NIAS: Changes made to 2021-22 football program

The NIAS Football Club was first introduced into the academy at the beginning of 2021 and ran in alignment with the football season.

The program is the largest sporting program operating at the Academy, with age groups ranging from under-7 to under-16.

In 2021/2022 there are four key sporting programs that will operate under the football branch.

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The junior development program will be in operation for those turning seven or eight years old in 2022.

The skill acquisition program operates for players in the under-9 to under-11 age groups.

This program targets improving players' skills through two training sessions each week for the duration of the 40-week program.

These two programs featured in NIAS FC in 2021.

The NIAS sports programs and events manager, Brent Hartley, said: "One major change for the junior program and the SAP program in 2022 will be to have the players gain additional skill acquisition through [training with] NIAS FC, whilst then going and playing in clubland of a weekend.

"We are excited to implement this change for next year's programs and work with clubs further."

New to NIAS FC this year will be the Junior Development League, on offer for players in the under-11 and under-12 age groups.

The Junior Development League will focus on developing players' skills, with players also involved in the JDL weekly competition taking place in and outside of Newcastle.

This is an exciting opportunity for players within our region to play regularly against competitors from outside our region.

The final program offered is for players in the under-13 to under-18 age groups who want to hone their holistic development - not only as a players but as athletes.

This program includes training sessions, while home and away matches are played in and outside of Newcastle against teams from that area.

All squads in these programs have access to regional gala days and the annual NIAS awards night, with additional support provided by the academy including athlete education for the older age groups.

Players wanting to apply for the football program may do so by visiting nias.org.au and submitting their application prior to the end of September.

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