Talent Development Programme

Birkenhead United is an NZF Accredited Boys Talent Development Programme Provider. The programme is delivered by qualified and experienced coaches.

This programme is designed to offer boys U13 - U17 players with a high quality learning experience based around three key principles.

Maximum Enjoyment
Maximum Ball-Rolling Time
Maximum Decision-Making

Sessions will focus on four moments of the game with a different theme each week.

Controlling Possession
Defending
Transition
Creating & Converting

Our mission is to provide and enjoyable footballing experience which supports player development and game understanding. TDP also allows us the opportunity to offer a tailored approach to players who may require a different challenge point by playing players across age groups based on their needs.

TDP is overseen by our Head of Coaching, Dave Wright. Dave is currently working towards his OFC Professional Diploma, holds the UEFA A license and has vast experience working in Premier League academies, Brentford FC and Fulham FC in England, as well as Melbourne Victory. Dave has worked with the NZF U17 Men’s RTC squads in Auckland and is also the Head Coach of the Westlake Boys High School 1st XI.

Training and Trials:

The trials for our 2025 U13 - U17 TDP teams have already concluded and teams have been selected and players notified for the 2025 season.

Trials for the 2026 Season will happen in November and December of 2025. Please keep an eye out on our website to register in October 2025.

2025 TDP Programme

In 2025 the TDP programme will include:

2 Football Training Sessions per week (Tuesday/Thursday)
1 x Futsal session per week (Wednesday nights in Term 2 & 3)
S&C Support
A personalised individual development plan
Access to BUAFC games via HUDL
Expert workshops
BUAFC training apparel
Access to professional GK coaches
Access to qualified coaches
Entry into the Lotto NRFL Youth Competitions

Our youth and Men’s football programmes are delivered by a group of experienced and qualified coaches and split into a youth phase (U13 - U15) and a senior phase (U17 - 1st Team).

Current Coaching Staff

In 2025 our Men’s Senior and Mixed Youth coaching staff includes:

Paul Hobson - Director of Football & Men’s Head Coach
Dave Wright - Head of Coaching
Keith Lesslie - 1st Team Assistant Coach & Skill Centre Lead
Shafiek Du Toit - 1st Team Assistant Coach
Rob Konya - Men's Goalkeeper Coach
Silvio Rodic - Skill Centre & TDP Goalkeeper Coach
Steven Chad - U23 Coach
Ben McQuay - U23 Coach
Martin Delgado - U17 TDP Coach & TDP Futsal Lead
Quinn Williams - U17 TDP Coach
Lucas Borato - U17 Championship Coach
Gianluca Atlante - U17 Championship Coach
Logan Hughes - U15 TDP Coach
Max Frear - U15 TDP Coach
Freddie Gonzalo - U14 TDP Coach
Kegan Smith - U14 TDP Coach
Darren Daffern - U14 Conference Team Coach
Dan Preece - U14 Conference Team Coach
Everton O'Leary - U13 TDP Coach
Rohun Kawale - U13 TDP Coach
Michael Suski - U13 Conference Team Coach
Eitan Rosen - U13 Conference Team Coach

TDP Age Groups 2025

U13 - Born in 2012
U14 - Born in 2011
U15 - Born in 2010
U17 - Born in 2008 or 2009

Fees

TDP Fees in 2025 are $1500 + the club registration fee of $235. For anyone requiring financial support, contact Ross Frisby directly to discuss a payment plan or hardship grant.

Contact: juniors@buafc.org.nz