Overview

As part of Football West's Junior Football Review, we are committed to creating inclusive and competitive opportunities for young players across the state..

Who Should Complete This Form?

This form is designed for clubs interested in participating in the 2025 Youth Club Championship for boys and.or girls. Only those clubs who meet the criteria outlined are encouraged to submit an expression of interest. We kindly request that one senior officer from the club (e.g., Secretary, President, Registrar) completes this form on behalf of the club.

Please familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for these competitions. You can do so by visiting the Football West website, where you will also find the implementation report and infographics for further details.

Helpful Information

Completing this form should take approximately 20-30 minutes. Before you begin, please have the following information ready:

• Information on any club-run competitions, programs, and whether these are sanctioned by Football West.
• Details of your underpinning MiniRoos teams (ages 8-12) competing in Football West competitions.
• Personal details and qualifications of your club’s Technical Director, including B-Diploma accreditation or higher.
• Confirmation of your club’s appointed Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), and related proof of qualifications.
• Details of your club’s First Aid Officer, and related proof of qualifications.
• Your club's current Club Changer status, including 1-star accreditation or higher.

You can save your progress in the form and return to complete it later if needed. Please ensure all submissions are completed and received by COB on 22 November 2024 as the form will close after this date.

Please note that submitting an EOI does not guarantee inclusion in the competition. Football West will assess all applications based on merit and alignment with the competition objectives, as well as the following participation criteria:

Participation Criteria

Clubs will need to meet minimum criteria to be eligible to play in the Youth Club Championship. The following criteria apply to both Boys and Girls Championships:

• Affiliation: All clubs must accept and adhere to Football West's terms of affiliation.
• Sanctioning: All teams, club-run competitions, and programs must be sanctioned by Football West.
• Underpinning MiniRoos Teams: The Club must have at least one underpinning U12’s team competing in Football West competitions.
• Technical Director: The Club must have a Technical Director with a B-Diploma accreditation (or higher).
• Member Protection Officer: The Club must appoint at least one trained Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO).
• First Aid: The Club must appoint at least one trained and qualified First Aid Officer, to be present at the home venue for all home matches.
• Club Changer Status: The Club must be registered on the Club Changer Platform and hold 1-star status (or higher).

Additionally:

• to compete in the Youth Boys Club Championship, clubs must be able to field teams in each age group (13, 14, 15, and 16), and each team must be competing in the Junior Development League.
• to compete in the Youth Girls Club Championship, clubs must be able to field teams in each age group (14 & 16), and each team must be competing in the Junior Development League.

IMPORTANT: In addition to this form, clubs must also complete the Junior Development League (JDL) - Team Nomination Form. The JDL form collects essential team information, including eligible age groups, coaching details, and coaching qualifications. Details submitted in this form will be cross-referenced with the JDL nomination form to confirm each club’s eligibility for the YCC competition.

Hosting

This form also includes a section for clubs interested in being considered as a hub for the Youth Shield Championship. If your club would like to be involved in hosting or facilitating matches for this competition, please indicate so in the relevant section.

Please note that the tournament structure will be confirmed and finalised after the number of successful clubs is known.

Next steps

Football West will aim to assess all applications and declare successful clubs before the end of the year. We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your submission. Successful applicants will be contacted for further discussions once the assessment process is complete.

For any questions or further clarification regarding the YCC, please feel free to reach out over the phone 08 6181 0700, or via email at clubsupport@footballwet.com.au.

Sanctioning is the process of obtaining formal approval from Football West to conduct, host, or participate in a football tournament, event, or activity outside regular football season activities. This approval ensures that the event is recognised by Football West and covered by its insurance program, including public liability, participant, referee, and volunteer insurance.

Why is Sanctioning Important?

• Insurance Coverage: Sanctioning guarantees that the event and its participants are covered under FW’s insurance policies. Without sanctioning, events are not eligible for this coverage, leaving organisers and participants at risk.
• Risk Management: It ensures that all events meet FW’s safety and operational standards, helping organisers manage potential risks and providing access to FW’s risk management support.
• Access to Resources: Sanctioned events can access FW-accredited referees and other benefits such as dispute and grievance support and safeguarding resources.
• Venue Access: Many local government-owned venues require FW-sanctioning as a condition for allowing events to take place, making sanctioning a key step in securing venues for football events.
• Compliance and Professionalism: Sanctioning aligns events with FW’s policies, such as codes of conduct and member protection standards, ensuring all activities are conducted with professionalism and integrity.

In essence, sanctioning ensures that events meet FW’s guidelines and standards, providing protection and support for organisers, participants, and the football community at large.

How to Apply for Sanctioning

Typically, sanctioning takes place by submitting a request to Football West via the Request to Host a Tournament form.

This form must be completed by a Club or association who wishes to conduct a sanctioned tournament or carnival event. The application must be lodged with Football West at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the competition for application processing.

A Technical Director is essential for overseeing the club's technical development and ensuring high standards for coaching and player progress. To meet Football West’s standards, the appointed Technical Director must hold a B-Diploma or higher qualification.

A Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) is a trained individual who provides guidance and support to those considering raising a complaint or concern within a sporting organisation.

• Role: MPIOs serve as the initial point of contact for individuals with concerns or complaints, offering impartial and confidential information about the complaint process and available resolution pathways.
• Responsibilities: MPIOs do not investigate complaints, act as mediators, or manage complaints directly. Their role is distinct from those in authority who are responsible for handling complaints and resolving disputes.
• Training: MPIOs receive training through online modules and in-person workshops. The Department of Sport and Recreation provides regular MPIO training courses.
• For more information on how to complete the course, visit Play By the Rules.

Clubs are required to have at least one qualified First Aid Officer to ensure the safety and well-being of members. A valid first aid certificate lasts for three years, so it’s essential to renew certification before it expires to maintain compliance. To qualify as a First Aid Officer, individuals must:

• Complete a nationally accredited first aid training course.
• Obtain a recognised statement of attainment from a registered training organisation.
• Attend refresher training regularly to keep their skills up-to-date.

The specific first aid requirements for your club will depend on factors such as the nature of your activities, potential hazards, the size and location of your facilities, and the number of participants at each event or session. Ensuring your First Aid Officer’s certification is current and meets these standards helps safeguard all club members and staff.

Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development Program, designed to protect and strengthen our clubs, enhance their resilience, foster welcoming and inclusive cultures, and educate on creating positive environments for players, coaches, volunteers, and officials. The program also focuses on planning for long-term viability and success.

As clubs meet specific criteria, they are awarded 1, 2, or 3 stars. Each star award unlocks benefits and incentives for the club, enabling them to further develop their capacity and capabilities. For 2025, clubs wishing to participate in the Youth Club Championship must have achieved a minimum of 1-Star status.

For further details, visit the Club Changer page or contact our Club Changer Lead, Karen Hennessy at karen.hennessy@footballwest.com.au.

Hosting and Match Day Hubs

This section invites clubs to express their interest in hosting as a Match Day Hub for the Youth Shield Championship. We’re seeking clubs with the capacity to facilitate multiple games across a day or weekend, fostering a vibrant setting for players, families, and supporters alike. Ideal facilities include changerooms, gender-neutral spaces, seating, referee rooms, and adequate lighting. If your club is interested in supporting this competition, please indicate your interest below.