⚽️ JDL Trials – Step by Step Guide

We know families often have questions about how our trials and pathways work. Below is a clear guide from registration through to offers and the opportunities that follow.

🔹 For U9–U12 (Boys – CCMA & CCU JDL Trials)

*FOR U10–U12:

Please note that Central Coast Mariners Academy are not selecting players in these age groups (U10 -U12) for the 2026 season, as they have already finalised these squads. However, their Technical Director and coaching staff will still be present at all trial sessions to support the pathway on the Central Coast and to monitor any players who wish to be viewed. CCMA are only selecting for the U9s age group for 2026.

Step 1 – Register
Complete the online registration form under your child’s name (not the parent/guardian).

Step 2 – Confirmation Email
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your child’s trial times and important information.

Step 3 – Attend Trials
Players attend the two scheduled trial sessions for their age group.

Step 4 – Next Steps
After trials, players will receive either:

  • An offer to join CCMA (FNSW Mixed JDL only in U9s)

  • An offer to join CCU (NNSW Boys’ JDL)

  • An invitation to the Foundations Program (train-and-play pathway in Term 4)

🔹 For U13–U18 (Boys – CCU Youth Trials)


*Please note that Central Coast Mariners Academy are not selecting players in these age groups for the 2026 season, as they have already finalised their squads. However, their Technical Director and coaching staff will still be present at all trial sessions to support the pathway on the Central Coast and to monitor any players who wish to be viewed.

Step 1 – Register
Complete the online registration form under your child’s name (not the parent/guardian).

Step 2 – Confirmation Email
On 12th October, you’ll receive a confirmation email with times for the first two trial nights.

Step 3 – Attend Trials (Nights 1 & 2)
Players attend the first two trial nights, where they will be assessed by coaching staff and Technical Directors.

Step 4 – Invitation to Final Session
Selected players will receive an email inviting them back for the third and final session.
Players who are not invited back will be offered a place in the Foundations Program (Term 4) to continue their development.

Step 5 – Attend Final Session
Invited players attend the final invite-only trial.

Step 6 – Letter of Offer
After trials conclude, players will receive one of the following:

  • An offer to join CCU

  • An invitation to the Foundations Program Term 4 (Age Group U7 to U14)

🔹 Ongoing Opportunities

ID Camps
CCMA and CCU will run three ID Camps every year. These give players who don’t make the initial squads another chance to be assessed and progress into the programs.

Train-On Opportunities
Some players may be invited to train one night per week with different squads. This gives them exposure to a higher training environment while continuing to play elsewhere.

🔹 Foundations Program 2025/2026

Where Central Coast players take their next step.
The Foundations Program is the official pathway to Central Coast United and the Central Coast Mariners Academy — giving local players the chance to train, play, and develop in a professional football environment.

Key Information for Term 4

  • Age Groups: U7–U14 (2025 season)

  • Training Dates: Wed 29 Oct 2025 – Wed 18 Feb 2026

  • Match Dates: Fri 31 Oct 2025 – Fri 20 Feb 2026

  • Holiday Break: No sessions from 19 Dec – 5 Jan

  • Venue: Soccer5s, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah

  • Training Times:
    U7–U10: 4:45–5:45pm
    U11–U14: 6:00–7:00pm

  • Match Times: Between 4:00–8:00pm

  • Uniform: 1 x Playing Jersey provided

Program Inclusions
15 x 1-hour training sessions
15 x 40-minute matches
Access to CCU & CCMA Technical Directors
1 x Junior Mariners Membership

Cost
$750 for the 15-week program (30 sessions = $25 per session)
Payment Plan: $354.50 deposit, $400 auto-charged on 29 Nov
Discounts: 10% off for 2nd child, 20% off for 3rd+ child

How Matches Work
Balanced teams, equal game time, matches are managed not coached — giving players the freedom to play, take risks and enjoy the game.

Selection Opportunities
The program offers a direct pathway into CCU and CCMA. If selected during the season, your Term 4 fee will be credited to the new program.

Registration
Please ensure you provide your child’s correct grade, club, and team when registering.

📧 Questions or multi-child discounts: info@ccutd.com