What is the Junior Development League?
The Junior Development League (JDL) provides talented young players with high-quality training and competitive matches as they enter the Football NSW and Football Australia representative player pathway.
The program focuses on developing each player’s core football skills and preparing them for progression into the Football NSW Youth League competitions.
NWS Spirit FC holds licences to participate in:
- Mixed JDL – mixed teams open to boys and girls
- Girls JDL – girls-only teams
Click here to submit an EOI for our 2027 JDL program!
Further information about the Junior Development Leagues is available on the Football NSW website.
What does the JDL program involve?
JDL is a 40-week program running from January to the end of September each year.
Players:
- Train three times per week
- Represent NWS Spirit FC in the Football NSW Mixed JDL or Girls JDL competition
- Play weekend matches from March to August
- Play home matches at Christie Park
Matches may be scheduled on either Saturdays or Sundays.
Who is eligible?
Players must live within the Football NSW JDL North Zone, which includes the following local football associations:
- North West Sydney Football
- Central Coast Football
- Northern Suburbs Football Association
- Manly Warringah Football Association
Football NSW requires players to provide proof of residency if selected.
Age Groups and Squad Sizes
Mixed JDL
| Age group | Squad structure | Match format |
|---|---|---|
| Under 9 | Two squads of 8 players each - 16 total | 7 v 7 |
| Under 10 | Two squads of 10 players each - 20 total | 9 v 9 |
| Under 11 | Two squads of 10 players each - 20 total | 9 v 9 |
| Under 12 | Two squads of 10 players each - 20 total | 9 v 9 |
Girls JDL
| Age group | Squad size | Match format |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 | 14 players | 9 v 9 |
| Under 11 | 14 players | 9 v 9 |
| Under 12 | 14 players | 9 v 9 |
| Under 13 | 14 players | 9 v 9 |
How are players selected?
Positions may initially be offered to eligible returning JDL players and current NWS Spirit FC Academy players who demonstrate the required ability.
Open trials are then held in September each year, subject to the Football NSW trial window. These trials are open to all other eligible players seeking selection.
Trials for the 2027 Season
The following trials are scheduled at Christie Park:
- Girls JDL – Under 10, Under 11, Under 12 and Under 13: Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Mixed JDL – Under 9, Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12: Monday, 14 September 2026
Players must register their interest before attending. Registered trialists will receive further information, including session times and trial requirements, closer to the relevant date.
How often do JDL teams train?
All JDL squads train three times per week throughout the 40-week program, which runs from January to September.
When are matches played?
Competition matches are played from March to August and may be scheduled on either Saturday or Sunday.
NWS Spirit FC’s home matches are played at Christie Park.
Who coaches the JDL teams?
All NWS Spirit FC JDL coaches meet the minimum qualification requirements established by Football NSW and hold at least a C Youth Diploma.
Every coach also holds a current Working with Children Check.