Info For Clubs

Are you club looking for more info about the NERL Academy? Read on to learn more.

NERL Academy: A Guide for Clubs

This guide aims to answer common questions about the program while clarifying the role of the NERL Academy—what it does and does not do. Our goal is to help Clubs and their volunteers better understand the program. The NERL Academy is built around the individual player: selection is based on talent, not club affiliation.

The NERL Academy is a development pathway, not a replacement for club football. It complements the good work clubs are already doing, raises standards, and prepares players for higher levels
of the game.

Important Information & Guidelines:

  1. Impartial & Honest – The NERL Academy is committed to remaining impartial and transparent in all interactions with NERL Clubs and their players. No club or player receives, or will ever receive, preferential treatment within the program.
     
  2. Facility Use – The Academy does not manage the MDL facility or pitch access. All slot and booking requests must go directly to the MDL. 
     
  3. Eligibility & Membership – Participation in the NERL Academy is limited to players registered with NERL clubs. Membership begins once a player accepts an invitation to an Open Training Session or is selected for an Academy squad. 
     
  4. Selection Criteria – Evaluation details are not shared with Clubs or Players. Academy Staff have the right to select players suitable for the program based on their own professional judgement.
     
  5. Selection Basis – To be eligible for the NERL Academy, players must be registered with an NERL Club. Selection is based solely on individual talent and potential. The following factors are not considered in the selection process: 
    • Club, Team, or League standings 
    • Length of time the player or club has been registered with NERL

  6.  Selective Participation – Once an invitation is issued, clubs may not withhold or selectively
    choose which players to send. All invited players must be released to the Academy (NERL Constitution & Rules, 2025).

  7. NERL Academy Competitive Games – Players selected for competitive Emerging Talent (Academy) games may not participate in any other match on the day of, or within the two days prior to, the scheduled Academy game, unless granted permission by the Executive Committee. Any player who breaches this rule will be suspended until appearing before the Executive Committee. Clubs are required to make every effort to ensure compliance with this rule (NERL Constitution & Rules, 2025).

  8. Club Communication – Each club is responsible for determining how to inform its players and members about the NERL Academy and its operations. Clubs may choose the communication methods that best suit their organization. This website serves as a strong starting point for that communication.

  9. Open Training Sessions – When clubs receive an invitation from the NERL Academy to submit players for Open Training Sessions, they must review the criteria guidelines provided in the email and accompanying links before responding. 

    Please Note: We do not allow any Club to get preferential treatment around how many players they can submit, the limit will be on the form sent to clubs.

    Q: One of the most common questions we receive about this process is: “How should clubs select High Potential players for the Block Open Training Sessions?”

    A: Clubs have the discretion to select players in the manner they feel is most appropriate. Some delegate this responsibility to the coach, while others use an internal club process. We simply ask that you put forward the players you believe show the highest potential. There is no perfect formula — the goal is to provide your most talented players with the opportunity to be recognized, rewarded for their abilities, and potentially represent their club on a national stage in the future.

    Please note: Open Training Sessions for a new Academy squad is only the first step in a five-year process. Academy staff are continually observing club games to identify players for the program.

  10. Clubs’ Role – We ask that clubs respect Academy processes. The Academy exists to benefit players by supporting clubs in developing their high-potential talent while also raising overall standards across the League.
    • During NERL Academy events, clubs may not approach or attempt to influence players regarding transfers or training opportunities with another club. Any breach of this rule will result in a formal complaint being raised with the League.

  11. Commitment – 80% attendance is required for continued eligibility in every Academy Squad, every Term. There are no exceptions made to this rule. If Players can’t attend training, we can’t develop them. It’s that simple.