SHARKS development squad
Gladesville Sharks FC Training Academy
Development Squad Registration
Fill out the form below to secure your spot now.
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For Players Who Want to Sharpen Their Skills and Build Confidence
Training Starts April 8th 2026
Our Development Squads are designed for community players eager to improve their technique and gain more control on the ball. These sessions focus on tailored, individual feedback and skillbuilding exercises that help players grow in a supportive environment.
- Small groups for personalised coaching
- Training designed to improve technique, ball mastery, and decision-making
- Individualised feedback to help players build confidence
- Focused sessions that translate directly to better performance on game day
- Open to all players wanting to develop their skills, regardless of experience level
If you’re looking to take your weekend football to the next level by improving your technical ability and game confidence, our Development Squads offer a great place to start.
| Coaches | Tom Fay & Team |
| Training Schedule | Training Starts April 8th 2026.Full-season structured coaching program (18 Weeks) |
| Session Duration | 1-hour per week |
| Training Times | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Wednesday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Thursday |
| Training Location | Morrison Bay Park, Putney |
| Age Groups | Players aged 8 to 11 years |
| Inclusions | Training Jersey |
| Wet Weather Policy | Sessions will be cancelled in the event of washouts. |
What Players Will Gain:
Expert-Led Training
Targeted Skill Development
Personalised Guidance
Holistic Support
Fitness & Discipline
Team-Oriented Activities
Meet Tom Fay
The Expert Behind Our TRAINING Academy
Football has been part of my life since I was five, and I have been obsessed with the game from day one. I started at Wakehurst FC and progressed into the Manly United SAP program, before a breakout season in the under 14s saw me step up early and debut for Manly United’s under 18s at just 14.
I was honoured to receive the Lucas Neal Award at Manly’s Presentation Day, then selected for the inaugural Sydney FC Academy under 14s squad. At 18, I achieved a career highlight with selection for the Young Socceroos, representing Australia on tour through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, an experience I will never forget.
After returning home, I trained with the Sydney FC A-League squad alongside players like Caceres and Ninkovic, learning firsthand what elite standards look like day-to-day. In 2023, an ACL injury during an Australia Cup match tested me in every way, but the rehab built real resilience and sharpened my perspective.
Coming back onto the field, supported by family, teammates and the players I coach, reignited my love for the game. Today, I bring that same passion into coaching, focusing on development, confidence, and helping young players grow through strong habits and a positive environment.
CareeR highlights
- Selected for Manly United SAP program
- Debuted for Manly United under 18s at age 14
- Lucas Neal Award recipient at Manly United Presentation Day
- Selected for Sydney FC inaugural Academy under 14s
- Selected for the Young Socceroos national team
- Represented Australia internationally in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
- Trained with Sydney FC A-League squad alongside senior professionals
- Successfully returned to play following ACL reconstruction
SHARKS COACH DEVELOPMENT
Gladesville Sharks FC Coach the Coach Workshops
Coach The Coach Registration
Fill out the form below to secure your spot now.
Building Stronger Volunteer Coaches
Our Coach the Coach Workshops are tailored to support our volunteer parents and coaches by equipping them with the necessary tools, structure, and confidence to lead their teams.
Workshop Details:
| Workshops | 2 x 60-minute workshops |
| Dates/Times | Session 1: 7-8pm - Wednesday 14th May Session 2: 7-8pm - Wednesday 28th May |
| Location | Morrison Bay Park, Putney |
Workshop Objectives:
Upskilling Volunteer Coaches: Practical sessions designed to provide structure and guidance for novice coaches.
- Fundamental Knowledge: Covering game rules and tips for creating a fun and safe football environment.
- Positive Coaching Culture: Encouraging inclusive coaching practices across all levels of the club.
- Ongoing Support: Monitoring and mentoring coaches based on their needs, and providing access to coaching resources and development tools.
- Weekly Coaching Updates: Sharing key drills, strategies, and tips through weekly emails to ensure continuous learning throughout the season.
Gladesville Sharks FC Player Academy – FAQs
What is the Gladesville Sharks FC Player Academy?
The Player Academy is a structured coaching program designed to develop players’ skills, confidence, and love for the game while also providing expert guidance for volunteer coaches through workshops.
Who are the coaches?
Our program is led by experienced coach Tom Fay who brings a wealth of knowledge in technical, tactical, and strategic aspects of football.
What is the player-to-coach ratio?
Each session will maintain a 10-13 players per coach ratio to ensure personalised training and effective skill development.
What is the training schedule?
Our Professional Coaching Program runs as a full-season structured coaching program (18 weeks) to help players develop their skills in a consistent, high-quality training environment.
- Training Starts Wed 8th April.
- Session Duration: 1-hour per week
- Training Times: Sessions take place between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Where does training take place
Our training sessions take place at our home ground at Morrison Bay Park, Frances Rd Putney
How are players grouped for training?
Players will be organised into age-appropriate squads:
- Under 8–9 group
- Under 10–11 group
What happens if there is bad weather?
Sessions will not proceed during washouts, as per the club’s wet weather policy.
What skills will players develop?
- Dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending
- Tactical decision-making and game awareness
- Fitness, discipline, and teamwork
- Mental and emotional resilience for young athletes
How can I register for the Development Squad?
You can register via the form above or get more details, please contact coaching@sharksfc.org.au.
Who should join our Coaching Programs?
- Players looking to improve their football skills in a professional coaching environment
What are the benefits of joining the program?
- Expert coaching to maximise player development
- A structured pathway to improve footballing skills
- Supportive environment for players and coaches
- Stronger club culture with community-driven coaching
Let’s make the 2026 season a success!
Have any questions or need assistance?
coaching@sharksfc.org.au or contact us via our contact page or socials.