The NWSF Academy, powered by NWS Spirit FC, delivers high-performance training programs for children aged U6 to U18 across the North West Sydney Football community. The program provides year-round access to expert coaching, with a strong focus on individual player development and progression towards selection in NWS Spirit FC’s Junior Development League (JDL) & Youth League teams.
This program works closely with local clubs to strengthen development pathways, supporting long-term success for both players and the wider football community. The Academy uses the NWS Spirit FC DNA as its curriculum, helping players build technical skills and a deeper understanding of the game. Players train with the Academy on weeknights, and then apply Academy learnings when playing for their club teams on the weekend.
Our Academy provides a clear pathway into NWS Spirit FC’s representative programs. Players are regularly assessed for selection into JDL and Youth League squads. Many players, including Rubi Sullivan and Wataru Kamijo (both now with Sydney FC), began their journey through the Academy, which continues to be a key development pathway within the association.
This page will be updated when Academy details for Summer 2026 and 2027 are finalised.
The Academy is the core program for both field players and goalkeepers, running from May to August alongside the NWSF grassroots season. Players are selected via scouting and trials into a 15-week program held at Christie Park’s all-weather synthetic fields. The program includes 13 weekly training sessions and two gameplay sessions for U8 – U18 players. U6 & U7 players will train over 13 weekly sessions.
Throughout the program, players are continually assessed by NWS Spirit FC coaches, with opportunities for progression into representative teams.
2026 Program Details
- Boys train on Mondays, Girls train on Fridays (U6 & U7 girls will train on Mondays)
- Winter Academy runs from May 18 to September 4 (with breaks for public holidays and school holidays)
- Includes two gameplay sessions (only for U8-U18 players)
- Boys: Saturday 13 June & Sunday 2 August
- Girls: Saturday 27 June & Saturday 8 August
Training Times
Boys (Mondays)
- U6 – U9: 5:45 – 6:45pm (U6 & U7 girls will train on Mondays)
- U10 – U12: 6:50 – 8:00pm
- All boys’ goalkeepers: 6:50pm – 8:00pm
- U13 – U18: 8:05 – 9:15pm
Girls (Fridays)
- U8 – U12: 5:00 – 6:00pm (U6 & U7 girls will train on Mondays)
- U8 – U12 goalkeepers: 5:00 – 5:30pm, then join games 5:30pm – 6:00pm
- U13 – U18: 6:00 – 7:00pm
- U13 – U18 goalkeepers: 5:30pm – 6:00pm, then join games 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Additional Information
- Sessions are not cancelled due to rain (Christie Park has two all-weather pitches)
- Any changes will be communicated via email
- Players receive a full kit (shirt, shorts, socks, jacket, ball)
Parking
Parking is available, however please allow extra time for arrival and parking. Spaces are limited and Academy training nights are typically the busiest nights of the year at Christie Park. To reduce congestion, please consider parking on Talavera Road near Macquarie University, or at Macquarie Shopping Centre. These are highlighted in the below graphic.
