Introduction to Gippsland
United Football Club (GUFC)
An overview of our teams and pathway development opportunities.
At Gippsland United Football Club (GUFC), we are committed to nurturing
and developing young football talent through a structured and supportive
pathway that leads players from their first touch of the ball to the
professional stage. Our program starts with MiniRoos, moves through the Junior
Metro Development League, and progresses into Pre-NPL, NPL, and Seniors grades.
This structure is designed to foster skills at each stage, helping players
build a strong foundation for a career in football.
MiniRoos (Boys & Girls)
MiniRoos is a fun, introductory program designed for boys and girls aged
between 4 and 9 years and is an ideal introduction to football.
The aim of the program is to instill a love of football in children through
engaging play in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our weekly sessions
are filled with exciting, progressive games and activities that focus on
fundamental movement skills, providing the perfect start for young football
enthusiasts.
MiniRoos Club Football is the first step in the development pathway for
Gippsland United players. Our small-sided games (4v4, 7v7 & 9v9) cater to
young players aged 4 to 9, allowing them more touches of the ball and more
opportunities to score, enhancing their enjoyment and learning. We host our
MiniRoos sessions every Saturday morning at our Baxter Park facility in
Warragul, accommodating up to 200 participants across Girls, Boys, and Mixed
Teams of around 10 players each.
MiniRoos runs from approximately April to September each year and
participation once a week.
Players who demonstrate a passion and aptitude for the sport are
encouraged to progress to our Metro Development teams, the next step in their
football journey.
Metro Development Squads (Boys & Girls)
Our Metro Development teams offer talented junior players aged 9 to 12
(boys) and 10 to 16 (girls) an optimal learning environment. For U9 to U12s this
league focuses on developing individual and team skills essential for the
sport. Through a targeted coaching model and complemented by our Skills
Acquisition Program (SAP) or Girls Development Program (GDP), we provide a
comprehensive training regime that supports players transitioning from MiniRoos
and prepares them for higher levels of competition.
The Metro Development Squads (U9 – U12) play a modified game format on
half-sized pitches (for ages 13 and under), which enhances player development
by allowing for more involvement in the game, quicker decision-making, and
better understanding of game dynamics. Match durations vary between 50 minutes
(2 x 25-minute halves) and 0 minutes (2 x 35-minute halves), ensuring players
are appropriately challenged while having fun.
The U14 & U16 girls teams play a full format game which helps players
hone their skills to become our future senior women’s team players.
For girls that display exceptional talent and who aspire to play
professionally, our Technical Director will help provide connections and
pathway opportunities to the Junior Girls National Premier League (JGNPL) in
Melbourne.
Metro development runs from approximately February to September (with
tryouts occurring in the preceding October/November) with games held on Sundays
(across the southern metropolitan region) at Baxter Park Warragul and training
twice weekly at either of our 3 facilities (Baxter Park , Trafalgar or Morwell).
Pre-NPL and NPL (Boys)
The Pre-NPL (National Premier League) and NPL tiers at Gippsland United
are designed to provide a talented player pathway for players seeking to refine
their skills and compete at the highest level of youth football in Gippsland.
These leagues serve as a critical step in the development of young athletes as
they progress toward senior football and potentially professional careers.
The Pre-NPL & NPL program caters to players aged between 12 and 18,
with a focus on enhancing tactical awareness, technical ability, and overall
football intelligence. Our coaching team implements a structured curriculum
that aligns with Football Australia’s national curriculum, ensuring players are
equipped with the skills necessary to transition into senior NPL and A Leagues.
The NPL teams at Gippsland United represent the pinnacle of our youth
development pathway. Players who demonstrate a high level of commitment, skill,
and understanding of the game compete in this highly competitive league. NPL is
the gateway to professional football for many young players, providing them
with opportunities to showcase their abilities to talent scouts and
professional clubs.
Pre-NPL Training runs from approximately November to September (with trials
occurring in October) with games held on Sundays (southern metropolitan region)
and training 5 times per fortnight at our Morwell facility (note training may
be held at our other venues (Traf & Warragul) at times.
NPL –training runs from November to September (with trials occurring in
October) with matches commencing in February through to September. Training is 3 nights per week at our Morwell
facility (note training may be held at our other venues (Traf & Warragul)
at times.
Note it is our aim to obtain a junior girls NPL license and offer the
same program to talented girls in the future.
Our carefully curated development pathway ensures that players
progressing from MiniRoos and Metro Development to Pre-NPL and NPL have a clear
and structured journey towards senior football. Gippsland United’s strategic
focus on these age groups ensures a steady stream of well-prepared players who
can transition into our senior squads or pursue professional opportunities.
Seniors (Reserves and State League 1) – Men’s and Women’s
Gippsland United’s State 1 senior & reserve teams offer a
competitive platform for players aspiring to compete at the highest level of
football in Gippsland. Our Reserves team serves as a vital steppingstone for
younger players transitioning from NPL (boys) or the Metro Development Squads (girls)
into senior football, providing them with match experience, physical
development, and an understanding of the demands of adult competition.
State League 1 represents the highest tier of senior football at
Gippsland United, with both men's and women's teams competing at this level.
This league is crucial for players looking to continue their development and
potentially progress into semi-professional or professional ranks. Our senior
teams are built on a strong foundation of talent nurtured through our youth
development programs, and many of our senior players are former MiniRoos or NPL
participants who have followed the Gippsland United pathway.
Our Senior Men and Women train 2 nights a week at either Baxter Park,
Trafalgar or Morwell (dependent on venue availability), with matches held on
Saturdays (Men) and Sunday (Women) from April through to September at our
Baxter Park Facility
Additional Programs
Our SAP & GDP program is offered to both Gippsland United players
and all players in Gippsland.
Skills Acquisition Program (SAP)
The Skills Acquisition Programs provide children aged 9-12 with the
platform to develop technical skills. The program is designed to complement a
players existing club training and offers access to qualified coaching overseen
by the club’s Technical Director. These
programs are aimed at players that want to take their football to the next
level.
Girls Development Program (GDP)
The program runs from April to September for 20 sessions that culminates
in a gala day hosted at Morwell. We
currently offer these programs in Morwell, West and South Gippsland and are
aiming to host in East Gippsland in the future.
The integration of our MiniRoos, Metro Development Squads, SAP and GDP
opportunities, Pre-NPL, NPL, and Seniors programs ensures that Gippsland United
offers a comprehensive and clear pathway for players of all abilities and
ambitions. Whether a player’s goal is to enjoy the sport recreationally or to
pursue a professional football career, Gippsland United provides the structure
and support necessary to achieve those dreams.
