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.

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 2025 TDP To be Confirmed

Provisional 2025 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 venue is to be confirmed.

TDP Age Groups 2024

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

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