Capital Football would like to offer an update on the talent pathway for male and female players throughout the region, particularly in the youth space. Following on from the announcement of the introduction of the NZF Talent Development Programme for players aged between 13 and 17 years old, we are pleased to confirm which clubs have received provisional approval for 2019. With the Federation Talent Centre currently catering for players aged between 12 and 16 years of age, which incorporates the youth framework and part junior framework (players 12 years of age) the introduction of the NZF Talent Development Programme therefore has an impact.

The following clubs have been given provisional approval to host an NZF TDP next year (Capital Football is still working with one additional club regarding meeting the minimum criteria standards):

• Island Bay United*
• Miramar Rangers*
• North Wellington / Onslow Junior
• Waterside Karori
• Wellington United

*Miramar Rangers & Island Bay United – Provisional TDP approval for boys only in 2019

We are delighted to recognise those clubs who have explained how they will meet the minimum criteria associated with the deliberately high standards of the NZF Talent Development Programme. Provisional approval is for 2019 only, each approved club will have to demonstrate throughout the year that they are delivering to the minimum standards for final sign off in November 2019.

Clubs who have achieved NZF Talent Development Programme provisional status will add an extra layer of recognised talent development for players. Capital Football will continue to operate at each of the 12 to 16-year-old age groups it will just be tailored to reflect clubs being recognised in this area.

Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe explains “the provisionally approved clubs have illustrated how they meet the criteria explained within the NZF Talent Development Programme manual and how they will deliver a suitably high-quality product for players aged between 13 and 17 years old in 2019. It also means we need to reflect this approved club capability with what Capital Football offers going forward. We are particularly excited at this new layer of talent development recognition for clubs and look forward to working not only with those provisionally approved but also clubs that would like to put themselves in a position to do the same from 2020.”

Those approved NZF Talent Development Programme clubs will also have to offer an NZF Skills Centre for players 12 years and below so that a continuous pathway is offered. It is an expectation that clubs deliver a quality programme for all players. Capital Football will complement this by offering its own Talent Development Programme for boys and girls, Federation Talent Centre Camps and is particularly excited by a brand new Elite Part-time Programme for girls in 2019. For more detail on the talent pathway for 2019 please have a look at the attached article.

Capital Football - Talent Pathway 2019

For more information, please contact Steeve Sharpe, Federation Development Manager, at steeve@capitalfootball.org.nz

Article added: Thursday 01 November 2018