Registrations now open for the 2012 Skill Acquisition Program.

A key aspect of the new Football Federation Australia National Curriculum is the implementation of a Skill Acquisition Program to perfect and accelerate the skill development of identified players at the critical ages of 9 to 12.

This is the age group universally acknowledged to be the optimal mental and physical phase in which children are able to learn motor skills.

The FFV in conjunction with the FFA will be continuing Skill Acquisition Programs during the winter period.

There will be 2 Metropolitan and 4 Regional SAP Foundation Squads.  Player’s residential address is the determining factor on which SAP Foundation Squad  the player will participate in.

The SAP Foundation Squad will be open to players born in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
 
Players born in 1999 and later are ineligible.

Selection trials are free of charge.

REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL 5:00pm FRIDAY 9 MARCH.  NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.

Click hereto register for the 2012 Skill Acquisition Program.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to trial if I was part of previous SAP Foundation Squads?
A. Yes, ALL players are required to attend trials again.  Players who participated in the U 13 Victorian Champions league Competition will also have to trial.
Q. How many Skill Acquisition Foundation Squads can I trial for?
A. One.  
Q. Is the program offered to both boys and girls?
A. It is open to both boys and girls. We will not separate boys and girls at these ages. In future we may decide to run dedicated girls programs.
Q. How do you get selected?
A. Players selected need to register and attend trials as set out by the Football Federation Victoria. Players need to be born in 2000, 2001, 2002 or later.
Q. What is the criteria?
A. First touch will be the primary focus as well as; striking the ball, 1v1, running with the ball and player mentality.
Q. How much will it cost to be part of the program?
A. The Skill Acquisition Program is a Not For Profit program. The charge will represent the costs associated with running the program; e.g.: coach fee, equipment, training kit and venue hire. The costs will be in line with most other programs offered.
Q. How often will they train?
A. The Skill Acquisition Squads will train twice a week.   The length of the program will be approximately 20 weeks.
Q. Will unsuccessful trialists be provided feedback?
A. No.  With well over 1000 trialists we are not resourced to provide each player feedback.  The most common reason for non selection is..... “Poor 1st Touch in tight area’s”.
Q. How many trials will there be before squads are finalised
A. As many as the SAP technical department see’s fit.  We envisage there will be atleast 3 phases of trials for Metropolitan Squads and only 1 for Regional Programs
Q. Where are the training venues?
A. Metro Melbourne
Darebin International Sports centre, Thornbury
Knox Regional Football centre, Knox
Regional
Wodonga, Wodonga Senior Secondary College
Shepparton,  McEwen Reserve
Geelong, Hume reserve (may change)
Bendigo, Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve
Q. When will the program commence and conclude?  (Subject to change). 
A. Plan is as follows:
Commence:  Late April
Conclude:  Late August
Q. Will the squads play competitive games?
A. No.  The program is about technical development. 
There will be a couple of SAP GALA days which will showcase ALL SAP foundation squads from around Victoria at one centralised venue for a one day football feast!
Q. What happens if you fail to attend a trial?
A. Without a valid medical certificate and or 24hr email notice advising us of your intended absence, the player will be deemed unsuccessful.  If a player fails to attend 2 successive trials they will be deemed unsuccessful.
Q. How many players per squad?
A. Each venue will comprise of 2 squads.  1 x 2000 born players and 1 x 2001/02 born players.  Each squad will have approximately 14 players.
Q. Who will I trial with?
A. You will trial with players with similar age from the zone you have been allocated to. 2001/02 born players will trial together.
Q. If unsuccessful can I retrial?
A. Yes you can.  There will be another program commencing in October 2012.  Registrations will once again be open for all players in Victoria
Q. Is the program open to Goal Keepers
A. Yes the program does cater for Goalkeepers.  The modern GK needs to be  competent in each of the 4 core skills.

Pre-registration is compulsory.
 
For people having difficulty registering please contact Angus Gauld on 0432 572 528.
Upon completion of registration we will contact you to advise trial dates and times you are to attend. Trial venues may differ to training venues.