What does the Skill Acquisition Phase focus on in the JDL?

Players in the JDL fit within Football Australia's Skill Acquisition Phase of the player development pathway. That phase focuses on individual player development, and performance is assessed on player involvement, technical advancement, mental engagement and enjoyment of the game.

Football NSW says the philosophy, behaviours and structures it recommends are consistent with the Football Australia National Curriculum and centre on four core skills:

1. 1 v 1 attacking and defending
2. First touch
3. Running with the ball
4. Passing/striking the ball

Football NSW Technical Advisors attend club meetings, training sessions and matchdays each season to support and evaluate clubs. Football NSW's stated aim is for all JDL programs to reach Silver status as a minimum under its Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework.

Sources: Football NSW Junior Development Leagues page (footballnsw.com.au/competitions/skill-acquisition-program/); Football NSW JDL Parent Information, March 2025.