The football season may be nearing its close, but North Wellington FC’s Talent Development Programme shows no signs of slowing down. From knockout games and national tournaments to trips away and end-of-year trials, our U13 to U17 squads are set for a busy and exciting finish to the calendar year.

For the U13 Mixed side, the focus turns first to their final CDL league fixture on Sunday 7 September before the spotlight shifts to two knockout matches on 21 September that will decide the overall champion. Once league business is complete, the remainder of Term 4 is dedicated to friendlies and trial opportunities, setting the stage for 2026.

The U14 Girls face a packed schedule with their last CDL match on 14 September followed quickly by the Harbour Cup Tournament across the weekend of 20 and 21 September. This event offers a fun and competitive showcase for female youth footballers and will be followed by a trip to Taupō for the McCartney Invitational Tournament from 3 to 5 October. Established in 2004, the McCartney Invitational has become the largest junior football tournament in Australasia and remains a standout moment in the season. Looking further ahead, trials for next year’s squad will begin in November.

The U15 Mixed group will combine league and tournament action with their final CDL fixture on 21 September preceded by a trip to Masterton for the WBS Douglas Villa Junior Tournament on the weekend of 20 and 21 September. Their attention then shifts indoors with a futsal tournament planned across October and November, before trials take place at the end of Term 4.

The U16 Girls will also finish strongly. Their league season wraps up on 14 September and is immediately followed by the Harbour Cup Tournament. Their highlight comes later in the year when they travel to Hawke’s Bay from 3 to 7 December, an opportunity for both development and team bonding to close out the programme year.

The U17 Mixed squad will close out their CDL campaign on 21 September before heading into the postseason Central Region Tournament between 26 and 28 October. They will then finish their year with an Auckland trip from 10 to 14 December, ensuring the group ends 2025 with a valuable and memorable experience.

All squads across the programme will also take part in end-of-year trials in November, giving players the chance to further impress as coaches shape the squads for 2026.

For Onslow | North Wellington, the message is clear. While the league season may be drawing to a close, there is still plenty of football left to be played. The months ahead promise tournaments, trips, and opportunities that ensure the season finishes on a high for every team in the Talent Development Programme.

Article added: Thursday 04 September 2025