With the conclusion of the 2025 CDL and Regional Leagues, we wanted to take the opportunity to share an update on our Talent Development Programme (TDP) including reflections on the season, key information for the remainder of the year, and an overview of plans as we look ahead to 2026.

Please take a moment to read through the full update below carefully. If you have any questions or would like further clarification, you can reach out to our Director of Football at directoroffootball@northwellingtonfootball.com

Whole of Football 2026 & Trials

• New changes are coming, led by New Zealand football. More information can be found on the Capital Football website but the main impacts for the TDP are the new age bandings. From 2026, the mixed spaces will be U14, U15 & U17 (dual banded) with the girls space being U15 & U17 (both dual banded).
• In November, players will begin to train with their appropriate age groups for next year. So for example, if you are currently a U15 born in 2010, you will take part in the u17 training sessions from then onwards. If you are in the younger of the age band (ie 2011 born U15) you will stay in your current group.
• Select individuals who have excelled this year will also be invited to train with the older age group, regardless of their age. These players will be selected to trial from the teams coaching staff and communicated with directly.
• If you are a female player and wish to trial in the mixed space please reach out. You are able to play one year down without needing dispensation, e.g. current U14 born in 2011, could play U14 again next year in the mixed U14 grade.
• Players from other clubs are also welcome to trial during November. Once we have an indication on expected numbers we will be able to set the amount of teams for next year, with the plan being on having 6 teams again, likely with a regional mixed u17 replacing the current regional mixed u15 grade.
• Following the trials, your place will be confirmed as part of your second player report in December.
• We hope to have 90% of places offered before the end of the year so if offered a place you will be asked to confirm prior to Christmas to avoid missing out. Although early, we as a committee feel it's best to have the bulk of numbers set before Christmas, as this helps with planning both from players and club point of view. However, without wanting to also miss out on talent, if you haven't met the requirements based on the season just gone and trial performance, you will be asked to return when training starts in February 2026 to retrial for your place.
• Selected current U12s at both Onslow & North Wellington will be invited directly to trial in November, however only a talented individual will be offered a place if appropriate for their development and they meet the criteria for dispensation to play in a higher age group.

Programme Review

• I have been busy working on a review of the programme to ensure we continue our drive to become the best place for youth development within the country. As part of this I have been working on a player development piece, coach education, tournament and competitions structures. More details will be shared at the prize giving night as well as during the off season.
• A second TDP survey will be sent out in the next few weeks. Please respond to this or alternatively reach out directly with any feedback or thoughts based on your experiences this year.
• I am also working on a document to provide Capital Football with feedback around the structures, refereeing and general thoughts around their CDL & Regional Leagues.

Additional Information

• Next year we will have a new kit sponsor with a whole new range of kit which is a huge leap forward for the programme. Further details to follow but the kit is a step in our elevation with plenty of work going on behind the scenes.
• If you know you will not be with us next year, please reach out to myself ASAP. We appreciate people moving on for various reasons however we would value this information earlier rather than later.
• Friday 12th December is our last TDP date of 2025 with training scheduled to start W/C 16th February 2026.

Key Dates (TBC ASAP)

• TDP Prize Giving, all players expected to attend and parents invited for a night of celebration - Likely Friday 21st Nov 
• TDP Team Photos 2025 - Likely Wednesday 5th Nov

Finally we hope you have all enjoyed a brilliant year with the programme and you have recognised the development of the players and all the hard work that takes place to keep pushing for our goals.

Any questions and thoughts please reach out. 

Tate Macpherson

Director of Football at directoroffootball@northwellingtonfootball.com

Article added: Thursday 09 October 2025