The Newcastle Jets are excited to announce that the club’s Academy has been awarded 2-Star accreditation by Football Federation Australia.
The new accreditation status is the highest available within Australia, and follows a rigorous application and auditing process to ensure the Jets met the necessary criteria.
The Jets join a number of other clubs who have obtained 2-Star status, which is designed to increase the opportunities for young players by providing greater exposure to quality accredited coaches and a challenging football environment.
Jets’ CEO, Lawrie McKinna said this latest recognition was integral to the club’s vision for football across the Hunter.
“We’ve been working to create a ‘one club’ mentality from the (Hyundai) A-League right through to our most junior Academy teams,” said McKinna.
“Bringing the (Westfield) W-League and the Academy under the management of the Newcastle Jets this season has been a tremendous success.
“From the outset we wanted junior players to see a pathway through to the top-tier of Australian football and for each of them to feel a part of the Newcastle Jets family.
“I think we’re well on the way to reaching that goal, and we’ve already seen through the development of players like Angus Thurgate and Pat Langlois that there is a tangible development pathway for junior players.
“Achieving something like this would not be possible without the generosity of our owner Martin Lee, or the hard work of Mike Cooper and Dean Mayer and all of our Academy coaches.
Jets’ Academy Technical Director, Mike Cooper said the 2-Star accreditation was a great achievement.
“This is a reward for everyone involved in the Academy, both past and present,” said Cooper.
“The club has made their commitment to youth development clear from the outset and this accreditation is recognition we’re on the right path.
“The staff have helped articulate our vision and philosophy and we’re working hard to build a culture that inspires young people to develop on and off the field.”
