The largest off-season junior football competition on the Central Coast completed a third successful event with a grand finale that saw hundreds of players and supporters converge on Ettalong Oval to compete for trophies and medals.
The Football Development League (FDL) and the Women’s Football Development League (WFDL) were established to provide a professional platform and playing environment for teams and players to continue their development outside of the regular soccer season.
With 78 teams and 635 players registered and participating, more than 1,000 players and parents attended Ettalong oval including the first all-women’s league boasting 18 teams.
The league has now become the largest off-season grass football competition on the Coast with teams playing across nine pitches, from under-six to under-16.
Running for six Saturdays at the same time and same place, the competition saw teams play two 26-minute back-to-back games.
Referees helped coach younger age groups helping them take throw-ins and corners which is not introduced until under-eights in club soccer, meaning FDL players are getting a head start and are developing faster.
With great local business sponsorship and support of the event, the leagues now employ 19 staff members, a third being under 18 years old, which offers great employment opportunities.