2026 Talent Development Programme (TDP) Trials
Birkenhead United AFC is excited to announce our 2026 TDP trials, offering players the opportunity to join our development pathway. The TDP is designed for committed, high-potential footballers aiming to compete at the highest youth levels in the Northern Region.
Trial Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4th November – 5th December 2025 (10 sessions in total)
Times & Venues for Trials:
Tuesday and Thursdays:
U13 and U14 Boys/Mixed Group: Shepherds Park Top Fields - 4.45pm - 6.00pm (Arrive from 4.30pm)
U15 and U17 Boys/Mixed Group: Shepherds Park Top Fields - 6.15pm - 7.45pm (Arrive from 6.00pm)
U14 and U16 Girls: Greville Reserve - 5.00pm - 6.30pm (Arrive from 4.45pm)
Registration: All players must be registered with Birkenhead United AFC to trial for our TDP teams, including new players to the club. Registrations are now open, see the link below.
*Please note: Training venues for 2026 have not been confirmed and won't be until Feb/Mar 2026 when we recieve our Winter Allocations from Auckland Council.
Parents and Players Evening: Monday 3rd November 2025
We encourage all players and parents to attend, even if you are familiar with our programme, we will be outlining the trials process, providing a summary of the feedback received from parents and coaches, as well as important updates to the 2026 programme.
- When: Monday, 3rd November
- Where: Birkenhead United Clubrooms
- Girls Session: 5.30 – 6.30 pm
- Boys/Mixed Session: 6.30 - 7.30 pm
Eligibility:
Mixed/Boys TDP Grades:
- U13 – Born 2013
- U14 – Born 2012
- U15 – Born 2011
- U17 – Born 2010 / 2009
Girls TDP Grades:
- U14 – Born 2012 / 2013
- U16 – Born 2011 / 2010
All current Birkenhead United AFC players must trial to be considered for selection for 2026. We also welcome players from other clubs to register to trial for our 2026 squads.
Commitment & Attendance:
- Attendance at the majority of trial sessions is expected.
- Limited attendance may affect eligibility for selection, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as injury or other valid reasons, which will be considered at the discretion of the Head of Coaching and Head of Football.
- Players selected will need to commit to the 2026 TDP programme by the 20th of December so places can be offered to other players if declined.
Trial Fees:
- Current TDP, Championship & Conference players – No fee as this was included in your 2025 season fees
- Current BUAFC Community players & new players to BUAFC – $70.00
Selection Process:
Trials will include:
- Themed sessions focusing on moments of the game as outlined in our programme as well as core skills - Receiving, Releasing, Running with the Ball, Retention
- Game play – Friendly matches focusing on the four moments of the game
We will observe:
- Attitude & Effort
- Teamwork
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Mindset & Desire to Learn
TDP Squad Sizes for 2026:
- Final team squads for each grade selected for 2026 will be no more than 18 players per team, teams will be finalised and letters sent no later than Friday 12th December.
- Selections will be made by relevent coaching staff, overseen by Dave Wright (Head of Coaching) and Paul Hobson (Director of Football)
-
Players who are not selected for a TDP team will be placed in a Conference or Championship team for the 2026 NRF competition. These teams are competitive and form an important part of our player development pathway. As we have a large number of players trialling for our 2026 TDP and Conference and Championship teams, there are limited places available, and unfortunately not all players can be be selected for a TDP team, or Conference or Championship Team for 2026.
- The structure and role of these teams within the TDP framework will be explained in detail at the Parents & Players Evening. Importantly, players who demonstrate strong performance, attitude, and development throughout the season in Conference or Championship teams may be offered opportunities to join the TDP programme during the year—particularly in cases of injury or outstanding performance.
- Commitment to these teams will also be required by 20th December 2025.
Other Information:
- Please wear, football boots, shin pads, and training clothing that you feel comfortable in.
- Selection decisions are final.
- Trials are your opportunity to showcase your skills, attitude, and commitment.
- This is an important step in the Birkenhead United AFC player pathway, providing opportunities to develop and compete at the highest levels.
- TDP Fees for 2026 Programme costs for 2026 will be confirmed in October. Payment plans and hardship grants for 2026 will be available.
- Venues and TImes for 2026 training are yet to be confirmed and will be dependent on our field allocations from Auckland Council.
- Training days are Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a Futsal/Strength and Conditioning sessions run on Mondays (Girls) Wednesdays (Boys/Mixed) throughout Terms 1, 2 and 3. This will be confirmed in early February 2026.
- TDP training for 2026 will begin in February 2026 and run until the end of September. NRF Competition runs on Sundays from approx mid March - late September.
- Conference and Championship training for 2026 will begin in March 2026 and run until the end of September. NRF Competition runs on Sundays from approx early April - early September.
- If you have any further questions, please contact Kylie our administrator at: football@buafc.org.nz
