The Robert Zerella Central District Football Club Academy has been formed with the sole aim of developing talented local footballers and giving them the best opportunity to play at a higher standard.

The Club in recent years has not had the success at the U15 State Championships that is required; The Central District Football Club places a great deal of emphasis on the Championships with the view of developing future League Footballers.

The Club faces a huge task in educating our Development Squad players when they join our Underage for the first time. We see the Academy as the first step in the players understanding of the work load required to be successful at that level.

The program has been designed to give the players a basic understanding of the Clubs game plan, an insight into the personal discipline required and increasing the football knowledge and skill level. The senior coaching staff has had a major influence on the setting up of the program, subject content and the organizing of guest speakers. This provides the Academy with a solid structure and content that is in line with the Club philosophies.

The Club would like to acknowledge the generous support of Club Patron Robert Zerella, whose sponsorship of this program has made it possible.

The 2008 Robert Zerella Football Academy

Central District Football Club proudly represents Adelaide's Northern Suburbs and North Country area. Each SANFL Club is allocated a suburban and country area for which to develop the game and recruit players.

Central District's suburban area starts from Salisbury (from Burton/Frost Road) and extends Northwards to Munno Para. Suburbs in Central's zone include: Salisbury East, Salisbury Park, Burton, Elizabeth, Hillbank, Craigmore and Smithfield.

Our Country area, which we are proud to be associated with, is predominately the Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association. Our furthermost areas are Reeves Plains to the west, Rhynie to the North and Angaston to the east.

Junior development from this zone is the future of Central District Football Club and is pivotal to the success of the Club in the near future.

* A list of football development officials can be found on the People page.