Pre-Academy

Learn more about how we want to develop youth football in the North East and how we can help foster youth football.

Pre-Academy

The NERL Pre-Academy is a development program designed for players from NERL clubs, typically 9/10 years old, who show potential and interest in progressing to the full NERL Academy setup. The primary goal of the Pre-Academy is to introduce players at a younger age to structured training environments, focusing on foundational skills.

The NERL Pre-Academy serves as steppingstone for young players to transition into the main NERL Academy. Players showing significant commitment and potential may, although not guaranteed, be invited to join the NERL Academy which starts at the U11 age group.

Objectives of the NERL Pre-Academy

  • To allow high-potential players within the NERL league to develop the Technical & Creative aspects of the game at a younger age.
  • Increase the contact hours High Potential Players get with qualified coaches who specialize in Youth Development.
  • An Emphasis on fundamental skills (dribbling, passing, shooting & ball control).
  • Training Sessions are focused on encouraging skill acquisition through play.

Further Information about the Pre-Academy?

  • Players selected after the Pre-Academy Open Training Sessions, will remain in the program for the entire Academy season (Generally 9-10 months)
  • A minimum of 80% attendance is required for Players to remain in the Program
  • The Pre-Academy will focus mainly on Training Sessions & Skill acquisition.
  • The SFAI do not run competitive tournaments for this age group.