The A-League National Youth League is an Australian national football (soccer) league run in parallel to the A-League. The aim of a league is to provide a pathway for young players and state league players to play regular high-level football, and allow reserve players from senior A-League teams to remain match fit. The league was announced by Football Federation Australia at the start of March 2008, and the inaugural league started in August 2008 alongside the A-League 2008–09 season,[1][2] although in a July interview with Ben Buckley, he stated the competition would start in September, after the finish of the various state leagues.[3]
[edit] Format
The season has a 27 round format which runs in parallel with the A-League.
[edit] Player regulations
Each club contracts a squad of about 14 Youth Development Players. Players must be between the ages of 16 and 21 as of 1 January in the year the season commences. Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) are also allowed to be selected, usually these coming from the senior team. Each youth player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time. Players under 21 signed for the first team filling foreign player spots are classed as over-age players.[1]
These players can be any Australian player within the age group. A-League clubs must draw replacement players for their senior teams from the Youth League squad, except under certain circumstances.[1] Such would include severe injuries to over-age players where an injury replacement player is able to be signed.
| Team |
City |
Entered Competition |
 Adelaide United |
 Adelaide, SA |
2008-09 - |
 A.I.S. |
 Canberra, ACT |
2009-10 - |
 Brisbane Roar |
 Brisbane, QLD |
2008-09 - |
 Central Coast Mariners |
 Gosford, NSW |
2008-09 - |
 Gold Coast United |
Gold Coast, QLD |
2009-10 - |
 Melbourne Heart |
 Melbourne, VIC |
2011-12 - |
 Melbourne Victory |
Melbourne, VIC |
2008-09 - |
 Newcastle Jets |
Newcastle, NSW |
2008-09 - |
 Perth Glory |
 Perth, WA |
2008-09 - |
 Sydney FC |
Sydney, NSW |
2008-09 - |
[edit] Premiers and Champions
[edit] Player of the Year
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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A-League National Youth League
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Australia
National Youth League 2011–12
Adelaide United
Adelaide, SA
A.I.S.
Canberra, ACT
Brisbane Roar
Brisbane, QLD
Central Coast Mariners
Gosford, NSW
Gold Coast United
Melbourne Heart
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne Victory
Newcastle Jets
Perth Glory
Perth, WA
Sydney FC
