Expressions of Interest Open for U19 & U23 Teams for 2025!
Essendon Royals Soccer Club is excited to announce that we are now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for players keen to join our U19 and U23 squads ahead of the 2025 season.
This is an incredible opportunity for ambitious young footballers to become part of one of Victoria’s most respected clubs, renowned for its commitment to developing youth talent.
Why join Essendon Royals?
At Essendon Royals, we are proud of our strong track record in promoting young players and giving them opportunities at senior level.
In the 2024 season, no fewer than seven U23-eligible players made significant contributions to our first team, including two players who have progressed directly from our junior program. This adds on from a similar number in 2023, as well as a high number of under-age players who made significant contributions to our Under-23s this season.
These young talents have shown their quality and dedication, earning valuable minutes in senior football.
By joining our U19 or U23 teams, you will have the chance to:
- Compete in a high-level environment designed to help you reach your full potential.
- Receive coaching and mentoring from experienced and accredited coaches, with opportunities to transition to the senior squad.
- Be part of a club that has a proven pathway to senior football and takes pride in developing players for the next level.
U19 Team – New Opportunity
We are preparing for a potential competition change from Football Victoria, which could see the introduction of a U19 team in 2025. While this change has not been officially confirmed, we are being proactive in ensuring we are ready to field a team if the new competition is introduced. This is an exciting new pathway for young footballers seeking to further their development before stepping up to the U23 or senior levels.
U23 Team
Our U23 team continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between junior and senior football. The U23s provide young players with a platform to compete in a challenging environment, gain valuable match experience, and prepare for the demands of senior football. In recent seasons, we’ve seen multiple U23 players successfully transition into our first team, showcasing the importance of this development phase.
Player Development Pathway
Essendon Royals have a long history of nurturing young football talent. Players in our U19 and U23 teams will have the opportunity to:
- Train with senior players and gain insight into the demands of senior football.
- Benefit from tailored development plans designed to enhance individual skills and football intelligence.
- Compete in a professional environment with regular feedback from coaching staff aimed at continuous improvement.
We encourage players from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels to express their interest. Whether you are a current Royals player, a player from another club looking for a new challenge, or someone returning to the game, we want to hear from you.
How to Express Your Interest
If you are interested in joining either our U19 or U23 teams for the 2025 season, please complete the embedded Expression of Interest form below. By submitting your EOI, you’ll be among the first to hear about trial dates and further details regarding team selection.
For any inquiries or additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact our Head of Football, Vaughan Coveny, at [email protected].
Join the Royals Family
This is your chance to join a club that is committed to developing the next generation of football talent. Be part of a club with a clear pathway from junior to senior football and take your game to the next level. We look forward to welcoming you to the Essendon Royals family!