Football Tasmania is excited to launch two new Tasmanian youth football leagues to increase development opportunities for talented players.
The WSL & NPL Development Leagues, for Under 15 female players and Under 17 male players respectively, aim to help talented players to reach the highest levels of the World Game both in the state and further abroad.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said the competitions were designed to increase opportunities for talented young players to play more games against the best opponents in the state.
“Football Tasmania is committed to increasing opportunities and pathways for our best young players to reach the highest levels of our game,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“The WSL and NPL Development Leagues are a prime example of this and will see boys and girls from across the state testing their skills against each other on a more regular basis, in addition to their regular club fixtures.
“These new leagues align with Football Australia’s ‘XI Principles’ document, which identified the need for our young players to spend more time on the pitch in competitive environments.
“It’s great to have strong buy-in from NPL and WSL clubs across the state, and we look forward to seeing both leagues grow over the coming years.
The NPL (National Premier League) Development League, an Under 17 competition for male youth players, will kick off on 19 February.
The WSL (Women’s Super League) Development League, an Under 15 competition for female youth players will commence the following weekend.
Both competitions will be contested in a round-robin format, with finals to be played on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June.
Quick facts
NPL Development League
- Seven teams: Glenorchy Knights, South Hobart, Kingborough, Launceston City, Olympia, Clarence Zebras, Riverside Olympic
- Under 17 competition (three under 18 players allowed)
- Kicks off 19 February
- Round robin format with final to be held Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
WSL Development League
- Five teams: Clarence Zebras, Launceston United, Kingborough, South Hobart, Taroona FC
- Under 15 competition (three under 16 players allowed)
- Kicks off 26 February
- Round robin format with final to be held Queen’s Birthday long weekend.