Information
As a newly established club, we understand you may have questions about who we are and why Southern Highlands FC is the right choice to support your child’s football journey. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions and answers that highlight what we offer and how we operate.
Frequently asked questions
If your question isn’t covered here, or you’d prefer to speak directly with one of our team members, please fill out the form below—and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Is Southern Highlands FC part of Highlands Soccer Association or Highlands Football Club?
No, Southern Highlands FC is not part of or affiliated with Highlands Soccer Association or Highlands Football Club. Southern Highlands FC is an independent club.
Why was Southern Highlands FC established, and what does it offer my child?
Southern Highlands FC was founded to create exceptional development pathways for young football players in the Southern Highlands. As a not-for-profit club, every dollar is reinvested into enhancing the player experience—through expert coaching, quality equipment, tailored matchday and training kits, well-maintained facilities, and competition opportunities.
At Southern Highlands FC, we provide a selection-based football environment for players who are ready to develop their skills and challenge themselves at a higher level.
Our focus is on technical ability, game understanding and continued player development, bringing together motivated young footballers who want to improve, compete and be challenged.
Located in the Southern Highlands, SHFC offers a supportive, family-focused environment where skill, commitment and a desire to develop are at the heart of player selection.
Can my child play for Southern Highlands FC and simultaneously play for their current local or HFC team?
At SHFC, we fully support and encourage multi-club participation. We understand many players juggle commitments across clubs, and our schedule supports that - most SPL matches are held on Sundays, which helps families coordinate across different teams. However, other clubs may have their own policies on multi-club participation, so it's best to confirm directly with them.
When will the next SHFC trials be held, and how can I register?
The trials for our 2026 squads have now concluded and at this stage, no new trial dates have been confirmed.
When new opportunities are scheduled, details will be posted on our instagram.
If you’re interested in being considered for future SHFC trials or joining our programs, please submit an Expression of Interest. This will ensure you’re notified as soon as new trial dates are announced.
How often will training occur, and are there additional development opportunities?
Selected players will train twice a week under the guidance of experienced coaches.
What is the Sydney Premier League (SPL) and why is playing in it beneficial?
The Sydney Premier League (SPL) is a competitive youth football competition designed for players who are ready to be challenged in a stronger, development-focused environment.
The competition brings together teams from across Sydney and surrounding regions, with teams placed into divisions to create more balanced and competitive matches. The SPL structure includes regular fixtures, with promotion and relegation between tiers helping teams compete against others at a similar level.
For SHFC, competing in the SPL gives our selected players the opportunity to test their skills against quality opposition, experience consistent competitive football and continue developing their technical ability and game understanding.
Our focus remains on player development, quality competition and giving talented Southern Highlands players the opportunity to challenge themselves at the next level.
Where are SPL games played? / How far will I have to travel to matches?
SPL matches are played at designated venues across Sydney, with the exact locations depending on the competition schedule and age group.
Families should expect some travel from the Southern Highlands for match days. One of the benefits of the SPL format is that fixtures are structured to provide regular, competitive games, with teams grouped into divisions based on their level.
Exact 2027 venues, match times and schedules will be communicated to families once they are confirmed by the competition.
SHFC understands that travel is an important consideration for families, and we will always provide match information as early as possible to help families plan ahead.
How does the club ensure child safety and wellbeing?
Child safety is at the core of SHFC’s values. We strictly adhere to the NSW Child Safe Standards, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. This includes; All club staff and volunteers holding WWC Certification, embedding child safety in our leadership, governance, training practices—and giving young players a voice in decisions that affect them.
How does SHFC support community and family engagement?
At SHFC, we believe it takes a village to create a great football experience for our players.
When a player is selected to join SHFC, their family becomes part of our club community too. As a not-for-profit club, we rely on families working together and contributing to the running and success of the club.
Families are encouraged to be actively involved throughout the season, whether that’s joining committees, assisting with club events, volunteering on match days, helping with fundraising or contributing in other ways when needed.
By sharing the load, we can continue to provide our players with the best possible football experience while building a strong, connected and supportive club community.