Speaking at the launch of the Emerging Jets Program in Newcastle, Berger said the system in Australia was broken. 

“We are currently not developing enough top flight players. The reason being is that youth development in Australia is all over the place," he said.

“People are not working together in the interests of the talented players. There is a lot of self-interest.”

Berger explained this was the reason why the FFA and member federations had taken control of the talented player pathways, such as the Skillaroos and Institute programs.

“I’m sorry I have to say this but youth coaching in general is still very, very poor,” he added.

However Berger, who is reportedly leaving his post although this hasn’t been confirmed by FFA, praised Newcastle Jets’ new youth model and urged other A-League clubs to follow suit.

“The top, talented players should be developed by the top professional clubs. That’s the way it is in the world and that’s why I’m pushing already for a couple of years for that to happen [in the A-League],” he said.

“Unfortunately most of the club owners see youth development as a cost factor not investment. So I’m extremely happy with this [Jets] initiative.”

The concept of the Emerging Jets is a joint initiative between the Jets, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to provide a pathway for talented footballers as young as 10 years old through to the A-League and W-League.

“This is the way top youth development should happen in a year-round professional environment with top coaches,” Berger said.

“All the A-League clubs should follow this example.”

FourFourTwo magazine will feature a report on the Emerging Jets Program in the November issue out early October.