FOUR junior teams from Newcastle will join sixteen teams from across the State for the annual National Skill Acquisition Phase (NSAP) festival in Devonport this weekend.
Around 200 boys and girls from under-10s to under-13s will take part in a nine-aside round-robin tournament over two days, representing Tasmanian clubs Devonport City Strikers, Launceston City, Clarence Zebras, Riverside Olympic, South Hobart, and Kingborough Lions, along with those in development programs affiliated with the A-League side Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets technical director Gary van Egmond said it was important for their developing players to experience travelling to and playing in different tournaments, including meeting new people and making new friends.
"It's great for [the players] to go there and meet other kids and experience a tournament outside of Newcastle," he said.
"It's not about winning or losing, it's about the enjoyment of football."
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said: "The Festival will provide an opportunity to measure the development of all players, as well as offer the chance to make friendships that will endure into the future.
"As players, teams and clubs prepare for the 2023 season, in what is a critically important phase of development for all young players, we wish teams all the very best and we're confident that the games will have a big impact on their ongoing development.
"I'd also like to recognise the match officials who will be present over the weekend - they too are developing in their craft, and we wish them a successful and educational tournament."
The event is organised by Football Tasmania, sponsored by the Devonport City Council and McDonald's, and supported by the Devonport City Strikers FC.
Click to see the festival program.