The SAP program was introduced by FNSW and the FFA as an elite development program for juniors, designed to give them opportunity to learn the key skills and techniques needed in football. It follows inline with the similair methodology as elite clubs within Europe.
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The Skills Acquisition Program is designed to give a clear, professionally delivered development opportunity for young footballers in NSW which underpins the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s system.
The program is run over a 40-week structure with a specific curriculum that is designed to teach the players the necessary skills, techniques and learnings that is needed to succeed at a high level. Though it is not just the on field structure that is key but also the attitude, behaviour, discipline and drive from the young players themselves.
Currently SAP caters for U9, U10, U11 and 12s squads which train 3 times a week with a non competition game on the weekend against other SAP clubs.
The coaches are fully qualified with the FFA, and are specifically chosen for their ability to teach at this elite level but also taking in mind the age of the players that they are dealing with.
The program in its entirety ensures that the curriculum is being followed to FFA and Sharks requirements. Several reviews are conducted by FNSW throughout the year to ensure that program is being followed and to assist with future development of the program.
To be involved in the SAP program trials are held at the end of each year and the highest performers in each age group are selected. The Sharks have an in area rule for the SAP program in which players must reside within the Sutherland Shire.
Being that the Sutherland Shire has such a rich quantity of players coming from our local clubs those that miss out are then filtered into our Development Program (SDS) which is the next tier within the club and provides training for those eager to better themselves and look to take the next step.
As the program reaches the decade mark the Sharks are seeing the benefits of the program and the pathway and players it creates.