What is the Junior Development League (Mixed JDL)?
Manly United’s Mixed JDL football development program offers Football Australia’s Skill Acquisition Phase Training (based on the National Curriculum) for talented boys and girls entering the Football NSW/Football Australia representative player pathway. The focus is on core skill development and lays the foundation for players moving into the next football development phase (game training) and the Football NSW Boys Youth League competitions.
Manly United holds two Mixed JDL licences, Manly United FC and Manly Warringah FA.
What does the Junior Development League involve?
Manly United’s Mixed JDL is a 40 week program for boys, with limited positions for girls. Mixed JDL runs from January to September. The players train three nights a week and represent either Manly United FC or Manly Warringah FA in the Football NSW Mixed JDL League. Matches are played from March to August.
What is the eligibility criteria for Mixed JDL?
Our Mixed JDL players must reside within the boundaries of the JDL North Zone, which consists of the following local associations: Manly Warringah FA (MWFA), Northern Suburbs FA, North West Sydney Football & Central Coast Football. Proof of residency is required upon selection, which is a rule set by Football NSW (FNSW).
Can my daughter play in Mixed (Boys) JDL?
Girls can play in the Mixed (Boys) JDL program. All trialists are considered on their merits as is consistent with the trial procedure.
Can my child register for Mixed JDL and their local Manly Warringah FA (MWFA) team in the same season?
Players are not permitted to register for more than one club in the same season. This is a FNSW/Football Australia regulation.
How many players are in each Mixed JDL age group?
Mixed JDL U9: 2 squads of 16 players (games are 7 v 7)
Mixed JDL U10: 2 squads of 20 players (games are 9 v 9)
Mixed JDL U11: 2 squads of 20 players (games are 9 v 9)
Mixed JDL U12: 2 squads of 20 players (games are 9 v 9)
How are the Mixed JDL trials conducted?
Mixed JDL positions will be offered to current Development Squad players at the correct ability level. If a larger trial is required for Mixed JDL and Development Squad, it will follow a certain structure. Following the first trial (Day 1), players who have been identified to continue in the trial process will be invited to attend Day 2. Following the Day 2 trials, players who have been identified to continue in the trial process will be invited to attend Day 3, and so on until the Mixed JDL and Development Squads have been finalised.
Please be aware that ongoing assessment occurs during the season. Player reports and regular updates, including attendance, commitment, attitude, work ethic and technical skill, are all taken into account when deciding on final squad positions.
How often do the Mixed JDL teams train?
All Mixed JDL squads return to post-Christmas (in season) training in late January. Mixed JDL training occurs three times per week.
When do the Mixed JDL teams play games?
Home games are usually played on Saturdays and will be at Cromer Park, using either Field 1 or Field 2. Our U9s and U10s play two games, normally at 8.30am and 9.30am, while our U11s and U12s also play two games, usually at 10.30am and 11.30am.
Kickoff times for away games are determined by the opposition clubs. Away games can be on either Saturday on Sunday, depending on the preference of the opposition.
Who coaches in the Mixed JDL program?
All Mixed JDL coaches hold a C Youth Diploma, which is the minimum qualification required by FNSW. Additionally, all coaching staff at Manly United and Manly Warringah FA hold a Working with Children Check. Goalkeeper training is offered where appropriate.
Mixed JDL is overseen by the Manly United Men’s Technical Director, Jason Bennett, and Manly Warringah FA Technical Director, Joe Fox.