Moreton Bay United’s junior boys face a different challenge this season – and it is all due to start on Friday.
The new competition structure pitches ‘best vs best’ all season and that will be a ‘major benefit’, said Jets' Technical Director Matt Poole.
A Football Queensland (FQ) Technical Working Group recommended three guiding principles for 2020 and beyond: Like vs Like; Best vs Best and for the Good of the Game.
Under the new FQ structure, clubs have been divided into three pools – NPL Shield, NPL Maroon and NPL White for the first of three ‘phases’ to the year.
NPL Shield is for the top six ranked clubs in Queensland based on a FQ Technical Audit and accumulated ladder points from Under 13-16 teams in 2019.
Jets are in that top group with Brisbane City, Brisbane Strikers, Gold Coast United, Lions, Logan Lightning and Brisbane Roar.
“To be acknowledged as one of the top six ranked programs in Queensland is a massive achievement and testament to the hard work done by the coaching staff, and the support from the club,” Matt Poole said.
“The major benefit is our players will have the opportunity to play more regularly against the other top six clubs.
“Playing against high-quality opposition each week will significantly help the development of the players and will provide consistent challenges for the coaches.”
The first round of Shield fixtures was washed out at the weekend when Jets were due to take on Gold Coast United.
Jets’ first matches will now be at Brendale this Friday (weather permitting) against Logan – Under 13 and Under 14 kick-off at 6.45pm; Under 15 and Under 16 at 8.15pm.
At the end of the six-match Shield, Jets and co will be joined by six teams (three each) from the Maroon and White groups for the 12-fixture Competition part of the season, which concludes with four-group Tournament.
The performance of Jets Under 13-16 teams this season will determine their ranking for 2021.
Technical Working Group chairman John McKain said the new structure would “provide the best environment for junior player development and for the good of the game”.
Jets also have a Gold rating for our SAP program following a submission outlining our youth development plan, coaches and qualifications and program mentoring.
“Achieving a Gold rated SAP program was the icing on the cake for the club and a great acknowledgement of the way we develop players at these fundamental ages," Matt Poole said.
“We are lucky at MBU to have coaches who are ‘club’ people who are committed to the MBU philosophy and have bought in completely to our Youth Development Plan.
“Having this culture and methodical way of working across all age-groups is essential for the development of the players."
See full junior boys structure: https://bit.ly/39llTlu