Talent Development Programme

Talent Development Programme 2024

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.

In 2024 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

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