EVERTON star Tim Cahill has urged talented young Australians to use the A-League as a springboard for a successful career in Europe.

Launching his coaching clinic in Sydney this week, the midfielder said the development of Australian football still depended on local talent going abroad, despite the existence of the A-League, which was formed in 2004.

Cahill has played in England since 1997, firstly with Millwall before moving to Everton in 2004, and said he hoped to guide talented local youngsters through what could be a tricky transition from Australia's domestic league to Europe.

"It is a great format if you come to the leagues," he said.

"Play in the A-League and, if you're flying in that, then you have to have the opportunity (to play overseas).

"Our first thought is to help kids go overseas to get them that trial to make them see their dreams, but also to make sure the kids are treated in the right way to have the opportunities and that the parents understand the pitfalls.

"Sometimes at such a young age it possibly might not be the right thing for the kid to leave and go because circumstances prevail where they're still very raw and it's the delicacy that you have to treat them with."

Cahill also insisted that the coaching clinic will be run as a place for players to enjoy their football.

"The main thing for us is to try to have the most professional and efficient set-up and also the format for kids to have fun," he added.