2026 Junior Development League
President's Message
Welcome to the Weston Workers Club Bears Football Club family. Whether you’re returning for another season or joining us for the first time, it’s terrific to have you with us as we step into the 2026 JDL season. Weston is a club with real history—since 1907—and an even stronger sense of community. We value hard work, respect, and the kind of team-first mindset that helps young players grow on and off the pitch. This season is about development, connection, and pride in the jersey. There will be club events throughout the year—launches, team catch-ups, and our end-of-season presentations—and we’re excited to keep improving our facilities to make Weston an even better place to train, play, and belong. To our players: enjoy the season, back each other, and keep learning. To our families: thank you for everything you do to make junior football possible. Your support—whether it’s volunteering, encouraging from the sideline, or getting behind our senior teams—keeps this club moving forward. Here’s to a terrific 2026. C’MON YOU BEARS! Rod Henderson | President
JDL Coordinator
Dear players and families, Welcome to the 2026 JDL football season. We are excited to continue supporting the growth of football at Weston and across the Hunter Region and to help all boys and girls develop a genuine love for the game. Our focus is on providing a positive, enjoyable and educational football environment where every player can learn, grow, and thrive. We wish everyone the very best of luck for the 2026 season and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. Heidi McGregor | JDL Coordinator
About the Junior Development League
The Junior Development League (JDL) is a key component of Football Australia’s National Curriculum. The program is designed to perfect and accelerate the skill development of identified players between the critical ages of 9 to 13. This age group is universally acknowledged as the optimal mental and physical phase in which children are most capable of learning motor skills. It is based on world’s best practice and has been developed by internationally acclaimed technical coaches and the Football Australia Technical Department. The Weston Workers Bears Football Club plays an important role in providing a best-practice training environment and youth training plan. The club also organizes JDL Academy Carnivals, where players can test their skills in a competitive environment.
Training and Competition Schedules
The official 30-week training program runs from January to September. It is recommended to have at least two training sessions per week. Each training session should ideally last around 75 minutes. The 22-week competition schedule runs from March to August, with the draw to be provided. Fixtures and match hubs details will be provided. Match duration is one 60-minute session. One match per weekend; further details will be provided. Field size varies between age groups. Ball size: U9 – Size 3 | U10, U11 & U12 – Size 4. Goal size: 5m x 2m.
Player Training and Gameday Protocols
Players are to adhere to the club dress code for training and playing.
Players are to ensure they have the correct footwear for playing/training and drinks to hydrate.
Training days - players are expected to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the session and be ready to start on time.
If a player is unable to attend training, this must be communicated in the club comms ASAP.
Game day - players are expected to be at the venue 45 Minutes Before Kickoff.
Upon arrival, players should greet coaches and teammates with a handshake or fist bump.
If a player is unable to attend a game, this must be communicated in the club comms ASAP.
Club Policies
The club expects everyone to become familiar with club policies and FA Codes of Conduct.
Club policies include:
Fees Policy | Complaints Policy | Injury Policy | Dress Policy |Concusion Policy
Senior Player Injury Protocol | Insurance Information | Diversity Policy | Racial Vilification Policy
Football Australia and Northern NSW policies include:
FA Spectator Code of Behaviour | FA Coaches Code of Ethics | FA Codes of Respect
NNSW Football Lightning Guidelines | NNSW Football Hot Weather Policy
Member Protection information and contact
Football Australia / Weston Bears | Member Protection & Information
All JDL Coaches, Technical Directors and team staff have Working With Children Checks and have completed the Sport Integrity Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction.
To view all club policies and Member Protection page click here