Developing Players. Supporting People. Building the Future.
The North Epping Rangers Football Development Academy is a high-quality, club-based development program created to support, challenge and inspire our young Rangers.
Originally established with support from the Football Australia Commbank Growing Football Fund to further develop the club’s strong competitive female footballers, the Academy quickly gained significant interest from across the wider North Epping Rangers playing group. In response, the program was expanded to incorporate players from across the club, while continuing to deliver dedicated Girls and Mixed Academy squads.
Today, the Academy reflects North Epping Rangers’ long-term commitment to structured player development, professional coaching and clear progression within the club.
This approach — combining strong development programs, strategic pathways and a vibrant community — was nationally recognised when North Epping Rangers was named Football Australia Club Changer – Club of the Year 2025.
Purposeful Development, the Rangers Way
The Academy delivers professional, structured training designed to elevate players’ technical ability, game understanding and confidence, while remaining firmly connected to club football.
Sessions are led by highly experienced, qualified professional coaches from 2nd Nature Football, and delivered in small, focused squads, allowing for targeted skill development, individual feedback and high training standards in a comfortable, local community setting.
Players experience an environment that feels intentional and performance-focused, without losing the enjoyment, belonging and support that define the Rangers community.
All Academy players receive an exclusive North Epping Rangers Football Development Academy training shirt, reinforcing the professionalism, identity and pride of the program.
Impact & Participation
In 2025, more than 75 players took part in the NER Football Development Academy, including over 30 female footballers aged 8–18.
The response was outstanding — players enjoyed the experience, parents saw real progress, and most importantly, the club saw a clear lift in football skills and on-field performance during matches.
Integrated Pathways, Not Standalone Training
The NER Football Development Academy is not an external add-on or generic extra training program. It is fully embedded within the club’s broader football framework and designed to complement:
- Team training and match play
- Junior and youth development
- Female football and Mixed football pathways
- Advanced and competitive programs
This integration allows players to push their development forward while continuing to train, play and grow alongside their teammates and friends within the club.
Who Is the Academy For?
The NER Football Development Academy is designed for competitive North Epping Rangers footballers who want to elevate their skills and performance while continuing to play with their friends and club team within a strong, inclusive club environment.
The Academy had 5 – 6 squads in 2025 and caters for players:
- U10–U18 Mixed & Girls
- U8–U9 Mixed & U8–U9 Girls
Academy Intakes & Registration
The NER Football Development Academy operates in term-based intakes throughout the season and is only open to registered North Epping Rangers players.
And thanks to NER club support, the Academy is delivered at a significantly more affordable price than many external programs and academies, while maintaining a high-quality, professional training environment.
Current Academy Intake
Term 1 Football Development Academy
6-week program | U8–U18 | Girls & Mixed squads
Built on Quality, Community and Credibility
The Academy reflects what North Epping Rangers values most:
quality coaching, thoughtful long-term player development, strong female football pathways and a connected, community-first club culture.
It is one of the ways North Epping Rangers continues to develop confident, capable footballers — and why our approach to football development has been recognised at a national level.
Developing players. Supporting people. Building the future.
Because at the heart of it all — We Are NER!