2025 Junior Development League
President's Message
Welcome to the Weston Workers Bears Football Club! Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our football family for the upcoming 2025 JDL Season. With a proud history dating back to 1907, our club is built on a tough, never-say-die attitude and a strong commitment to fostering both individual and team excellence. As one of the premier football clubs in the Hunter Valley, we’re excited to continue our tradition of success on and off the field. Our 2025 season promises plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate, from season launches and team events to the end-of-year presentations. This year, we’re also looking forward to more improvements to our facilities, enhancing the experience for players, families, and supporters alike. To all players and families, we extend our warmest welcome and best wishes for a fantastic season ahead. We encourage you to be active participants in the club, whether by supporting our senior teams, volunteering your time, or simply cheering from the sidelines. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember C’MON YOU BEARS! Rod Henderson | President
Technical Director
Dear players and families, welcome to the 2025 JDL football season. We look forward to working on the continual growth of the game at Weston and in the Hunter Region and seeing all boys and girls develop a love for the game by having a truly enjoyable, positive, and educational football experience. Good Luck to everyone for the 2025 football season.
About the Junior Development League
The Junior Development League (JDL) is a key component of Football Australia’s National Curriculum. The program is designed to perfect and accelerate the skill development of identified players between the critical ages of 9 to 13. This age group is universally acknowledged as the optimal mental and physical phase in which children are most capable of learning motor skills. It is based on world’s best practice and has been developed by internationally acclaimed technical coaches and the Football Australia Technical Department. The Weston Workers Bears Football Club plays an important role in providing a best-practice training environment and youth training plan. The club also organizes JDL Academy Carnivals, where players can test their skills in a competitive environment.
Training and Competition Schedules
The official 30-week training program runs from January to September. It is recommended to have at least two training sessions per week. Each training session should ideally last around 75 minutes. The 22-week competition schedule runs from March to August, with the draw to be provided. Fixtures and match hubs details will be provided. Match duration is one 60-minute session. One match per weekend; further details will be provided. Field size varies between age groups. Ball size: U9 – Size 3 | U10, U11 & U12 – Size 4. Goal size: 5m x 2m.
Player Training and Gameday Protocols
Players are to adhere to the club dress code for training and playing.
Players are to ensure they have the correct footwear for playing/training and drinks to hydrate.
Training days - players are expected to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the session and be ready to start on time.
If a player is unable to attend training, this must be communicated in the club comms ASAP.
Game day - players are expected to be at the venue 45 Minutes Before Kickoff.
Upon arrival, players should greet coaches and teammates with a handshake or fist bump.
If a player is unable to attend a game, this must be communicated in the club comms ASAP.
Club Policies
The club expects everyone to become familiar with club policies and FA Codes of Conduct.
Club policies include:
Fees Policy | Complaints Policy | Injury Policy | Dress Policy |Concusion Policy
Senior Player Injury Protocol | Insurance Information | Diversity Policy | Racial Vilification Policy
Football Australia and Northern NSW policies include:
FA Spectator Code of Behaviour | FA Coaches Code of Ethics | FA Codes of Respect
NNSW Football Lightning Guidelines | NNSW Football Hot Weather Policy
Member Protection information and contact
Football Australia / Weston Bears | Member Protection & Information
All JDL Coaches, Technical Directors and team staff have Working With Children Checks and have completed the Sport Integrity Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction.
To view all club policies and Member Protection page click here
Club Contacts
JDL Coordinator: Berin Hawley | jdl@westonfc.com.au
Member Protection: Bec Cook | mpio@westonfc.com.au
General Email: admin@westonfc.com.au