What is Development Squads?
The Hills Development Squads Program aims to strengthen grassroots football within the Hills by providing a selective program for Hills players to access high-quality coaching and player development opportunities. In doing so, Development Squads aims to strengthen the technical foundation and decision-making skills of players, raising their personal development, whilst creating high-quality players involved in Hills Football Competitions.
The Hills Development Squad, delivered collaboratively by Hills Football and Hills United FC, forms part of our strategic goal to raise the standard of Division 1 football across the Association and help bridge the gap between community and representative football.
The program provides talented local players with an opportunity to enhance their training and match exposure in a professional, supportive and challenging environment.
Age Groups Delivered
| Mixed | Girls Only | Goalkeeper Specific |
| Pre-JDL - U7's & U8's | Pre-GJDL - U8's & 9's | |
| JDL - U9's to U12's | GJDL - U10's to U13's | JDL - U9's to U12's |
| BYL - U13's to U16's | BYL - U13's to U16's |
Player Selection
Within each age group a total of 8 to 16 players will be selected.
For Goalkeeper Sessions 1-2 Goalkeepers are selected per age group.
Player Selection occurs just after the Representative Trial Period, with a clear link for players who just miss out on a Pathway Team (HUFC) and are offered spots within the Hills Development Squads for the upcoming Season.
Player Selection also factors in those who are currently within a Pathway Team, who may not be retained for a Pathway Team, however may be offered a spot into Hills Development Squads.
The Selection of Players is also in collaboration with Hills Football Member Clubs. Upon each Player Selection period, Clubs are invited to nominate players who demonstrate strong potential, commitment, and the right attitude for development at a higher level.
The Main Criteria for Player Selection is that Players must be registered for a Hills Football Member Club.
If you are interested in participating in trials, please complete the following Expression of Interest.
https://form.jotform.com/262217360706857
Coach Allocation
Within the Hills Football Development Squads a Head Coach will be allocated per team.
Head Coaches within the Program must have a minimum of a C Diploma or working towards acquiring a C Diploma.
Final coaching appointments will be made at the discretion of the HFL Community Player and Coach Development Manager Nick FitzGerald, the Community Football Manager Reece Gabriel and HFL/HUFC Head of Football Jason Eagar.
Program Delivery
Hills Development Squad – 2027 Season
The Hills Development Squad, delivered collaboratively by Hills Football and Hills United FC, is designed to raise the standard of Division 1 football across the Association and bridge the gap between community and representative football. The program provides talented local players with the opportunity to develop their technical skills, gain valuable match experience and train in a professional, supportive and challenging environment.
For the 2027 season, the program will introduce several exciting changes to further enhance player development and competition opportunities. Sessions will move to Fridays to help minimise clashes with club training commitments, with an increased focus on technical development through both training content and delivery.
Term 1 will be held on the synthetic fields at Hills Grammar School, providing a quality, weather-resistant training environment to start the season, before moving to Stringer Road Reserve for Terms 2 and 3. We are also working with other associations to increase the number of games available to players, creating further opportunities to test their skills and put their development into practice.
Following a highly successful 2026 tournament, Hills Football is excited to return to the Association Championships in Mudgee with our U13 and U14 Development Squads. The tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for our players to challenge themselves against quality opposition, continue their development and build strong connections with their teammates. Beyond the football, it’s a chance to enjoy a memorable team experience, strengthen friendships and create lifelong memories both on and off the pitch.
The 2027 program will run from February to August, providing a valuable development pathway for ambitious local players looking to improve their game, build confidence and take the next step in their football journey.
Training Times are:
2027 Program Key Details:
- Start Date: Friday, 5 February 2027
- End Date: Friday, 20 August 2027
- Training Day: Friday
- Term 1 Location: Hills Grammar
- Terms 2 & 3 Location: Stringer Road Reserve
Training Times: Term 1
- 6:15pm – 7:15pm: U7–U11 Boys, U8–U9 Girls
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm: U12–U16 Boys, U10–U14 Girls
Training Times: Term 2/3
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm: U7–U11 Boys, U8–U9 Girls
- 6:15pm – 7:15pm: U12–U16 Boys, U10–U14 Girls
Game Delivery
During the Program Duration, Hills Development Squads will look to combine with other Football NSW Associations to play games.
All Squads and Teams will endeavour to play as many games periodically throughout the duration of the Program Length. Games could be scheduled either within the Hills or at other locations within Sydney.
Additionally, games will be scheduled to maximise availability of both Players and Coaches within the Program.
If there is a clash with their HFL Club games or training, players in the Development Squads Program are required to prioritise their HFL Member Club commitments over the Development Squads Program.
Contact Us
For more information regarding Development Squads, fill out the form below.