Following the completion of the shortened National Youth League competition, every youth team will then compete in the 26-week National Premier League structures in their relevant state which begin in February or early March.

"The Foxtel National Youth League has been adapted for the upcoming season in line with the elite player development pathway as we all work together to produce quality footballers for the A-League and the national teams," FFA national technical director Eric Abrams said. "From next season all nine Australian A-League clubs will have their youth teams playing in the relevant National Premier League competitions over the winter months against senior men's teams and then come together for an abbreviated National Youth League season."

The move has been made to allow a more streamlined approach to youth development in Australia where the best young players will remain with their A-League clubs' youth teams for an extended time and for more games. The National Youth League teams of each A-League club will take part in the senior divisions of the state premier league structures, allowing the best youth players to play against adults as well as older teenagers.

The changes will allow HAL clubs to have under-13s, 14s, 15s and 16s teams playing in the NPL junior structure. "It is an exciting step forward for football in Australia as our talented youth players will be able to take part in a coordinated year-long program in a consistent environment that will help develop better players," Abrams said.

It is understood the pools of the National Youth League may be divided by geography to help significantly cut costs for many of the A-League clubs. Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets and the FFA CoE team (Canberra) are likely to be pitted together. Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Adelaide and Perth Glory are set to be the other pool.