PATHWAYS – Football NT

FOOTBALL NT PATHWAYS

At Football NT, in partnership with Football Australia, we are committed to identifying, developing, and supporting the next generation of Territory talent.

Our pathway programs provide players, coaches, and families with a clear development journey, from foundational skill development through to state and national representation.

PROGRAM PILLARS

All Football NT pathway programs are built around four key pillars designed to develop well-rounded athletes and people.

Technical Development
Improving ball mastery, execution, and individual quality.

Game Understanding
Developing tactical awareness, decision-making, and football intelligence.

Physical Performance
Building athletic qualities required for modern football and futsal.

Professional Habits
Creating disciplined, resilient, and accountable athletes on and off the field.

DEVELOPMENT CENTRES (U8 TO U13)

The Football NT Development Centres are designed to support players during the “Golden Age” of skill development, providing a high-quality learning environment aligned with Football Australia principles.

These programs help players transition from grassroots football into future elite pathway opportunities.

Commitment

3 term training blocks available
Up to two sessions per week available
Delivered in addition to regular club training and matches

Program Focus

Long-term technical development
Building strong football foundations
Creating confident and creative players

Core Skill Areas

Running with the Ball
1v1 Attacking & Defending
First Touch & Passing
Ball Striking & Finishing

Register Interest

EMERGING TDS PROGRAM (U14 TO U16)

The Emerging TDS Program is the primary selection pathway for players aiming to represent Football NT at Emerging Championships and Futsal Nationals.

The program is designed to prepare players for the demands of representative football and high-performance environments.

Commitment

4 term training block plus interstate or overseas tournaments
Up to three training sessions per week alongside club commitments
Athletic Development and Gym Sessions
Tactical Game Sessions
Position Specific Technical Sessions

Program Focus

Advanced technical development
Tactical understanding
Athletic performance
Match decision-making
Professional habits and behaviours

Register Interest

EMERGING CHAMPIONSHIPS (U14 TO U16)

The Emerging Championships program is Football NT’s pathway to Football Australia’s Emerging Matildas Championships for girls and Emerging Socceroos Championships for boys.

Selection

Players are identified and assessed through:

Club performances and ongoing Football NT Talent Identification
Football NT identification events and the formal TDS Talent ID Match process
Review of match performance, physical testing and player-performance data

Up to 24 players per age group may be selected for provisional squads, with a maximum of 18 players selected for each squad. Participation in Emerging TDS Program does not guarantee selection for the Emerging Championships.

Commitment

One Pre-Tournament Emerging TDS term plus the interstate Emerging Championships
Weekly athletic development, tactical training and position-specific technical sessions
Full attendance at squad training, testing, preparation matches, travel and tournament activities

Program Focus

Preparation for national-level competition
Advanced technical and tactical development
Position-specific development and match decision-making
Athletic preparation, physical testing and player monitoring
Professional habits, standards and team behaviours

Register Interest

FUTSAL NATIONALS (U14 TO U16)

Futsal Nationals (U14 to U16)

The Futsal Nationals program is the direct pathway to the National Futsal Championships held each January.

Selection

Players are identified and assessed through:

Club performances and ongoing Football NT Talent Identification
Football NT identification events and the formal Talent ID trial process
Review of match performance, physical testing and player-performance data

Up to 14 players per age group may be selected, with a maximum of 12 players selected for each squad. Participation in Emerging TDS Program does not guarantee selection for the Futsal Nationals.

Commitment

One pre-tournament Emerging TDS term plus the interstate National Championships
Weekly athletic development, tactical training and technical sessions
Full attendance at squad training, testing, preparation matches, travel and tournament activities

Program Focus

Preparation for national-level competition
Position-specific development and match decision-making
Athletic preparation, physical testing and player monitoring
Professional standards, behaviours and team culture

Register Inter

SELECTION PROCESS FOR PATHWAY PROGRAMS

Football NT uses separate selection processes for Emerging TDS Program, the Emerging Championships and the Futsal National Championships.

Players may be identified for Emerging TDS through club nominations, observation at club matches, Talent ID tournaments and pathway events, invited trial sessions, school visits and TDS Talent ID Matches. Football NT gathers football, physical and behavioural evidence before technical staff review each player’s complete profile and invite suitable players into the relevant programme.

Emerging Championships selection requires every player under consideration to complete the formal TDS Talent ID Match process. Futsal Nationals selection uses Futsal competitions, programme observation, Talent ID activities and open trials. Participation in Emerging TDS Program does not guarantee representative selection.

ONGOING TALENT IDENTIFICATION

Football NT identifies players throughout the year through club performances, Talent ID tournaments, pathway events, school visits, futsal competitions and ongoing match observation.

These activities allow technical staff to identify new talent and build player pools for future programme and representative opportunities. Players do not need to participate in Emerging TDS throughout the year to be considered for the Emerging Championships or Futsal Nationals. Each pathway has its own assessment and selection process.