Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before joining ARETE.
Choosing the right football environment for your child comes with questions. From trials and team selection to training, competition, kit and JPL Australia, we've brought together the practical information families need.
Find answers to the most common questions about ARETE Football.
What is ARETE Football?
ARETE Football provides junior football for U8–U13 players in the Southern Highlands. We combine good coaching, competitive football and a positive environment where children are known, challenged and supported
Where is ARETE Football based?
ARETE Football is based in Mittagong area NSW, providing opportunities for junior players from across the Southern Highlands.
What age groups does ARETE offer?
ARETE is initially accepting expressions of interest from players in the U8–U13 age groups for 2027.
Does my child need to attend a training session before joining?
Yes. Before joining ARETE, your child will be invited to attend a free training session.
This gives us an opportunity to get to know your child, understand their abilities and see how they engage within our training environment.
Just as importantly, it gives your child the chance to experience ARETE, meet the coaches and other players, and decide whether it's somewhere they'd enjoy playing football.
It's about finding the right fit — for the player and for ARETE.
What do you look for in an ARETE player?
We recognise that every child is at a different stage of their football journey.
While current ability is considered, it's only one part of the picture. We place just as much importance on attitude, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the potential to develop.
Above all, we're looking for players who enjoy their football, are willing to challenge themselves and want to be part of a positive, supportive team environment.
At ARETE, it's not just about the player you are today, but the player and person you have the potential to become.
What happens if my child isn't selected for a team?
Where appropriate, some players may be offered an ARETE Development Player place, allowing them to train and continue developing without initially joining a competition team.
How often will players train?
ARETE team and development players will train twice each week - Monday and Thursday 5pm to 6:30pm, with sessions designed to be active, challenging and full of football.
What competition will ARETE teams play in?
ARETE teams will compete through JPL Australia, an independent junior football competition providing development-focused competitive football and opportunities beyond the regular season. Games are normaly played on Sunday and are home and away fixture based.
JPL Australia operates independently and is not affiliated with Football NSW or the Highlands Soccer Association (HSA).
Can my child still play for their community club?
Yes. ARETE and JPL Australia don't require players to give up community football.
Where a player chooses to participate in both, families should consider the training and match commitments involved and any registration or eligibility requirements of their community competition.
Are ARETE teams competitive?
Yes. We want players to compete, care about the result and want to win. We simply don't believe winning and development have to compete with each other.
What is the ARETE approach to coaching?
We want to develop the footballer without forgetting the child. Coaches teach, challenge and set high standards while recognising that every child develops differently.
Are there tournament, representative or international opportunities?
Yes. Through JPL Australia, players may have opportunities to participate in tournaments and be considered for representative, All Stars and international experiences.
These opportunities vary by age, event and selection and are separate from regular ARETE team participation.
What kit do ARETE players receive?
ARETE Team Players receive their home, away and training kits, carrying both the ARETE and JPL Australia identities. Plus a players Hoodie and Backpack.
When does ARETE begin?
Trials are planned for Early October 2026, with selected players beginning training the following week and partaking in friendly matches and local tournements as we build towards the JPL Australia season commencing in February 2027.