To further bridge the gap between female grassroots football and professional football, Sydney FC has launched the Female Development Squad.
This Development Squad will consist of girls aged 13-16 with players being identified through Female Training Program (FTP) and scouting at games.
This squad is the underpinning squad which will feed talented players into the Ninja A-League Women’s side and has seen multiple train-on and full contract positions handed out in the past two years.
HEAR FROM WILLA PEARSON
Willa joined our Sydney FC Female Development Squad when she was 12 years old and signed her first Sydney FC A-League contract in 2025/26 as a 14-year-old.
Since joining our A-League Women squad, she has achieved multiple milestones.
⚽️ Broke the record for the youngest ever A-League player (14yrs 312 days)
🥅 Broke Sam Kerr’s record for the youngest ever A-League goalscorer (15yrs 51 days)
🇦🇺 Captained her country to book their ticket to their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup
🏆 Won the Sydney FC Player of the Year Award.
All these achievements, whilst she’s still at school.
“Sky’s the limit. You can do anything if you put your mind to it and with your whole heart you can do it” – Willa Pearson
Rubi Sullivan, Willa Pearson & Claire Corbitt all came through the Female Development Squad and are now in the Ninja A-League squad
During the A-League Women’s season, the squad will train twice per week at Sky Park under the guidance of Sydney FC’s technical staff, providing a well-rounded football education.
For more information on the Female Training Program, click here
How Do I Join?
The selection process to join our Female Development Squad is by INVITE ONLY and scouting will take place across various elite events by the Sydney FC Women’s Technical Staff. This includes NPL and GJDL, Sydney FC Female Training Program and other FA/FNSW events.
Sydney FC staff will reach out to club Head Coaches and Technical Directors to advise of selection.
What Age Is Accepted?
This squad is open for U13-U16 players in 2025, no exceptions.
When Is It Run?
The Development Squad is run from October to January in line with the Ninja A-League Women’s season and trainings will occur twice a week at Sky Park, Sydney FC’s Centre of Excellence. Sydney FC aims to train outside of the NPL season to avoid clashes and maintain continued development for female youth.
How Much Does It Cost & What’s Included?
The cost of this Development Squad is FREE.
Each participant will receive:
- Sydney FC Kit
- Physiotherapist Treatment and Access
- Mentoring and Personal Development Program
- Strength & Conditioning Program
- Flexi Membership
Further information will be released in due course as we near closer to the exciting launch of the next intake of the Female Development Squad.
Summary
| What Is It? | Female Development Squad |
| When | – Two nights per week during the Ninja A-League Women’s season. Training is held at Sydney FC’s elite training facility, Sky Park. – October to January in line with ALW training and outside of the NPL season |
| Age | U13’s-U16’s in 2025 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Selection Process | Invitation Only – Scouting at Elite Events by Sydney FC Technical Staff |
| Inclusions | – Sydney FC Training Kit – Physiotherapist Treatment – Mentoring and Personal Development Program – Strength & Conditioning Program – Flexi Membership |
