Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is to strengthen grassroots football by providing all players with the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having access to high-quality coaching and player development opportunities. In doing so, the Sutherland Shire Football Association has created the Not-for-Profit Organisation, Strikers Academy to reinforce the technical foundation for all players and coaches within SSFA, increasing player engagement and the quality of football played.
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.“
– Benjamin Franklin
Youth Tailored Football Programs
At the Strikers Academy, we provide year-round football development programs for players of all abilities within the Sutherland Shire Football Association, from age 3 to Senior levels. Our friendly and safe environment allows players to learn football skills, make friends, and build confidence.
The Strikers Academy is a Not-for-Profit Organisation that fosters and develops Football in the Sutherland Shire with the vision to develop and improve the technical ability of players through our community-based Academy’s and through our specialised Advanced programs, so that players and coaches of all ages can reach their full potential.
The Sutherland Strikers Advanced Academy Program, is the main pathway into our Sutherland Strikers Representative teams. This program runs for 40-45 weeks, with 60 min sessions on a Monday and/or Friday, for boys and girls ages U8 – U15. This is a selection based program which delivers comprehensive training with a focus on the Strikers four corner model: Tactical/Technical Training, Physical Conditioning, Social and Psychological development. The program also includes a comprehensive goalkeeper training program covering technical skills, positioning, reaction time exercises and physical conditioning. We are dedicated to developing the next generation of local footballers, helping them become the best players they can be and potentially the next Sutherland Striker, Matilda, or Socceroo.
However, the Strikers Development Academy offers a range of programs for children of all ages, which feed into the Advanced Academy Program if coaches believe you will be a good fit.
Academy Pathway
The Academy forms parts of the talent foundations and talent development environments that exist in the Sutherland Strikers pathway.
Other Programs On Offer
| PROGRAM | DAYS | VENUE | DURATION | AGE |
| Tiny Feet Program The Tiny Feet program introduces children aged 6 to 8 years old to football fundamentals in an engaging and inclusive setting. It aims to develop basic skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and understanding game principles, adjusted to each participant’s age and level. The program prioritises enjoyment, active participation, and skill enhancement, fostering a positive introduction to football without the stress of competitive results. This approach makes it a favoured choice for young players to begin their journey in learning and enjoying the sport. | Weekdays | Harrie Dening Sports Centre & Participating Zones | In-Season, 60min Sessions | Boys & Girls aged 6 – 8 |
| Zone Development Centres Open to players of all abilities The Zone Development Centres design is to ensure that players from all areas of the Sutherland Shire can gain easy access to professional coaching at the completion of the season and prior to the commencement of the new Winter Season in the Pre-season program format. Our experienced and accredited SSFA coaching staff will conduct sessions that focus on the four core skills of football and game awareness, and offer opportunities for local players to enhance their skills, regardless of their current ability level. | Selected by SSFA in the Off-Season | Zones across the Sutherland Shire | Up to 10 Weeks of 60min Sessions | Boys & Girls aged 8 – 14 years |
| Skills Development Program Open to players of all abilities This program is designed for players who want to enhance their club training. It’s also open to teams seeking an alternative to their in-house training. The Skills Development Program is designed for U8-U13 age group, known as the Golden Age of Learning, a period of time where accelerated learning occurs. Coaching during this period focuses on fundamental skills and fosters players’ love for the game in a safe and positive environment. | School term Monday to Friday | Kareela Synthetic & Harrie Dening Sports Centre | In-Season, 60min Sessions | Boys & Girls aged 8 – 14 years |
| SSFA Goalkeeper Development Program Open to players of all abilities The SSFA Goalkeeper development program caters to players of all abilities who wish to supplement their club training to enhance their game. The training program covers shot-stopping, positioning, distribution, communication, and decision making. Experienced coaches provide personalized feedback and support to help goalkeepers improve their performance. Our program aims to produce a well-rounded, confident, and skilled goalkeepers helping them reach their full potential. | Monday & Friday | Kareela Synthetic & Harrie Dening Sports Centre | 5 – 10 Weeks of 60min Sessions | Boys & Girls aged 8 – 15 years |
| Advanced Player Holiday Development Program Open to SSFA Representative players, Strikers Academy & SSFA A + B Grade Players An advanced football holiday program provides intensive training for young athletes looking to enhance their skills during the holiday break. The program includes advanced drills and techniques, tactical sessions, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Led by experienced coaches, it offers personalised feedback and a focus on both individual and team development. Overall, the program aims to elevate players’ abilities and prepare them for higher levels of competition in a fun and supportive environment. | School Holidays | Kareela Synthetic & The Cage | 1 – 3 days of 3hr Sessions | Boys & Girls aged 8 – 13 years |
| Senior Women Skills Program The Senior Women (SW) skills program is an opportunity for SW to improve their technical ability under the guidance of qualified SSFA Coaching staff. Open to teams who wish to engage in a Pre-season program or compliment their in-house weekly training sessions to bring their fitness and skills to the next level. | Weekdays | Determined by Participating Club | In-Season, 60min Sessions | Senior Women |
| Club Based Skills Development Program Open to players of all abilities This program is for clubs who wish to provide the clubs registered players additional coaching by SSFA accredited coaches to either supplement their current training or to replace their team training. Each program is tailored towards players in the U3-U4 age group, Grassroots and Skills training phase. All session plans adhere to the FFA curriculum, which promotes player engagement, football decision making, game awareness and maximum repetition of the four core football skills. | Determined by Participating Club | Determined by Participating Club | Determined by Participating Club | Boys & Girls aged 3 – 13 years |
| Football Development Officer (FDO) In-Season Club coaches receive guidance and support while delivering a Sutherland Shire Coaches Club Training session from our online portal. A member of our technical staff will be present at the training session to assist and guide the coach through the practice. This ongoing support creates opportunities for volunteer coaches to enhance their coaching skills while also receiving real time feedback. | Selected by Participating Club | Club Training Venue | Determined by Participating Club | At the discretion of the club |
Active Kids Vouchers can be used for programs which run for 8 or more weeks.
Program Zones
The map below depicts the four zones we run our Academy Programs under – including all areas of the Sutherland Shire, under North, South, East or West.
Giving Every Player the Opportunity to Be The Best That They Can Be
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