Junior Development Cup - 2026

Background – Junior Development Cup.

The concept of the junior development cup was raised in Eyre Peninsula Football Board – “The Future of Eyre Peninsula Football and Netball – Recommendation Paper”, released on 23rd August 2023. 

A recommendation was for leagues to investigate implementing a development cup; the following is from the review paper:

Aim of a Development Cup competition?

To provide an opportunity for the junior players to play in an even and strong competition with similar age, size and standards. Unfortunately, in some of our communities, it is hard to have teams with equal abilities, size and ages. Some teams are winning by large margins which does not provide an opportunity for improvement for either the winning nor losing team. A more equal competition improves skill development and allows players to learn the game better. This competition is also promoting that it is about the game and not the colours we wear.

.

Junior Development Cup – 2026

Due to the success of the junior development cup in 2024 & 2025 and positive feedback, it has been decided to run it again in 2026

The junior committee, comprising members from all six clubs, have devised the following concept for the junior development cup. 

The development cup would be run over two rounds of the season, during which all the matches are played in Ceduna: Round 5 and Round 8

On these days, normal Under 16 and Under 13 club games will not occur, and the players will be divided up into the following age groups.

Two even teams will be picked for each age group to ensure the most competitive match can occur.  Following the matches, changes could be made to the composition of each team if required.  The two-year age spread has been selected due to AFL recommendation, and there are enough players to pick two full teams within these age groups.

The matches would consist of 20-minute quarters, and each age group would play at a different venue. The matches would commence at 10:20 a.m., allowing people to return to their club's venue and players to prepare for senior football. The Under 10’s competition would be on a different time on these days, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Program.

Umpire Allocation

Each listed club is required to supply 1x field umpire, 1 x goal umpire and 2 x boundary umpires and 1x timekeeper.

Frequently asked questions:

Is the development cup instead of normal club football?

Yes, the junior competition would move to a thirteen-week competition and two weeks of junior development cup matches. 

Do I need to indicate I want to participate in the junior development cup?

Yes, players can register their interest once the season starts via Google Forms.

Do I need to reregister via PlayHQ?

No, as you have already registered with your home club, which will cover your participation in the junior development cup.

Who will coach these teams?

The junior committee will approach coaches.

Who will select the teams?

The junior committee will select two even teams in consultation with the teams' coaches.  There is the ability to adjust these teams from game to game.

Will my children play at different venues?

Your children may be playing at two different venues on these days, but to give the best opportunity for development, the competition has been structured with only 2-year age spreads. It is hoped that people can work together to help assist with the transportation of children from venues.  The advantage of playing the games in Ceduna is that the biggest distance between the grounds is 4 km.

If I attend two venues, will I have to pay at both?

No, a pass system will be implemented on these days, and you will only have to pay at one venue on these particular days.

Will normal rules apply?

Yes, the same rules as any normal Saturday will apply,. In the unlikely event players receive yellow/red cards, they will be treated like a normal club game.

Will there be special training leading up to these games?

No. Players would train with their own club to alleviate travel for families in the lead-up to these games.

What uniform does my child need to provide?

Your child will need to come in their normal club shorts and socks; neutral guernseys will be supplied.

Will there be any player awards for these games?

Yes, the umpires will award votes after each game, and a medal will be presented to the player with the highest votes in each grade.

Does my child have to participate?

It is optional for children to participate, but it is highly recommended that they do so for their own personal development as footballers. There is clear evidence that the current junior structure has issues with player numbers and big margins, and this is an opportunity for players to experience playing a competitive game against players of similar age, size and ability.

My child is away in Adelaide at college. Can they participate?

Preference will given to local players who don’t have the usual exposure to higher level football like the college kids do each week.