At NWS Spirit FC, we believe match minutes are a vital part of player development. Matches provide opportunities for players to apply skills learned in training, develop their NWSF DNA qualities, and gain valuable experience as part of their football menu. Match minutes also serve as a tool for players to understand how their attitude, effort, and performance in training influence their role on matchdays.
This policy outlines our approach to match minutes across the Junior Development League (JDL) and Youth League (YL), balancing individual development with team objectives.
At NWS Spirit FC, we believe match minutes are a vital part of player development. Matches provide opportunities for players to apply skills learned in training, develop their NWSF DNA qualities, and gain valuable experience as part of their football menu. Match minutes also serve as a tool for players to understand how their attitude, effort, and performance in training influence their role on matchdays.
This policy outlines our approach to match minutes across the Junior Development League (JDL) and Youth League (YL), balancing individual development with team objectives.
General notes
- Players are expected to demonstrate consistent effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to club values in training and matches. Match minutes are influenced by these factors, helping players connect their behaviors to their opportunities.
- Where required, coaches will communicate the rationale behind match minutes to players and parents. In acknowledgment that match days can be times of high stress for all, these conversations will take place during the training week. This helps all parties be able to discuss this in a safe space with greater time available for the conversation itself.
- Players can request feedback on how to improve their match minutes through IDP nights, or discussions with coaches. It is recommended they approach the coach to organise a time for such conversations.
- The club emphasises to coaches that the decision-making of match minutes should prioritize long-term player development over short-term results, especially in junior age groups.
- The club also highlights that in the development of players specifically in the Youth League programs, it is important that they understand that match minutes are earned, not given. Accordingly, players will experience matches, and periods of seasons, where they have less match minutes than they are typically used to. These are important learning periods for players to develop towards senior and elite environments.
- Players returning from injury or extended absences may have adjusted match minutes as they regain fitness and form.
Junior Development League (JDL)
- JDL players receive a minimum of 60% match time across the season, including pre-season trials, friendly matches and tournaments.
- Predetermined substitutes are planned for match days.
- Additional substitutions may be made as required to adapt to match and player circumstances.
- Rather than selecting A/B teams, players are mixed between squads and positions. We believe Rotating players between squads and positions helps develop versatility, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the game, which is far more beneficial for players’ long-term development. This is an evidence-based approach that is common in world class academies.
Youth League (YL)
- YL players from U13s to U15s receive a minimum of 60% of the available match minutes within their current age group, per round available. This is tracked across the season, including pre-season trials, friendly matches and tournaments.
- This does not refer to each individual match i.e. players do not necessarily play 60% of minutes in every match, but the total tallied across the season will be a minimum of 60%.
- The 60% minimum is based on their age; i.e. a 14 year old will receive 60% of the 70 minutes in U14s matches.
- The exception to the 60% is when there are two goalkeepers in a squad; these players may be at 50%
- In these age groups, players move more frequently between age groups and are given opportunities to play across. Accordingly, the calculation of the minimum percentage is linked to their current age group and each round, rather than individual matches.
- In these age groups, players will naturally move towards positions they are able to play in more than others. Typically, as players get older, they will play in less positions. It is important to note this will mean that some players will receive more game time than others due to ability to play in certain positions.
- Players in these age groups can begin to “earn” more game time than the minimum with improving performances and demonstrating positive application towards their development.
- YL players in U16s and U18s follow the same policy but at a minimum of 50%.
- The intent is to still achieve a similar number as above, with consideration given to players’ relative age, maturity, and readiness for senior football, while also recognising that there is a need to understand the expectations of senior environments, where there is no guaranteed match minutes.
- To follow the previous example, a 16 year old will receive 60% of the 80 minutes in U16s matches
- Generally, match minute expectations decrease as players progress through youth age groups, preparing them for Senior football, where playing time is performance-based.
Mixed Youth League (MYL)
The MYL competes in a league with a club championship and promotion/relegation system. Accordingly, it is important to note players may receive significantly reduced playing time in certain matches, depending on team needs and competition dynamics. This approach introduces players to the realities of performance environments. It helps players understand the competitive nature of football and prepares them for the demands of Senior football.
Exceptions
Within this policy, exceptions may be considered by coaches and leadership staff. These exceptions include injuries, poor attitude, and breaches of club expectations. Where a player loses out on game time due to any of the above exceptions, extra game time is not necessarily, or immediately, afforded/equalised in future matches. Where possible, this will be aligned to the above policies.
Data collection
- Match minutes, including minutes played by position, are collected by team managers, using the SubTime app.
- This data is submitted to team coaches post-match.
- This data is entered into club spreadsheets for calculation of seasonal averages.
- These spreadsheets can only be viewed by coaches and leadership staff.
- Match minutes are available on request from parents, but only for their specific child. No match minutes of other players, or team data, will be made available to any parents or players.
Summary
NWS Spirit FC’s match minutes policy aims to balance individual development with team objectives. It reflects our commitment to fostering a positive environment where players grow as players and people, while preparing for the demands of higher levels of football. This approach supports our mission to create clear pathways for player progression, helping them transition smoothly to higher levels of elite football.