City Football School is for boys and girls, aged between 5 – 14 years old and all ability levels. Our program will support players individual development, improving their techniques and increasing confidence on the ball. Whether your child is playing football for the first time or wanting to take on additional training to accelerate their learning, our program will provide them with an opportunity to play, develop and have fun.

The City Development Squad program is the next step for young players transitioning from the Football Schools program. Designed for children aged 8-14, this program exposes players to new tactical and technical challenges in a supportive and engaging environment. It’s an exciting opportunity to grow and develop their skills while exploring the game in new ways, all without the pressure of higher-level competition. This program focuses on building confidence and understanding, encouraging players to push themselves and take on new challenges as they continue their football journey.

The City Select Squad program offers players aged 8–14 a unique opportunity to advance their football development following the City methodology in a more demanding training environment. Players are continually challenged by peers who push their level, encouraging growth through higher expectations around good habits, intensity, and focus. This tier develops advanced tactical and technical qualities while reinforcing discipline and work ethic, helping players strengthen their skills, deepen their understanding of the game, and prepare for the next stage of the pathway within a supportive, development-driven setting.

The City Elite Squad program represents a key high-performance stage within the City Football School pathway for selected players aged 8–14. It provides a demanding environment where players train alongside peers of equal calibre and are held to elevated expectations around intensity, discipline, and professionalism. Training focuses on advanced tactical, technical, and physical development, with players encouraged to refine their decision-making and consistently meet high standards. Participants may also be challenged in match situations outside of regular training on occasion to test their growth and readiness. This tier is designed for players pushing toward the Pre-Academy Squad, ensuring they are equipped to take on greater demands as they progress through the pathway.

The Pre-Academy Squad is the most challenging and exclusive tier within the City Football School pathway, designed to mirror the demands of the Academy as closely as possible. This environment brings together the highest-performing players and places strong expectations on both footballing and mental skills, requiring consistently high intensity, discipline, and resilience. Players are pushed beyond their comfort zones, exposed to advanced tactical and technical demands, and regularly reviewed to ensure they are progressing at the level required. This tier provides a highly advanced development environment that supports each player’s professional growth as best as possible and prepares them for the challenges ahead.

The City Academy is an elite development program designed for boys and girls aged 13 and older, offering a high-calibre performance environment as they transition from the development phase into more competitive stages of their football journey. Each season, a trial process is conducted to identify talented players, with a particular focus on those progressing from the City Pre-Academy Squad. Through comprehensive training and dedicated support, the Academy empowers participants to refine their skills, fulfill their potential, and work towards their aspirations of playing professionally.

The aim and summit of our player development pathway. Providing a journey from junior football through to the professional environments. Providing boys and girls from our Senior Academy program an opportunity to train and development in First Team settings and compete at the highest level of football in Australia.