Want to know what Victoria is doing to identify and develop the next generation of Westfield Matildas? Let us introduce you to the National Training Centre (NTC).
The highest level of competition in female football in Victoria is currently the National Premier Leagues for Women (NPLW). The NPLW starts from an U12 level and continues all the way up to a Senior competition.
The NTC Girls this season participate U16, U19 and Senior competition of NPLW. Entry into the NTC Program is based on trials after being scouted by FV Technical staff or nominations from Club Technical Directors. The NTC Girls Coaches are responsible for taking the state team to represent Victoria at National Championships every year at the U14, U15 and U17 level. It is important to note that players who do not make it into the program at the beginning of the year are still monitored for nationals as the opportunity to go to nationals is not only for those in the program.
From these pathways, players may then be recognised for National Team Representation, Westfield W-League or opportunities overseas. It is also important to note that there is no singular avenue into elite football as there are also opportunities external to the pathways mentioned above.
The website is updated throughout the year to reflect any updates to the NTC program, trials and tournaments.
The FFA National Youth Championships (NYC) is the National Competition for the U14 and U15 age groups (2004 & 2005 born players in 2019). This will be held at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour. State squads across Australia will compete in the week long tournament. The FFA National Youth Championships is used as a platform to showcase talented players and assist National Team Coaches in the identification of potential Westfield Junior Matildas, Westfield Young Matildas and Westfield Matildas.