Update - Player Pathway evolves at Kiwitea Street

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 3 February 2022

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing relationship with Central United FC for 2022.

Last year, the two clubs re-signed a memorandum of understanding that saw the refinement of their Integrated Player Development Pathway under the new New Zealand Football National League System.

Academy Director Nic Downes explained how the model worked.

"The two clubs have always had a special and strong relationship ever since Auckland City FC was launched back in 2004 for the New Zealand Football Championship.

"As a result of the new structures and requirements in the delivery of football in New Zealand both clubs have had to evolve their relationship further to meet this challenge.

"Both clubs have deep aspirational qualities to their unique cultures so its important we promote football in the local community while at the same each continue to strive to remain leading clubs.

"This evolution is critically important.

Player Pathway at Kiwitea Street evolves

@nic_downes provides update on @CentralUtd_FC & Auckland City FC Integrated Player Pathway evolution designed to meet modern development challenge

| @PhototekNZ

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— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) February 3, 2022

"Since 2019, the Auckland City Academy has worked hard to implement and deliver the New Zealand Football Skills Centres and Talent Development Programs.

"This has had a big impact on Central United FC's junior players, and junior players at other clubs.

"The aim of these programs is to provide an opportunity to access a higher level of coaching to supplement what they are doing with their teams.

"Identity is important to clubs and their members so while Auckland City Academy delivers the program to Central United FC it also allows the players to wear the club colours they're proud of.

"The programs are open to any junior player who has a strong motivation to improve their football skill set," Downes told www.aucklandcityfc.com

Now the memorandum of understanding has been further developed, Downes said it was vital the good work continue.

The Auckland City Academy Program, which is fully New Zealand Football accredited, focuses closely on a quality player experience.

"We aim to find the right challenge for the individual player and we’ve seen a huge increase in development from a number of the young Central United FC players who have been with us.

"In the youth space, it allows those aspiring players the opportunity to compete in the highest level of youth competitions thoughout the entire Auckland City FC pathway.

"This pathway goes all the way up to National League System and also offers opportunities beyond this through our partnerships and connections.

"The link also sees a number of other benefits, including sharing coaching resources with Central United FC junior coaches, and connecting Auckland City FC first team players with some of the junior teams and the internal junior program on Saturday mornings at our Kiwitea Street base.

"We’ve found connection with the senior players of huge benefit on the interest and motivation of the junior players," he said.

To find out more about the Auckland City FC and Central United FC club relationship and how the Integrated Player Pathway works contact Academy Director Nic Downes below.

Ends

For more information
Nic Downes
Academy Director
E: director@academy.football