The Development Centre is an advanced training program designed for players aged 9-13 from the west. This initiative provides an opportunity for Western United coaching staff to mentor young athletes over an extended period, aiming to foster their growth and prepare them for potential entry into our Academy pathway.
The Boys Development Centre saw a significant promotion rate into Western United’s Junior Academy teams for 2024, making this program the true first step to joining the Green and Black.
Experiencing great success with the Boys Development Centre, the Club is delighted to also extend this program to talented female footballers.
Alongside its relationship with Calder United in NPLW Victoria, Western United is staying committed to providing opportunities for young girls, particularly from the West, to chart their journey towards becoming professional footballers.
LOCATIONS
frequently asked questions
How do I sign my son up for Western United Academy?
Western United Academy will hold trials for the 2025 Junior Academy in October. Dates have not yet been confirmed, however in order to express interest in this trial period, click here. These trials are for selection into our U14, U15, U16, and U18 squad.
If your son is aged between 9-13, our Western United Development Centre hold term by term programs, coached by Western United Academy coaches. This is a once or twice per week program over the course of approximately 9 weeks. In order to express interest in out Term 3 intake, click here.
Where is the Academy training located?
Western United Academy (U14, U15, U16, U18) train out of the club’s brand-new Tarneit facility.
Our Development Centre have training programs out of Tarneit, Truganina, Newport, and Brunswick.
How old does my son have to be to join the academy?
To join the Academy, your son must be aged between 13-18 years of age.
To join the Development Centre, your son/daughter must be aged between 9-16 years of age.
How often is training and games?
The academy program begins in November and concludes at the end of September. During this period, academy players are required to attend 5 contacts per week – 4 training sessions and 1 weekend match day.
With our Development Centre, players have the option upon sign-up, to op for one training session or two training sessions per week. This program is a training program with no matches. We host a gala day event at the conclusion of the term which involves matches against other clubs.
Can my daughter join Western United Academy?
As our Junior Boys Academy had an extremely positive impact over its two-season existence, we wish to extend the program to offer a girls academy. However, we do not currently offer this opportunity to young girls in the West. This is something we are looking to provide in the future.
However, if your daughter is aged between 9-16, Western United Academy has recently introduced a Development Centre program. Similar to the boys program, once a week training is taken by Western United Academy coaches over an 8-week program. In order to express interest in Term 4, click here.
Summer at Ironbark kicks off this Sunday
Be there live for a roaring double header against Brisbane to see out 2024, can United bring home the six points for the second week in a row? Football friends and fans make sure you’re at Ironbark Fields this Sunday…
