Championed by Football Federation Tasmania (FFT), the round robin tournament attracted more than 250 junior players to the world class facilities at Aurora Stadium.

In all 12 squads took part from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, ACT and Tasmania as well as a provincial team from South Korea.

The event for players in the Skills Acquisition Program was backed by Launceston City Council, Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association and Football Federation Australia.

FFT technical director and game development manager, Kurt Reynolds, described it as a “fantastic weekend” and one that looks set to become an annual event in the Apple Isle.

“All the players have been treated to a fantastic football environment and across the U12s and U13s the standard of football has been excellent,” Reynolds told au.fourfourtwo.com

“We’re very pleased in regards to the style of football that’s been played by all the sides that were in attendance.

“It was very much in line with our national curriculum – a short passing style of game, playing out from the back and good attacking combinations.”

With the focus very much on development, organisers declined to go down the usual route of presenting trophies.

There was still plenty on the line, however, with many of future stars looking to get a jump on the season ahead.

And with SAP programs, state team selections and national championships to look forward to the level of intensity was high.

The event included player development presentations. Former Melbourne Victory and FFA game development officer, Danny Allsopp, was among those attending along with seven FFA SAP trainers.

Reynolds added: “For most of these players it was probably their first football trip or experience interstate.

“It was their first opportunity to travel together as a group, play in an away environment and deal with accommodation and transport arrangements.

“Most importantly they challenged themselves on the football field against some of the other talented players around the country in their specific age group.

“But I think the main outcomes relate to the football – it’s about what they learned from the challenge of playing at a higher level, in a competition-type environment without the pressure of points and ladders and scoreboards.

“I guess the make take-out of running the event was to provide a great football experience and learning for the players involved.”

National Technical Director, Han Berger, said the festival embraced the spirit of the national curriculum.

In a letter supporting the event, Berger said taking Australian football to the next level required youth programs focused on development rather than results, the skilful instead of the powerful and encouraging individual play, initiative and playing out from the back.

Reynolds certainly believes FFT is onto a winner: “Certainly based on our view of the event and the very positive feedback we’ve received we’re confident we can run it successfully on an annual basis.