Gippsland United FC

Gippsland United FC Academy is now accepting Expression of Interest (EOI) for the upcoming trials for both the 2026 Pre-Boys Youth State League team and the 2026 Boys Youth State League Teams. (Previously called National Premier League. Please note girls are able to play in our Boys Youth State League teams as we are a regional based club. Therefore, girls are welcome and encouraged to trial).

At the new Gippsland United FC Academy, we will strive to perpetuate a prominent standard of quality in youth football in Gippsland by exemplifying excellence through coaching; and to encourage and inspire our young players, of all ages and backgrounds, to develop a passion and absolute love for the beautiful game. By creating environments for the player that will allow them to completely and unconditionally express their passion through pure innovation and creativity. Therefore, allowing each player and team to achieve their personal best by efficiently and effectively problem solving, no matter the situation.

There will be 4 phases within our academy, with the U12 Pre Boys YSL being in our Foundation Development Phase, with the U13 to U16 in our Youth Development Phase & our U18’s being in our Prime Development Phase. At every phase in our Player Development Continuum the individual will be the primary focal point with the team as the secondary focal point. Gippsland United FC Academy will focus more on the principles of play rather than the tactics and systems of play (with sessions both on & off the pitc)h. This will ensure a more focused approach is taken to individual player development which in turn will ensure individual and team success.

Football Victoria has changed the structure of the NPL system for 2026 and so we will be playing in the Boys Youth State League South East.

Football Victoria has announced the following age groups for the 2026 season:

Pre Boys Youth State League (based in Morwell)
U12 - games at Morwell and predominately train in Morwell

Boys Youth State League (YSL):
U13 - games at Morwell and predominately train in Morwell
U14 - games at Morwell and predominately train at Morwell
U15 - games at Morwell and predominately train at Morwell
U16 - games at Morwell and predominately train at Morwell
U18 - games at Morwell and predominately train at Morwell

Note: training is subject to venue availability and teams will be expected to travel to alternate venues if required. Training nights will be advised upon formation of the teams and scheduling of grounds.

If you would like to trial for any of the listed age groups above or simply express your interest in a team, please complete the EOI Form.

Trial dates for the YSL are likely to be mid-October and will be confirmed once Football Victoria confirms the trial period commences. All other trials/tryouts will be announced in due course once coaching appointments have been finalised.

Playing for Gippsland United FC Academy will be a superb opportunity to develop your individual & team skills to the maximum but you will also contribute to positioning the Gippsland area at the forefront of football in Victoria.

The GUFC Academy has been devised & formulated by our current Technical Director who is a dedicated, highly qualified & experienced former Premier League & Championship Lead Academy Coach from the U.K.

*Please Note - The submission of each age group into the relevant competition for 2026 will be dependent upon player numbers and coaching availability.

If you have any queries or would like to know more then, please email our Technical Director, Scott Housden, at td@gippslanduntedfc.com.

Mums, Daughters, and Game-Changers — Let’s Play Together!

Join us Friday nights from 6–7pm for 6 weeks of fun, fitness, and footy in a relaxed, social setting.

https://www.gippslandunitedfc.com/mums-on-the-move-term-4

When:
Friday 17th October to Friday 21st November inclusive (6 weeks)
6.00 – 7.00pm

Where: Ronald Reserve Morwell

Cost: $50 - includes social membership and playing top. Shin pads are a must; you don’t have to have boots, but they are recommended. Socks & shorts can be purchased through the club shop https://www.gippslandunitedfc.com/shop

The 1-hour format will look like this:

Week 1
Welcome & Ball familiarity
Week 2
Passing & receiving
Week 3
Dribbling & turning
Week 4
Shooting & Goal Awareness
Week 5
Defensive Basics & Movement
Week 6
Games with seniors/U16s others

Target Audience:
Women and girls aged 16 and over, including mothers and daughters, who are interested in trying soccer for the first time or getting involved in a fun, social way.

The program creates a welcoming environment that encourages new and returning players to participate, helping to strengthen connections across generations and build a supportive community within the club.

It also supports the growth of girls' soccer by offering a clear and inclusive pathway for participation and development in a positive, family-friendly setting.