Skills Centre (Junior U10 - U12)

Overview:

The Skill Centre Program (SKC) is our premier NZ Football accredited training initiative designed for Junior grade players aged U10 - U12 (born between 2014 – 2016). This skill-focused program, open to both boys and girls, prioritises enjoyment while delivering structured training aimed at optimising player development and fostering a passion for football.

2026 Season (February 16th - August 2026)

Grouping and Sessions:

• Players are grouped by age band (typically 10, 11 & 12).  In 2026, each age band will have two sessions per week on specified days for Terms 1 – 3, and then 1 day in Term 4.
• The term 4 programme is seperate and will run in November/December 2025.  Fees for Term 4 are additional and will be invoiced later in the year at the time of your registration to take part in Term 4.

Registration:

• U12 Grade: Registration closes on February 6th, 2026.
• U10-11 Grades: Registration closes on February 13th, 2026.
• Registrations received after this date will be at the discretion of the Skills Centre Coaching Staff.

Update on U9 Grade for 2026 Season:  Due to changes introduced by NZ Football through the Whole of Football Plan 2.0 for the 2026 season, we are still working through what the U9 grade will look like at Birkenhead United AFC as part of our Skills Centre Programme. Once the details are confirmed by the organisers, we will share this information with you. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these updates.

Location and Contingencies:

• Sessions are expected to be held at Shepherds Park on Monday's and Wednesdays starting from the 16th February 2025.
• *Please note due to council Autumn Maintenance on the fields, there will be a change in Venue (TBC) for the month of March.  Times also may vary slightly.
• U10 - 4.30pm - 5.30pm (TBC)
• U11 and 12 - 5.45pm - 6.45pm (TBC)
• GK training for Skills Centre Participants who are interested in pratising specific keeping skills will be held on the Wednesday.  Times to be confirmed early January 2025.
• Alternative venues will be communicated in case the park is unavailable, with updates posted on the club Facebook page or Skills Centre Programme Facebook Group.  Rain or shine, our commitment is to conduct all sessions unless there is a health and safety issue due to the weather.
• Games are played on Saturdays at various parks around Auckland.  Players will travel to play teams from other clubs.  You can find out your teams games on the NRF website before the season begins.  NRF Junior Fixtures

Player Expectations:

While accommodating players at this level is a priority, there are limitations to the number of teams the Club can support and the players per Skill Centre-based team for 2026.

To be considered for a Skill Centre-based team, players must commit to:

• Attending training twice per week (exceptions allowed with coach agreement or due to illness/injury)
• Availability for both training and Saturday games, during the season (T2 and 3)
• Payment of an additional Skills Centre fee for the full 2025 Skill Centre season (in addition to the regular membership fee) - Prices are $630 Skills Centre Fee + $205 registration fee.

Uniform and what to wear:

• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for every session
• Black Birkenhead United AFC Uniform shorts
• Red Birkenhead United AFC Knee High Socks
• Players will be provided a Training Shirt to wear to training
• Playing shirts for Saturday games will be issued for Term 2 and 3 and should be returned to the coach at the end of Term 3

Some things to remember: 

• Please name all Clothing and drink bottles
• On sunny days, please provide your child with Sun protection before they arrive (hats and sunscreen are highly recommended)
• Bring a Water bottle with cold water each week, as there are no water fountains at Shepherds Park
• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for all footballers
• Please report absences to your team manager.

Term 4 SKC 2026 Programme Schedule: To Be Confirmed 

• Please note that the Term 4 programme is run as a separate programme and will be an additional cost for all players who register for this.

Back on the Grass!

See what some of our overseas friends have to say about the SKC