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2027 Junior Performance & Pathways Trials

Watsonia Heights FC is launching a new Junior Performance & Pathways Program — a clearer route from MiniRoos through to competitive junior football. Trials are open to new and returning players.

Our 2027 Junior Performance & Pathways Program

2027 marks an increased focus on the development of our junior players and coaches — building a more consistent, structured football environment for players who want to challenge themselves.

Structured Development

High-quality, structured player development at every age group, from MiniRoos through to A-Grade.

A Clearer Pathway

A defined pathway from MiniRoos Kangaroo football into Junior A-Grade competition.

Coaching Consistency

Greater consistency in coaching methodology across age groups, backed by investment in coach education and Football Australia qualifications.

Better Player Assessment

Improved identification, assessment and development of players throughout the season.

Competitive & Positive

Creating competitive teams while maintaining a positive, supportive club environment.

A Reason to Stay

Giving talented players a genuine reason to continue their football development at Watsonia Heights.

Longer-Term Pathway

Building Towards the Boys Youth Premier League

The changes for 2027 are part of a longer-term plan. Watsonia Heights intends to build a junior performance structure capable of supporting a future application to the Boys Youth Premier League (BYPL), which has replaced the previous Junior NPL structure.

Our ambition is to be in a position to pursue this opportunity from 2028 onwards.

There is no guarantee of future BYPL admission — but investing now in our players, coaches and development environment gives Watsonia Heights the best opportunity to keep progressing. The pathway starts now.

2027 Trial Dates

All trials are held at Watsonia Heights Football Club, 61 Nepean St, Greensborough VIC 3088. Registration is essential for every age group.

MiniRoos Kangaroo Teams

U8 – U11

U8 2019 Born

Thu 15 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Thu 22 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Sat 24 October	12:00 – 1:00pm

U9 2018 Born

Thu 15 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Thu 22 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Sat 24 October	1:15 – 2:15pm

U10 2017 Born

Tue 20 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Tue 27 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Thu 29 October	5:30 – 6:30pm

U11 2016 Born

Tue 20 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Tue 27 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Thu 29 October	6:45 – 7:45pm

Junior Boys A-Grade Performance Teams

U12 – U17

U12 2015 Born

Thu 1 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Thu 8 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Sat 10 October	12:00 – 1:00pm

U13 2014 Born

Thu 1 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Thu 8 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Sat 10 October	1:15 – 2:15pm

U14 & U15 2013 & 2012 Born

Tue 6 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Tue 13 October	5:30 – 6:30pm
Sat 17 October	12:00 – 1:00pm

U16 & U17 2011 & 2010 Born

Tue 6 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Tue 13 October	6:45 – 7:45pm
Sat 17 October	1:15 – 2:15pm

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Trial Location

Watsonia Heights Football Club
61 Nepean St, Greensborough VIC 3088

A Note on Team Composition

Our MiniRoos Kangaroo Teams (U8–U11) are mixed-gender, welcoming boys and girls together.

Our Junior Boys A-Grade Performance Teams (U12–U17) are for boys only.

What to Expect at Trials

We want the 2027 selection process to give our coaches and football department the best possible opportunity to assess every player.

Arrive 20 Minutes Early

For registration and check-in before the session commences.

Numbered Trial Bibs

Each player is allocated a numbered bib so the assessment team can identify and review them accurately.

Trials Are Filmed

Sessions are filmed for assessment, review and quality assurance. Consent details are provided at registration.

Three Trial Sessions

Not every player will necessarily need to attend all three — the assessment team will advise families accordingly.

How Players Will Be Assessed

Patrick O'Connor

Technical Director

Ben Shearman

Head of Junior Performance & Pathways

Led by Our Football Department

For our Junior Boys A-Grade Performance Teams, assessment is led by Patrick O'Connor (Technical Director) and Ben Shearman (Head of Junior Performance & Pathways), together with the appropriate age-group coach.

Players are assessed on their overall capability and potential to compete and develop within an A-Grade environment in 2027 — including team performance, decision-making, attitude, work rate, game understanding and capacity to develop, not just individual technical ability.

Offers & Selection

Selection is an ongoing process throughout the trial period, so families should not expect all offers to be made at the same time.

Some players may receive an offer early, while others may need further assessment. An early offer to another player does not mean selections for that age group are complete.

Our aim is to make considered decisions that create the right playing and development environment for every player in 2027.

Wednesday 30 September · Online via Zoom

Parent Forum — For MiniRoos & A-Grade Families

Before trials commence, Watsonia Heights FC will hold a dedicated online Parent Forum for parents of players interested in either the MiniRoos Kangaroo Program (U8–U11) or the Junior Boys A-Grade Performance Program (U12–U17). We strongly encourage both existing and prospective families to attend.

Topics include: program changes for 2027 · MiniRoos & A-Grade structures · coaching philosophy · trial & selection procedures · player retention & offers · BYPL ambitions · and questions from parents.

Zoom details and the confirmed forum time will be communicated to registered families.

Interested in Coaching?

Expressions of interest — 2027 Performance Coaches

Our investment in players needs to be matched by an investment in coaches. Watsonia Heights is seeking expressions of interest from coaches — existing club coaches and suitably motivated coaches from outside the club — to be involved in the 2027 Junior Performance & Pathways Program.

The club intends to invest in coach development and, where appropriate, assist coaches in progressing through relevant Football Australia coaching qualifications, including C Licence education.

Develop. Compete. Belong. Progress.

What About Community Teams & Girls Teams?

The October trials above are specifically for players seeking selection in a MiniRoos Kangaroo or Junior Boys A-Grade team. You do not need to trial for a performance team to play at Watsonia Heights in 2027.

Families who prefer our Wallabies, Joeys or Junior Boys B, C & D Grade teams don't need to attend these trials. Team places for these teams — along with our girls-specific teams — will be confirmed at a dedicated Team Selection Day commencing February 2027, run in a similar way to the trials above. Registration isn't needed yet; full details will follow closer to the date.

Players who trial for a Kangaroo or A-Grade position but are not selected will also have the opportunity to join this selection day. Our objective remains to provide opportunities for players across all abilities and levels of football.

Ready to Trial?

Whether you're already part of Watsonia Heights or considering joining us for the first time, we welcome you to register for the 2027 Junior Performance & Pathways Trials.

New & returning players welcome Registration is essential

Fields

Upcoming

September 2026

October 2026

Watsonia Heights FC 2027 Junior Performance & Pathways Trials