The end of the 2022 season also marks a milestone in the history of Football Canterbury: the conclusion of the inaugural season of the CDSFA Representative League.
With the need for an elite-level competition at association level identified, the Rep League was launched at the start of this season to give players competing in CDSFA competitions the opportunity to play and train at a higher level.
As it was the first year, the 2022 Rep League was a pilot program with a shortened season to allow everyone involved to assess the success and viability of such a competition.
The observations, analysis, and direct feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with administrators, players, coaches, and Game Leaders all backing the program to return in an expanded capacity in 2023.
What are the benefits of the CDSFA Representative League
As well as the more obvious advantages of having an elite player program reserved solely for CDSFA players, there were several other tangible and specific benefits that were observed over the course of the season.
- By training and playing with/against players of a higher level, individual players were challenged to play at a higher level than usual. This led to an increased speed of development
- The Rep League created a fantastic environment for development. With qualified coaches and a structured training program using the best practices of teaching for players to improve as much as possible, specifically on the four core skills:
- 1v1 (attacking and defending)
- Running with ball
- Striking/passing
- First touch
- The matches where in small sided format, ensuring quicker movement and tighter ball control was required: enabling the players to develop and demonstrate their technical skills. This is opposed to playing on a full-sized pitch where it becomes more about physicality with size and power and less about technical football skill development
- It was observed that parents were significantly less vocal at Rep League matches compared to regular club matches. This then allowed coaches and Game Leaders to teach effectively as players were not receiving mixed messages from parents. The players were the ones who benefited most from this
- The Rep League allowed talented players who were playing in lower divisions (especially from smaller clubs who don’t have Division 1 or Division 2 teams) to be discovered and benefit from high level coaching and competition
What will the CDSFA Representative League look like next year
This year the Rep League had one training session every fortnight (scheduled not to clash with club training) and four match days between the hubs.
There were four hubs (North West, North East, South East, and South West) with U11 Girls, U13 Girls, U10 Boys, and U12 Boys age groups.
The 2023 Rep League will be expanded with up to seven match days plus additional training sessions over the entire season. As was the case this season, the 2023 season will also culminate with games against outside associations to increase development and add a new challenge.
Can I play in next year’s CDSFA Representative League?
To be eligible for the Rep League you must register and play in a CDSFA competition in 2023, so if you intend to play for a CDSFA club next year, you are eligible to nominate to trial.
Please note that if you do not end up registering for a CDSFA club in 2023, you will no longer be eligible for selection in the Rep League.
Age groups being considered are:
- U11 Girls
- U12 Girls
- U13 Girls
- U9 Mixed
- U10 Mixed
- U11 Mixed
- U12 Mixed
CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN TRIALS FOR THE 2023 REP LEAGUE
Please note that trials will be held in 2023. Coaches have been appointed and will be announced shortly. Please direct any questions to andrew@footballcanterbury.com.au
Feedback on the 2022 CDSFA Representative League
“The CDSFA Rep League is a great initiative to give these kids an opportunity to play against the best kids in their age group which they would not have otherwise had being at a small club. All four players from out club have really enjoyed the experience and the challenge.
“The extra training has helped Lucas read the game better and has also allowed them to form new friendships. I noticed both Lucas and Benjamin chatting away to Rep teammate, Mohsin, from another club as they were presented with their CDSFA medallions last weekend at the junior presentation round. It was quite nice to see them wearing their Rep League jackets with pride on the day.”
From Kylie, a club executive and parent of two players in the Rep League.
“I have witnessed Ibrahim’s self-esteem improve quite significantly since being selected to play in the CDSFA Representative League. To be selected in a rep team in its inaugural competition this year was massive as he didn’t believe he could make it, considering he is playing in the Division 6 team at Punchbowl.
“Ibrahim has worn his rep jersey and jacket with pride this year whilst attending social gatherings and kicking the ball around in the backyard. It has really lifted his spirits and I commend Football Canterbury for launching this representative league and putting a smile on Ibby’s face.”
From Hala, a parent of a Rep League player.
“Bobby was a bit nervous at the trials but obviously he did well enough to be picked. It was hard for him at the start not knowing anyone but by the end he really enjoyed it. The coach at training was hard but fair and the level was very challenging especially the pace of the games. He scored a screamer in the second last game so was very happy with that.”
From Peter, a parent of a Rep League player.
Feature image credit: Photographed with Love
