Strikers Academy
Giving Every Player the Opportunity to Be The Best That They Can Be
Our vision is to strengthen grassroots football by providing all players with the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having access to high-quality coaching and player development opportunities. In doing so, the Sutherland Shire Football Association has created the Not-for-Profit Organisation, Strikers Academy to reinforce the technical foundation for all players and coaches within SSFA, increasing player engagement and the quality of football played.
How It Works
At the Strikers Academy, we provide year-round football development programs for players of all abilities within the Sutherland Shire Football Association, from age 3 to Senior levels. Our friendly and safe environment allows players to learn football skills, make friends, and build confidence.
The Strikers Academy is a Not-for-Profit Organisation that fosters and develops Football in the Sutherland Shire with the vision to develop and improve the technical ability of players through our community-based Academy’s and through our specialised Advanced programs, so that players and coaches of all ages can reach their full potential.
Our Programs
Chaos Football
A fun, high-energy 3v3 program for kids aged 6–8 to learn football fundamentals. Sessions focus on dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork in an inclusive, engaging environment.
Zone Development Centres
Pre-season training for players aged 8–14, designed to improve core football skills and game awareness. Run by accredited SSFA coaches across multiple Sutherland Shire locations.
Skills Development Program
Ideal for players or teams wanting to enhance club training. Focused on the “Golden Age of Learning” (U8–U13), with sessions that build technique, confidence, and a love for the game.
Goalkeeper Development Program
Specialised training for goalkeepers aged 8–15. Sessions cover shot-stopping, positioning, distribution, and decision-making, with tailored coaching to build confidence and skill.
Advanced Player Holiday Development Program
Intensive holiday training for advanced players, including Strikers and SSFA A/B grades. Focus on advanced drills, tactical play, conditioning, and personal feedback from experienced coaches.
Senior Women Skills Program
A pre-season or in-season training option for senior women’s teams. Designed to sharpen technical ability, fitness, and confidence under expert SSFA guidance.
Club-Based Skills Development
Custom programs for clubs wanting to offer players professional, FFA-aligned training. Builds core skills, decision-making, and engagement across grassroots age groups.
Football Development Officer (FDO)
Club coaches receive hands-on support from SSFA technical staff during sessions. Designed to upskill volunteer coaches and strengthen local player development.
Our Pathway
The Sutherland Strikers Advanced Academy Program, is the main pathway into our Sutherland Strikers Representative teams.
This is a selection based program which runs for 40-45 weeks, with 60 min sessions on a Monday and/or Friday, for boys and girls ages U8 – U15.
The Strikers Development Academy offers a range of programs for children of all ages, which feed into the Advanced Academy Program. We are dedicated to developing the next generation of local footballers, helping them become the best players they can be and potentially the next Sutherland Striker, Matilda, or Socceroo.
