Development Pathway

The GUFC Player Pathway


At Gippsland United Football Club (GUFC), we nurture talent from the "first touch" to the professional stage. Our structured pathway ensures every player has the support they need to reach their full potential.


Phase 1: MiniRoos & MiniTillies (Ages 4–9)  

The perfect introduction to football in a fun, inclusive environment.

Focus: Fundamental movement and a love for the game.

Format: Small-sided games (4v4, 7v7, 9v9) for more touches and more goals.

When: Saturday mornings (April–Sept) at Baxter Park, Warragul.


Phase 2: Metro Development Squads (Boys U9–U12 | Girls U10–U16) ⚽🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

For players ready to transition from play to purposeful development.

Focus: Individual skill and team dynamics on modified pitches.

Elite Pathway: High-performing players receive direct support from our Technical Director for Junior Youth State League connections in Melbourne.

Training: Twice weekly across Warragul, Trafalgar, or Morwell. Games on Sundays.


Phase 3: Pre-Boys Youth State League (BYSL) & BYSL (Boys Ages 12–18) ⚽✨

The highest level of youth football in Gippsland, following the Football Australia National Curriculum.

Focus: Tactical awareness, technical precision, and professional readiness.

Goal: The gateway to senior NPL, A-League academies, and professional clubs.

Training: 3+ nights per week, primarily at our Morwell facility.


Phase 4: Seniors & Reserves (Men & Women) ⚽💥

Our flagship teams competing in State League 1.

Reserves: A vital bridge for youth players transitioning into adult competition.

State League 1: Elite senior football for those pursuing semi-pro or professional ranks.

Home Ground: Matches played at Baxter Park, Warragul.



Specialist Programs


Open to all Gippsland players (including those from other clubs).

Skills Acquisition Program (SAP): Advanced technical training for ages 9–12. The program is designed to complement a players existing club training and offers access to qualified coaching overseen by the club’s Technical Director.  These programs are aimed at players that want to take their football to the next level.


Girls Development Program (GDP): The program runs from April to September, delivering 20 sessions and finishing with a gala day hosted in Morwell. It’s designed to elevate and support the female game.



Quick Info Table

Program

Best For

Location

MiniRoos

Beginners (Ages 4-9)

Warragul

Metro Dev

Intermediate / Aspiring

Regional & Metro

Pre-BYSL / BYSL

Elite Youth (Boys)

Morwell / Regional

Seniors

Competitive Adult

Regional


Ready to start your journey?

Register for TrialsContact GUFC


Our integrated pathways — from MiniRoos and Metro Development Squads through to SAP, GDP, Pre-BYSL, BYSL, and Seniors — ensure Gippsland United delivers a complete and clearly defined development journey for players of all levels. Whether a player aims to enjoy football socially or pursue the game at a professional level, Gippsland United provides the structure, guidance, and support to help them reach their goals.





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Gippsland United FC acknowledges the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters now known as Gippsland and acknowledge they have never ceded sovereignty. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.