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.

Term 4 Training and Trials:

In Term 4 2024, TDP will commence a 4 week training block of two sessions per week from Tuesday 12th of November through to Thursday December 5th. Trainings will run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 5.00pm. Trials will be held at Shepherds Park. This 4 week block is used as an opportunity to observe players for 2025 team selection to ensure we find them a suitable challenge point.

U12 - 14 from 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm
U15 - 17 from 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm

Any players who are interested in TDP football in 2025 are welcome to attend. To be clear, the 2025 TDP squad will be limited to 18 players maximum. The cost for Term 4 for U12 players is $70.00. If you are currently playing in a TDP team in 2024 there is no additional cost for these players. After the Term 4 training/trial block, we aim to name teams by the 13th of December 2024.

For more information, please attend our TDP players and parents evening on Tuesday 5th November at 6.00pm at the Clubrooms.
Please register your child by logging onto Friendly Manager via our website: https://birkenheadunited.org.nz/

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
Access to Term 4 Training Programme

*More details regarding training venues, times and season dates will be confirmed at the beginning of 2025

* Please note that being accepted into the TDP programme in 2025 has additional costs aswell as the club registration fee. Fees will be confirmed later in 2024.

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 2024 our Men’s/Boys Senior and 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
Aidan Wivell - 1st Team Lead S&C Coach
Kyle Hendricks - 1st Team Analyst
Rob Konya - Men's Goalkeeper Coach
Silvio Rodic - Skill Centre & TDP Goalkeeper Coach
Steven Chad - U23 Coach
Ben McQuay - U23 Coach
Alex Fantoni - U17 Coach
Quinn Williams - U17 Coach
Jaylen Rodwell - U15 Coach
Everton O’Leary - U15 Coach
Eric Danquah - U14 Coach
Sam McQuay - U14 Coach
Monty Patterson - U13 Coach
Martin Delgado - U13 Coach & TDP Futsal Lead

Key Dates for 2024 TDP

Tuesday 30th January 2024, 6.00pm - 2024 Parents/Players Information Evening
Thursday February 1st - U13-U15 Street Football Night (optional) + U17 Training Session
Thursday February 8th - TDP Week 1 Session 1
Sunday March 10th - U14 - U17 Lotto NRFL Round 1
Sunday April 6th - U13 Premiership Round 1
Monday March 11th 2024 - TDP Workshop 1*
Monday May 6th 2024 - TDP Workshop 2*
Monday July 22nd 2024 - TDP Workshop 3*

*Denotes dates subject to change

Provisional 2024 Training times

U13, U14, U15 - 4.45pm - 6.15pm
U17 - 6.15pm - 7.45pm

We encourage all players to get to training 15 minutes early if possible. Training will be at Shepherds Park.

TDP Age Groups 2024

U13 - Born in 2011
U14 - Born in 2010
U15 - Born in 2009
U17 - Born in 2008 or 2007

Fees

TDP Fees in 2024 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: ross@buafc.org.nz