The past seven weeks saw the first Regional Youth Premier League take place across the Lower North Island. Following the New Zealand Football Youth framework, the league had 9 teams, 4 from the Capital Football region (Wellington, Western, Porirua/Kapiti, Hutt/Wairarapa) and 5 from the Central Football region (Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui, Gisborne, Taranaki).

The league was played amongst 2004 born players from each of the regions and was a great success, giving all players the opportunity to develop their football and step up to the next level.

Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe commented “talented youth footballers do not have access to enough games throughout a year to assist their ongoing football development. The aim of the league was to give players throughout the region a chance to play more games against other talented players under the guidance of some of the region’s best coaches. As a pilot competition we aim to further strengthen this competition in 2019.”

The opportunity to gain a spot in the 2018 National Age Group Tournament, taking place in Wellington between the 12^th and 16^th of December, was also on offer. 18 players will be selected to represent Capital Football in National Age Group Tournament and the Regional Youth Premier League gave the coaches a chance to see the players train and play regularly together before selecting their squad

Capital Football is currently going through a process of taking on feedback to improve the league for 2019. For any coaches, managers or players who wish to offer feedback they can fill out the survey below or contact Callum Holmes - callum@capitalfootball.org.nz

Regional Youth Premier League survey

Article added: Friday 05 October 2018