The Caravella Football Academy High Performance Program is the first fully integrated football program in Far North Queensland. Combining high-level and cutting edge football education with the latest methods in strength and conditioning, this program is for the most dedicated of footballers that want to develop themselves towards an elite level. The HPP program heads into its sixth year of operation, perfectly complimenting club and representative commitments as we prepare our players for the next level of their football journey. The CFA HPP program has seen players graduate into A-League and NPL programs all across Australia, creating yet another unique pathway towards professional football.
Make no mistake – our program is first and foremost about quality football education. No promises, no fluff – just holistic “old school” methods of developing players so they can get the most out of themselves in the sessions they are with us and beyond.
Top tier: HPP Elite (U15-17), HPP 1 (U13/14), HPP 2 (U12/13), HPP 3 (U11/12), HPP 4 (U9/10)
HPP Development: U8-10 and U11-13
Standard program: 1 x football session, 1 x strength and conditioning session (1 day per week) + 2 bonus football sessions per term with Head Coach Zenon Caravella – all at The Grounds Cairns $440 per term*
Optional school holiday progress sessions with Zenon Caravella (90 minutes) – $40 per session
The HPP program has been developed by leading specialists coaches in Far North Queensland.
Our football program is overseen by Zenon Caravella – former A-League veteran with over 300 professional games to his name. In 2016 Zenon was awarded with an “Outstanding contribution to the A- League” award by then Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou and FFA CEO David Gallop. Aside from his priceless playing experience at the highest level, Zenon currently carries his AFC B licence making him one of the most formally educated coaches in the region.
The coaches personally delivering the top-tier football program in 2023 will be Crios O’Hare and Josh Taylor – two of the region’s highest regarded footballers and most successful coaches at club level.
Crios O’Hare from Next Level HPT is also responsible for our accompanying strength and conditioning program . Crios is not only qualified in S + T training but has played football at a high level in Australia and overseas meaning he is able to design a program for our players specific to football.
There is no more qualified team in the region able to guide junior FNQ footballers to the next level.
Register to trial
“Bridging the gap”
With all HPP football sessions high-quality and requiring full attention, players are required to adjust to an intense environment not unlike elite programs offered in the metropolitan areas all over the country. Sessions are all pre-planned and carefully designed, incorporating all facets of football education from technical work to decision making in game situations. The HPP program aspires to create individually sound footballers, ready to slot into any elite environment outside of Far North Queensland.
The sessions
Our football program is designed to not only challenge players both mentally and physically but is about creating an environment that brings out the best out of every player.
The sessions take place at The Grounds Cairns, the region’s first and only FIFA rated, world class, purpose built football facility. This ensures our players will train on high quality grass with a smooth surface all year round, ideal for technical training.
Register to trial
The aim of the strength and conditioning program is to develop our athletes in all areas with an emphasis on building good foundations as they grow. There is a big focus on co- ordination, balance, proprioception and core strength, while also instilling good habits in regards to self care (flexibility, recovery etc).
HPP S+C coach Crios O’Hare has designed the program specific to the needs of a growing junior footballer, ensuring he is in constant liaison with the football team to meet any specific needs of a player.
Strength and conditioning aims to create the athlete first, and the player second.
The sessions
The strength and conditioning sessions will take place at Next Level Training Academy at The Grounds Cairns. Players train in small groups and the sessions go for 40 minutes.
Register to trialApril 8-11: FNQ Youth Cup
FNQ YOUTH CUP + ADVANCED CAMP
Since 2018, over 500 elite players each year from all over Australia have come together for the FNQ Youth Cup which combines one day of optional advanced training (the FNQ Youth Cup Invitational Camp) followed by a 3-day tournament featuring some of the best teams and academies from all over the country.
Register to trial
April 2024
Premier Academy Leagues National Cup – After a successful campaign in 2023 we will again compete in the biggest National academy event of the year featuring the best academies all over Australia. (All top-tier squads)
October 2024
The Sydney International Cup is the biggest independent competition in Australia – featuring over 150 teams from all over Australia and abroad. (All top tier players U10, U11)
Register to trial
Dates: Mid-Year 2024
After a successful tour in 2023, CFA is very excited to be partnering up with KANO AUSTRALIA again, returning to Japan on an exclusive football tour for squads U12 and U13/14. The tour will include competition football against J-League sides, entry into a high level tournament and the entire football camp experience.
Current training days:
Monday: HPP 2, HPP 3 + HPP Girls
Tuesday: HPP 1 + HPP 11-13
Wednesday: HPP Dev 8-10
** At this stage the days will remain the same for 2024 however this may change if necessary **
HPP Elite days to be confirmed
TRIALS
Trials for the 2024 program will take place on November 18 + 19 at The Grounds Cairns. Successful triallists are guaranteed a spot for the 40 week program. All HPP coaches will be joined by Zenon Caravella for the trials. Time slots TBA and players must attend both trial days unless an exemption is approved in advance.
Aside from these trial dates, the only other time you can trial for the program is if spots become available during the year so we recommend all players that want to do the program trial on these dates. to avoid disappointment.
We strongly encourage if you are not planning on joining the program or are unavailable on the training days listed, not to attend trials.
** Want to trial for Term 4? Mention it on the registration form **
Register to trial