au.fourfourtwo.com understands talks between the FFA, A-League clubs, state league clubs and state federations have been fruitful and a deal is close. 

The initiative, being driven by FFA technical director Han Berger and part of an over-arching competitions review by the national governing body, would see NYL sides effectively play in two competitions thereby offering them year-round football.

In summer young players would compete  in the NYL as per the current arrangement.

However now in winter, the state leagues such as the Victorian Premier League, the NSW Premier League or NSW Winter Super League would field A-League youth teams.

These teams would play for points, it's understood. 

The rationale, say insiders, is simple: our next generation of talent aren’t playing enough football and this move should fix that issue whilst also boosting the profile of both the A-League and state league clubs.

It’s been stressed that while the idea is for A-League brands to filter through into state territory, it doesn’t mean senior A-League squads will compete in state leagues.

“It makes more sense to keep these boys together under the same coach all-year round, playing in the NYL then a state league competition against men,” said one insider.

We understand Sydney FC youth have already signed off on the plan and will compete as early as next year in the NSW Premier League.

One other potential benefit of the plan is to lift the profile of the state leagues by having A-League brands in the mix.

“Imagine Melbourne Victory youth versus South Melbourne or Sydney FC versus Marconi? That’ll add a new level of interest to these leagues,” added the insider.

It’s a valid point given the huge gap between crowds in the state league and A-League – and with the prospect of winning silverware A-League fans may begin to embrace these second tier competitions.

Another initiative that we can confirm has already been discussed with at least one state league club is the idea of mandating state league squads to include a minimum number of U23 or U21 players.

Currently state league clubs have no restriction on the players they sign and some, perhaps understandably, buy players to win championships. The idea of mandating is to offer more opportunities for players who are late developers or have been discarded by A-League clubs to get their careers back on track.

Some players discarded by NYL squads often struggle to find a club and can fall through the gaps in the system. 

“The whole idea is strongly recommended by those running the game,” added another insider.