Summer Development Sessions Give Aspiring Young Players a Platform to Shine

The GFA Academy recently hosted its inaugural Summer Development Sessions at Victoria Park, providing young players from across the island with an opportunity to showcase their talent, learn new skills, and test themselves in a competitive environment.

Supported by sponsors Spirit and Aztech, the sessions were designed to go beyond traditional trials — focusing instead on player development and giving every participant the chance to grow through purposeful coaching and match-based activities.

The programme welcomed players from U9s through to U14s (Years 4–9), with the quality on display described as fantastic across the board. Every player thoroughly deserved their place, having been recommended by their clubs, and the standard of play was a clear reflection of the strength of Guernsey football at grassroots level.

While the Academy cannot select everyone, the coaching staff were keen to emphasise how proud they were of the attitude, effort, and ability shown throughout. The support of local clubs and coaches was instrumental in this process, and the Academy extends a sincere thank you for helping ensure these young players were given this valuable opportunity.

The Development Sessions highlighted not just individual potential, but also the collective strength of Guernsey’s football pathway — with the Academy, local clubs, and sponsors all working together to inspire and nurture the island’s next generation of players.

As a result of the sessions, players have now been selected for both the GFA Aztech Academy and the newly formed GFA Spirit Development Academy — with more information about this exciting new venture to follow soon!