Birkenhead United AFC achieves NZF Boys Talent Development Programme accreditation!

After a lot of hard work throughout the 2022 season, the club is delighted to announce we have received official confirmation from New Zealand Football that our Boys TDP programme is now accredited after visits from NRF and NZF to observe our U13-U17 boys TDP sessions.

The TDP consists of three training sessions and a game each week under the guidance of qualified coaches.

All players receive an individual development plan, training kit, access to workshops and more.

Huge credit must go to the coaching team across the U13 - U17 boys groups.

U13: Alessandro Fantoni & Quinn Williams

U14: Jason Higgins & Andrew Marsh

U15: Shafiek Du Toit & Ben McQuay

U17: Steve Chad & Keith Lesslie

GK Coaches: Rob Dzsembori & Sam Kay

S&C & Support Coaches: Aidan Wivell, Cam McKenzie & Sam McIntosh

At the start of 2022, Dan Cooke was brought in to lay the foundations of the programme alongside our Director of Football, Paul Hobson. After Dan departed to the USA at the end of April, the club appointed new Head of Coaching, Dave Wright to continue the work, mentor the coaches, ensure we drive standards and provide the best possible experience for our boys youth players. Getting sign off from New Zealand Football for TDP (and Skill Centre) in 2022 is a great step forward for the club and presents an opportunity to take both programmes to the next level in 2023.

We’ll be sharing plans for TDP & Skill Centre for 2023 in the coming months.

TDP will include a 6-week Term 4 training programme and a players and parents workshop to kick things off. Watch this space for more information.Congratulations and thank you to the coaching staff and BUAFC volunteers for their efforts.