If they don't want to play for Australia, go onto something higher like US college ball, or just achieve their potential.... Then, YES. It is too much.

Certain age group from vic where next to none of itp kids even play anymore. Kids not in system at same age playing d1 and d2 college now. It helps but doesnt mean cant work hard and get to where want to go. Said two players also made aus squad and team.

Not another one of these topics

Rubbish. you do not need to go through NITP to progress to national teams.

If you're good enough you'll make it on ability not connections.

#0245 correct - what a nonsense. The NITP program is enormously overrated. Yes the kids get an extra training session but is it worth it. The program written by BV is appalling and the coaches who have to implement it have such a small interest in it. Plenty of kids out there playing ball, they all wont be chosen as this 'elite group'. Too much hype for a program that delivers very little.

Yep its just nonsense. Many quality Rep programs already run their own high performance "extra" training programs within their own structure to cater to kids who want to do more.

There is nothing wrong with doing NITP if it suits, it's a good program, but to say NITP is a "compulsory" for advancement is just rubbish.

The only people who usually mention itb are the parents of kids who missed out, who just bag it.

Do you need to do it to advance to higher levels? No. Will it help develop you as a player? Yes. Is it the be all and end all? No. Will other non-NITP elite trainings help you develop? Yes.
It is what it is - one training a week, with and against good quality players. Nothing more, nothing less. It is one of many ways to get to the top.

National Intensive Training Program. But don't get attached to the name, it changes every other week, and for a 'national' program has a lot of different iterations across the states.

The primary benefit should be training against other outstanding players, but it depends on how sessions are structured as to whether or not that happens. If you're mostly doing 1v0, 2v0, or low intensity competitive drills, it's probably not the most effective use of your time.

NITP is very important. It teaches the curriculum the national coaches ask for, has coaches that are helping identify talent for these programs.

It also give the best chance for the best kids in the state together to train together, making each other better.

If you don't go to NITP it is your choice but don't complain when you don't get selected for the National teams.

NITP would be important IF the curriculum the National coaches wanted taught was uni-formally taught across the program. And if what these players are taught will be the same style that will be taught in 8-10 years when they become potential senior players.

It would be good if only the best kids in the state trained together with the best coaches. Unfortunately due to political influences it is used to assist clubs improve by helping their kids if they are unable to provide the level of coaching for their players, not to mention used to develop coaches who aren't up to standard.

And finally, if a player doesn't get selected for a National team because they aren't in the NITP, doesn't that show that these programs aren't all that they are cracked up to be and that selection for National teams is self serving rather than best practice?

Don't complain? You must be new around here... ;)

#540239 you must be joking. Have you gone and watched these sessions. I have never seen a more enthused bunch of coaches and the kids just find it a drain. I attended the "äwards ceremony" last year - all that happened was the coaches all said how thrilled they were it was over.

The pretense of having something like this seems great until you see how it unfolds and there is no substance. Tell me the last training plan written was of any value.

A smart IQ rep coach with passion would kill this program and the kids would get far greater reward.

Anon^, you don't seem to get it, do you even know why the NITP exists or what its purpose is? Don't think you do, according to what you have posted.

Actually, I agree with HO, I can't decipher your comment and I have read it 4 times now.

Trying to comprehend what you are saying anon^, and I come to a conclusion or this:

You believe it is better for a kid to do intensive training with his/her own club rep coach rather than doing intensive training with a network coach and other high level athletes!

Is this what your comment says?

In SA the coaching standard outside of the lead coach at NITP sessions is very poor.

At some clubs their team session would be a higher standard than NITP sessions and have far greater coaching standards. Plus there has been only about 20 sessions this year with a large number of absenteeism and gaps between sessions.

Plus the teams have progression into game learning outcomes and players are actually fighting for spots which lifts training intensity.

People running NITP generally think that it is there to be everything and actually accomplishes on minor changes in athlete's.

What state are you talking about ?

Who is even in the SA NITP? Can anyone put a link up?

So your kid made the cut because of your friends then!!!