met. A lack of procedure and policy provides no way of being able to assess player development. Put simply can anyone please show me the program that they receive when their child is selected into one of these squads? The parents that help fund this pathway have no way of knowing if their sons / daughters are "developing". Most secondary schools today are able to provide you with such programs for each subject undertaken.

How is performance / development measured?
Are we looking to develop all the players in ELITE squads, or have a select few got all the attention?

If you ask parents who are involved you will find the feedback disturbing. Does the FFSA ever ask for feedback? And if so how do we know what they will act on any suggestions? Surely this "program" needs to deliver best practice principles aligned with our national body or better yet principles from leading nations. Surely the position on a table at a competition held once a year isn't the only KPI?

Further to this; ELITE squads' depth is only as strong as the competition that produces these players. If we do not increase player numbers at club level the long term viability of the competition is at best perilous.

Clubs are often asked for feedback and to this end having a panel of volunteers from clubs meeting regularly would provide suggestions back to the FFSA. Working together with other clubs of the field can foster a stronger competition by implementing common strategies. Let’s face it no good being the "best club in SA" if you have no competition to play in!! The long term viability of our competition has to have solid footing and structure so we can delivery nation leading performance.

[SAD GAL]

Foundations to support player development at club level is critical.

It is not the responsibility of the federation to develop players that come off a very low base (compared to equivalent interstate players). Their role is to provide the fora in which players of exceptional ability can get access to complementary training (ie sports science, nutritional and world class training methods).

I’ve been a critic of SAS in the past however, the coach back then had a group of pretty good players and although they had a skills base that was probably not as advanced as he would have seen interstate, he spent copious hours of training getting players to increase skills level. The try and develop a game plan for players to showcase their abilities.

This is wrong. The energies should have been spent at putting the incising on the cake.

Clubs don’t have the resources or player commitment (10% of playing group would welcome advanced and high quality training - others will leave and go to another club to do bare minimum. FACT!) to develop a strong base.

I don’t have the answers. It’s a cultural thing in women’s soccer and it will take a long time to change it. I have thoughts tho.

That’s why the premier league should ONLY have teams that are willing to meet standards. Assessable by qualified persons.

Other teams struggling to reach the standards should be placed in an appropriate league until they develop the framework to move in to Prems. It may mean only 4 teams play in prems. so be it. Set up games against boys and use it as an elite comp for the players.

[johnydep]

The FFSA still appears to put a lot of resources in this "pathway", but realistically it’s a very bumpy path that lacks structure and direction. The realities of today are that without a defined strategic plan, long term goals cannot be defined nor met. A lack of procedure and policy provides no way of being able to assess player development. Put simply can anyone please show me the program that they receive when their child is selected into one of these squads? The parents that help fund this pathway have no way of knowing if their sons / daughters are "developing". Most secondary schools today are able to provide you with such programs for each subject undertaken.

How is performance / development measured...................

I beleive that the FFSA should split into two separate organisations, under one roof:

• 1) Administration, promotion and growth of the sport.
  
  2) State, Elite and Development squad centre.

Reasons include; better budget and resource control and distribution, easier identification of internal strengths and weaknesses, manageability and accountability, etc.

There are a few schools with good soccer programs, the FFSA once helped out but I'm not sure what goes on now. I'm guessing that their isn't too much involvement because the schools seem to have a better development process. Sadly, as far as I know, it's only for the boys.

My son goes to Blackfriars Priory School, he has been involved in their soccer program for a few years and I have found it very impressive. We had a Parent/Teachers night and chose to speak to his soccer teacher - wow. Full list of subjects and projects completed in the program, including Referee licence, sport science, job spin-offs, game formation and strategies, FFA pathway/curriculum.

All from 2 or 3 lessons per week, very impressive.

This is how young players learn to be elite sports people; practical and theory, feedback, reports, assessment, parent updates, etc.

Well done Blackfriars and any other school that has such programs, I beleive - Gleeson and Unley High schools. Hopefully it spreads to our State soccer programs.

Elite Soccer Program

For over 25 years soccer has been a popular and successful co-curricular sport at Blackfriars.

In 2013 Blackfriars introduced a specialised Elite Soccer Program to the curriculum. The Year 9 program trialled during 2012 was very successful and has resulted in enormous interest at additional year levels. In 2013, the specialised program will be available for students in Years 5-10. The program will be run by Adelaide City National Soccer League player, State League Championship winning coach and Blackfriars Priory School old scholar, Ernie Luongo.

All students in Years 5 and 6 will participate in the program comprising of 2 lessons per week during Semester 1.

In Years 7-10 the program will be offered as an elective to students who have an interest and demonstrated ability in Soccer. Students are expected to place school soccer as a priority over club soccer and where more than 20 students choose the elective program, selection will be on merit. The elective program comprises of 3 lessons per week and offered during Semester 2.