A-League National Youth League

Countries	Australia
Confederation	AFC
Founded	2008
Number of teams	9
Current champions	Sydney FC (2008-09)
Most championships	Sydney FC (1)
Website	http://www.y-league.com.au/
National Youth League 2009–10

The A-League National Youth League is a Australian national football (soccer) league run in parallel to the A-League. The aim of a league is to provide a pathway for young players and state league players to play regular high-level football, and allow reserve players from senior A-League teams to remain match fit. The league was announced by Football Federation Australia at the start of March 2008, and the inaugural league started in August 2008 alongside the A-League 2008–09 season.^[1][2] Although in a July interview with Ben Buckley, he stated the competition would start in September, after the finish of the various state leagues.^[3]

On 21 February 2009, Sydney FC were the inaugural winners of the National Youth League, defeating Adelaide United in the final 2-0. The goals were scored by defender Ibrahim Haydar and striker Robbie Mileski in either half.

Contents 1 Format 1.1 Player regulations 2 Teams 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Format

The season has a 27 round format which runs in parallel with the A-League. Due to the odd number of teams, each club only plays 24 games, with 3 bye rounds.

[edit] Player regulations

Each club contracts a squad of about 14 Youth Development Players. Players must be between the ages of 16 and 21 as of 1 January in the year the season commences. Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) are also allowed to be selected, usually these coming from the senior team. Each youth player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time.^[1]

These players can be any Australian player within the age group. A-League clubs must draw replacement players for their senior teams from the Youth League squad, except under certain circumstances.^[1] Such would include severe injuries to over-age players where an injury replacement player is able to be signed.

[edit] Teams

Team	City	Entered Competition
Adelaide United	Adelaide, SA	2008-09 -
Australian Institute of Sport	Canberra, ACT	2009-10 -
Brisbane Roar	Brisbane, Qld	2008-09 -
Central Coast Mariners	Gosford, NSW	2008-09 -
Gold Coast United	Gold Coast, Qld	2009-10 -
Melbourne Victory	Melbourne, Vic	2008-09 -
Newcastle Jets	Newcastle, NSW	2008-09 -
Perth Glory	Perth, WA	2008-09 -
Sydney FC	Sydney, NSW	2008-09 -

Wellington Phoenix had considered having a Youth League team based in Canberra,^[4] but later put these plans on hold.^[5]

A Tasmanian youth team, organised by Football Federation Tasmania, played four friendly matches against A-League youth teams during the 2008–09 season.^[6]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• A-League official website

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v • d • e A-League National Youth League Seasons 2008–09 · 2009–10 Teams Adelaide United • Australian Institute of Sport • Brisbane Roar • Central Coast Mariners  Gold Coast United • Melbourne Victory • Newcastle Jets • Perth Glory • Sydney FC