About our JDL program
ESFA participates in the Football NSW Junior Development League (JDL), formally known as SAP, which is part of the talented pathway for players aged between 9-12 years of age. Our program is the designated pathway program in the Eastern Suburbs aligned with Sydney FC Academy.
Through our relationship with Sydney FC, players from our program are scouted each year to represent Sydney FC with their Youth League Academy. Furthermore, our relationship with other Youth League clubs in the Metro East area ensures our players who graduate from the program are given the best opportunity to play at the highest level.
JDL incorporates the fundamental principles of the FA National Curriculum and MiniRoos regulations, including match formats, training loads, match loads, program duration and field dimensions.
Our experienced youth developers (coaches) are all highly qualified professionals (FA/AFC Pro, A and B Diploma holders) that focus on individual development and preparing players to take the next step into youth teams.
Training sessions are designed to follow and incorporate the 4 core skills and focus on individual performance and game understanding/awareness. Emphasis is placed on development rather than winning matches, although we encourage players to develop a ‘winning mentality’ through their actions and attitude. This program is designed for players who are serious about developing their football skills and furthering themselves in the years to come.
Players are selected into the program based on their current skill level, their potential to develop the key skills required, their attitude and commitment to the program.
The overall program consists of 40 weeks (November-September following year) and children have over 100+ training sessions and 35 games during the year.
Trials dates are listed below, and players are put through several stations, along with small-sided games to highlight their individual attributes.
JDL and GJDL 2027 Expressions of Interest
To register your interest to trial with ESFA, please fill out the following link:
MIXED JDL:
https://form.jotform.com/ESFA/2027-esfa-jdl-eoi
GIRLS JDL:
https://form.jotform.com/ESFA/2027-esfa-girls-jdl-eoi
For further information please email sap@esfa.com.au (for Mixed JDL) or gsap@esfa.com.au (for Girls JDL)
In 2027, ESFA Teams will participate in the following age groups:
Mixed JDL:
- U9: boys and girls born in 2018 or 2019
- U10: boys and girls born in 2017
- U11: boys and girls born in 2016
- U12: boys and girls born in 2015
Girls JDL:
- U10: girls born in 2018 or 2017
- U11: girls born in 2016
- U12: girls born in 2015
- U13: girls born in 2014
Key Season 2026/27 dates:
- Trial Period – September onwards
- Pre Season Training November/December Tues/Thurs 1-2 times per week
- February/March Mon/Thurs 2 times per week plus trial games
- Season March until August Mon/Wed/Thurs 3 times per week plus games
Please note, fees for the program is $1,996 (2026 fees, 2027 TBC) which includes all training/matches/kit for the year.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact sap@esfa.com.au or gsap@esfa.com.au
