ACADEMY PATHWAY

The ACADEMY is split into three stages, FUN - LEARN - DEVELOP, in order to maximise player learning throughout their football education.

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FUN | GRASSROOTS (U7-U8)

The first step on the pathway is the Grassroots programme which is for children aged 7-8 years. The focus is on discovering basic football skills in a fun and enjoyable way under the guidance of our Auckland City FC Premier Team players. Children will be encouraged to get comfortable with the ball at their feet and we aim to foster a love for the game of football.

Grassroots sessions are 60 minutes long and run all year round during each school term.

A Saturday morning game-day option is also available through our partner Central United FC during the winter season.

LEARN | ACADEMY - Skills Centre (U9-U12)

The Skills Centre is for junior players aged 9-12 years who are wanting to develop themselves for long-term participation in football. This is the ‘golden age’ of learning and the optimal time to focus on improving the core skills needed to play football.

Players are exposed to a structured training programme that places an emphasis on learning within the context of the game while being part of an enjoyable environment that maximises player development. These sessions are led by coaches who have completed the NZF Junior Level 3 Coaching Award.

Skills Centre sessions are 75 minutes and run all year round during each school term. Female players can choose between training in girls-only or mixed groups.

A team option is also available to participate in the Auckland Football Federation junior leagues through our partner Central United FC during the winter season.

“If you don’t focus on developing the technical gifts at an early age it is much harder to pick those things up later on.” - Ivan Vicelich, Technical Director

LEARN | ACADEMY - Youth (U13-U17)

The Pathway programme offers youth aged 13-17 years the opportunity to learn how to implement the core skills they have learnt through their junior years to achieve tactical outcomes in the context of 11-a-side football. Training is focused on the moments when the team has the ball or when they are trying to recover the ball, and the principles of play within those moments. These sessions are led by coaches who have completed the OFC/NZF C Licence or higher.

Pathway sessions are 90 minutes and run during the off-season over summer. Female players can choose between training in girls-only or mixed groups.

A team option is also available to participate in the Auckland Football Federation youth leagues through our partner Central United FC during the winter season.

LEARN | ACADEMY - Goalkeeping (U9-U17)

The Goalkeeping sessions provide a weekly contact specific to the development needs of this crucial position for juniors aged 9-12 years and youth aged 13-17 years. Led by ACFC Goalkeeping Coach Simone Naddi, these sessions will cover the fundamental and advanced techniques of goalkeeping.

Goalkeeping sessions are 45 minutes and run all year round during each school term.

LEARN | ACADEMY - Futsal (U7-U15)

The fast-paced, skilful game of futsal is an invaluable tool for the development of footballers. The game promotes decision-making in limited time and space, individual ball skills, combination play, off the ball movement, creativity and improvisation.

It will be integrated into our Grassroots and Skills Centre programmes during the winter months of 2020.

LEARN | ACADEMY - Wellness (U13-U17)

The Wellness sessions provide a weekly contact of active recovery, Fit4Football 11+ strengthening exercises and onsite physiotherapy for youth aged 13-17 years. Led by ACFC Physiotherapist Matt Payne, these sessions aim to:

● Minimise the risk of football injuries and overload type injuries;

● Enhance and maximise your child’s physical football capability

● Educate the player on preventative strategies and health benefits of physical activity.

Through specific and targeted exercise, your child will be given the best opportunity to remain injury free and maintain their physical wellbeing.

Wellness sessions are 45 minutes and run during the winter football season.

DEVELOP | DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Players who have progressed through the ACademy and are performing at a high level on the field and living our values off the field may get an opportunity to play for Auckland City FC Youth Teams in the near future.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like more information about the ACademy Pathway, please email director@academy.football