Keep developing over the summer
Sharks Summer Development Academy
For Players Who Want to Sharpen Their Skills and Build Confidence in the off seaason
Training Starts October 2026
Gladesville Sharks FC is exploring a new eight-week offseason development program for junior players who want to continue building their skills, confidence and enjoyment of football over the summer.
Before confirming the program, we are asking Sharks families to register their interest and let us know which training nights would work best.
Proposed program
The Sharks Summer Development Academy is expected to include:
- An eight-week training program
- Commencing the week of 13 October 2026
- One-hour training sessions
- One or two sessions per week
- Training at Morrison Bay Park
- Open to boys and girls
- A dedicated Sharks Summer Development Academy training jersey
- Squads capped at 12 players per coach
Players will be grouped into age-based development squads:
- U6 and U7
- U8 and U9
- U10
- U11 and U12
Training nights
Sessions are being considered for:
- Tuesday – 5.30-6.30pm
- Wednesday – 5.30-6.30pm
- Thursday – 5.30-6.30pm
The final schedule will be determined by demand and availability within each age cohort.
Indicative pricing
One session per week – $280 per player
Includes eight one-hour training sessions and a Sharks Summer Development Academy training jersey.
Two sessions per week – $510 per player
Includes sixteen one-hour training sessions and a Sharks Summer Development Academy training jersey.
| Coaches | Tom Fay & Team |
| Session Duration | 1-hour |
| Training Location | Morrison Bay Park, Putney |
| Inclusions | Training Jersey |
| Wet Weather Policy | Sessions will be cancelled in the event of washouts. |
Register your interest
Please complete the short expression-of-interest form below once for each player who may be interested.
The survey should take less than two minutes and will help the Club determine:
- Whether there is enough demand for the program
- Which age-based squads can proceed
- Whether families prefer one or two sessions per week
- Which training nights are most suitable
Submitting the form does not commit you to registering and does not guarantee the program will proceed.
Squads will only proceed where minimum registration numbers are met.
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
What Players Will Gain:
Expert-Led Training
Targeted Skill Development
Personalised Guidance
Holistic Support
Fitness & Discipline
Team-Oriented Activities
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 10-12 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 1st 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 6–7 group
- 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.