All-Stars chance to compete against Jets in A-League trial

THE best soccer players from across the Far North Coast will aim for selection in an All-Stars team to compete against professional players at the Newcastle Jets in an A-League pre-season trial game.

Northern Rivers representative teams for men and women will be selected to play in the match at Newcastle in September.

It is a pathway for promising junior players to put themselves on the radar of a professional club.

Similar matches have previously appeared on the calendar but the formal partnership between Northern NSW Football and Newcastle Jets has cleared the way for the fixtures to return annually.

Northern NSW Football chief executive Peter Haynes was thrilled to have the representative matches locked in.

“This initiative supports and enhances the pillars of Talent Development for All and Showcase Our Game (programs) as outlined in our 2024-26 Strategic Plan and our 2025 Operational Plan,” he said.

“Newcastle Jets represent the region’s professional football presence in the A-League men’s and women’s competitions.

“Enhancing our strategic relationship with the Jets provides a direct avenue for our most talented players and coaches to be exposed to elite environments and pathways.”

Football technical director Ryan Doidge said it will showcase local talent from premier league competitions.

The squads will be made up of 25 players from across the region with a final team of 18 to be announced next month.

“I am excited to help provide opportunities for northern NSW players to compete and test themselves in a representative environment against our local A-League program and potentially be identified,” Doidge said.

The training window will be limited so that players can focus on local semi-finals competitions.

Coaches have been selected via a merit-based system and will contribute to the identification and selection of players.

The match will be held at Darling Street Oval on Saturday, September 20 and is free for Jets members and children under 12.