2027 Talent Development Programme (TDP) Trials
Birkenhead United AFC is excited to announce our 2027 Talent Development Programme (TDP) Trials, providing young footballers with the opportunity to join our player development pathway. Our TDP is designed for players who are committed and aspirational, wanting to compete at the highest youth levels in the Northern Region while developing their technical, tactical, physical, and personal capabilities in a top development environment.
Trial Dates:
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Parents and Players information evening for 2027: Monday October 19th at Birkenhead United club rooms: Girls TDP: 5.00pm – 5.30pm, Boys/Mixed TDP: 5.45pm – 6.30pm.
- Trials Run from: October 20th – November 19th at Shepherds Park
Trial Times & Venues:
- 2027 U13, U14, U15
- BOYS/MIXED, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4.30pm – 6.00pm at Shepherds Park (Field 3/4)
- GK Trials, Tuesdays 4.30pm with Keegan and Silvio, Thursdays 4.30pm with Silvio
- GK Trials will be a combination of working with GK Coaches as well as taking part in the wider trials with other players finishing at 6.00pm
- 2027 U17-23
- BOYS/MIXED, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6.15pm – 7.45pm at Shepherds Park (Field 3/4)
- GK Trials, Tuesdays 5.30pm with Keegan, Thursdays 5.30pm with Silvio
- GK Trials will be a combination of working with GK Coaches as well as taking part in the wider trials with other players finishing at 7.45pm
- 2027 U14 & U16
- GIRLS, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.00pm – 6.30pm at Greville Reserve
- GK Trials, Thursdays 5.00pm with Keegan
- GK Trials will be a combination of working with GK Coaches as well as taking part in the wider trials with other players finishing at 6.30pm
Please note: Training venues for the 2027 season have not yet been confirmed and will be finalised following Auckland Council field allocations, expected in February/March 2027.
Eligibility
Mixed/Boys TDP Grades
- U13 – Players born in 2014
- U14 – Players born in 2013
- U15 – Players born in 2012
- U17 – U23 Players born 2009 - 2011
Girls TDP Grades
- U14 – Players born in 2014 or 2013
- U16 – Players born in 2012 or 2011
All current Birkenhead United AFC players are required to register and attend trials to be considered for selection in a 2027 TDP squad.
We also welcome players from other clubs who wish to trial for our 2027 programme.
Commitment & Attendance
- Players are expected to attend the majority of trial sessions.
- Limited attendance may impact selection unless exceptional circumstances exist (such as injury or other valid reasons). These situations will be considered at the discretion of the Head of Coaching and Director of Football.
- Players offered a place in a 2027 TDP squad will be required to confirm their commitment by Friday December 4th allowing places to be offered to other players if required.
- Players offered a place in a 2027 Conference or Championship Team will be required to confirm their commitment by 1st of February 2027.
Trial Fees
- Current 2026 TDP, Championship and Conference players: No trial fee (as this was included in 2026 programme fees).
- Current BUAFC Junior and Youth Community, Skills Centre players and players new or returning after a break to BUAFC: Trial Fee is $100.00.
- U13 for 2027 will be invoiced at time of registration, and U14/16 Girls and U14-23 Mixed you will be invoiced after registration.
Selection Process
Trials will include a mix of
- Themed Training Sessions: Sessions focussed on moments of the game or key Birkenhead United playing principles.
- Off Season Games: Friendly games designed to observe players in a more competitive game
What do our coaches look for?
- Character, attitude and work ethic
- Teamwork, respect and communication
- Adaptability and resilience
- Mindset and willingness to learn
- Technical and tactical ability
TDP Squad Structure for 2027
- Final U13-U15 TDP squads will consist of a maximum of 18 players per team.
- Teams will be finalised and selection notifications sent no later than Friday 12 December 2026.
- Our U17-23 (Senior Phase) will consist of a maximum of 32-34 players across both teams.
- All selections will be made by the relevant trial coaching staff and overseen by Dave Wright (Head of Coaching), Paul Hobson (Director of Football) and Martin Delgado (TDP Lead).
U13 TDP Programme Update for 2027
As many of you may be aware, New Zealand Football's Whole of Football 2.0 framework will see U13 football transition from 11v11 to 9v9 competition in 2027, with matches being played on a reduced field size. This change is designed to increase player involvement, touches on the ball, and overall development opportunities before players transition to 11v11 football at U14 level.
At this stage, we are still awaiting further guidance and confirmation from Northern Region Football (NRF) regarding how the Talent Development Programme (TDP) will operate for U13 players under the new framework in 2027. While U13 football will be played as 9v9, the structure, squad sizes, competition format, and programme delivery for TDP teams have not yet been formally confirmed by NRF.
As a result, players will still be invited to participate in our 2027 TDP trials; however, we ask families to understand that there may be adjustments to team numbers, squad sizes, and programme structure once further information is provided by NRF and New Zealand Football.
We will communicate any updates as soon as they become available and appreciate everyone's patience while these details are finalised.
Conference & Championship Teams
- Players not selected for a TDP squad may be offered a place within one of our Conference or Championship teams competing in the Northern Region Football (NRF) competition. These teams play an important role in the Birkenhead United player pathway and provide a strong developmental and competitive environment.
- Due to the high number of players expected to trial, places across TDP, Conference and Championship teams are limited and offer of a place is not guaranteed.
- Further details regarding the structure and purpose of these programmes will be explained at the Parents & Players Information Evening on October 19th.
- Players who demonstrate strong performance, development, attitude, and commitment throughout the season may be considered for opportunities within the TDP programme should places become available due to injury, player movement, or exceptional performance.
- Commitment to Conference and Championship teams will be required by Monday February 1st 2027.
Additional Information
- Players should wear appropriate football training gear, including football boots and shin pads.
- Selection decisions are final.
- Trials provide an opportunity to showcase your ability, attitude, commitment, and potential.
- The Birkenhead United player pathway is designed to support player development and provide opportunities to compete at the highest levels available.
2027 Programme Fees
- Boys/Mixed U13 – U23 TDP Fees for 2027: $1745.00 + club registration fee
- Girls U14 – U16 TDP Fees for 2027: $1450.00 + club registration fee
- Boys/Mixed U13 – U17 Conference and Championship Fees for 2027: $1245.00 + club registration fee
Club registration fees for 2027 are yet to be determined by the board. Payment plans and hardship support options will be available and a link to apply for this will be sent out in December.
Training Venues for 2027
Training venues for the 2027 season are yet to be confirmed, they will not be available until February/March 2027 and will depend on Auckland Council field allocations.
Season Dates
- TDP programmes will begin on Thursday February 4th 2027 and run through to the end of September 2027.
- The TDP Pre-Season parents evening will be on Tuesday February 2nd at the Birkenhead United club rooms.
- Conference and Championship programmes are expected to begin on March 9th and run through to the end of September 2027.
Training Schedule for 2027
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Training is currently planned for:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays (team training)
- Mondays (Girls futsal/strength & conditioning)
- Wednesdays (Boys/Mixed technical sessions/strength & conditioning & futsal)
- GK Training will be either on Tuesday's or Thursday's to be confirmed in January 2027.
- This schedule along with venues for the beginning of the season will be confirmed in Late January 2027.
Northern Region Football competitions generally commence:
- TDP competitions: Early March
- Conference & Championship competitions: First weekend in May.
Questions
For any enquiries regarding the 2027 TDP Trials, please contact Kylie Dalton, football@buafc.org.nz
To register for our TDP Trials for 2027 Teams: https://birkenheadunited.org.nz/register
