WAIMAK UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
Academy Programme 2025
2025 Academy Programme Information
We are excited to announce the trial dates for our 2025 Academy Programme. These trials will take place in Term 4, from November 12th to November 28th, and for our U13 Academy Team, it will be in February 2025.
Below is the detailed schedule, but first, we would like to explain why we are running the trials over two/three weeks, offering 4/6 sessions in total. This extended format allows us to thoroughly evaluate players over multiple days and settings, as opposed to the common practice of making quick decisions based on just one or two sessions. Please note, that these trials are specifically for players who wish to join and commit to our Academy Programme. For those interested in playing in development or community teams, these will be communicated in January 2025.
Academy Program involves:
- Term 1 (2/3 Sessions Per Week + Friendly Games)
- Term 2/3 (3 Sessions Per Week + 1 Game a week + 1/2 Tournaments)
- Term 4 (2 Sessions Per Week + Friendly Games)
Key Benefits of Our Trial Process:
In-depth Evaluation: With four/six sessions, we can assess players across a range of different themes and conditions. Players who might have an off day will have several more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities
Reduced Pressure: Traditional trials often leave players feeling the pressure to perform perfectly in just 1-2 hours. Our extended process allows players to feel more comfortable and play their natural game, with ample time to impress
Team Integration: The trials give players the chance to connect with potential new teammates, helping them feel more at ease and allowing coaches to observe how well new players integrate into the group
Flexibility for Other Sports: We understand that some players are involved in summer sports. By offering two sessions per week, we provide flexibility for those players to attend multiple sessions
More Football: Finally, the extended format simply means more football! The additional time on the field is a great opportunity for players to develop and enjoy the game
Location: All Trials will be held at Kendall Park.
U13 (2012 born):
- Tuesday, February 11th: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, February 13th: 4.00pm - 5.30pm
- Tuesday, February 18th: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, February 20st: 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Further dates will be added if required
U14 (2011 born): Teams have been selected for this grade
U15 (2010 born): Teams have been selected for this grade
U17 (2008-2009 born): Teams have been selected for this grade
There will be a slight increase to the fees for 2025:
U13-U17 Academy Teams - $950.00 Early Bird Fee (paid by 18th March 2025)
U13-U7 TDP Academy Teams - $1,000.00 Standard Fee (if paid after 18th March 2025)
These fees will include (all to be confirmed):
- Gear
- Year-round training
- 1x Training Camp
- Entrance into the TDP League
Session times are tentatively scheduled to be:
Mondays:
- U13/U14 (5pm-6pm @Mainpower)
- U15/U17 (6pm-7pm @Mainpower)
Tuesdays:
- U13 (4pm-5:30pm Kendall Park)
- U14 (4.45pm-6.15pm Kendall Park)
- U15/U17 (5:30pm – 7.00pm Kendall Park)
Please note times for these sessions. Due to field requirements for our Academy Teams, and two of our Coaches work commitments, changes have been made to the times for some sessions.
Thursdays:
- U13 (4pm-5:30pm Kendall Park)
- U14 (4.45pm-6.15pm Kendall Park)
- U15/U17 (5:30pm – 7.00pm Kendall Park)
Please note times for these sessions. Due to field requirements for our Academy Teams, and two of our Coaches work commitments, changes have been made to the times for some sessions.
Important:
All players, including current TDP players, must register for the Trials. We aim to have teams announced by TWO WEEKS after the trials. While we strive to have coaching assignments finalised by team announcement.
If you have any questions about the trial process, please don’t hesitate to contact Deb Foord at gm@waimakunited.org.nz
To Register - REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR U14, U15 & U17
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN NOW FOR U13 ACADEMY TEAM - CLICK HERE
COST
Early Bird Fee: $950 (paid by 18th March 2025).
Standard Fee: $1000 (paid after 18th March 2025).
WHERE: Home games are held at Kendall Park, Island Road Kaiapoi. Away games are in Christchurch.
WHEN:
U14 - 6pm Friday Nights
U15 - 7.30pm Friday Nights
U13 - 9.15am Saturday Mornings
U17 - 10.45am Saturday Mornings
Start Date: Friday 4th April 2025 - U14 & U15 and Saturday 5th April 2025 - U13 & U17
Finish Date: 6th September 2025 (this will depend on the grade)
No football on Kings Birthday Weekend or the middle weekend of July school holidays.
Prizegiving Date: 13th September 2025
South Island and Regional Tournaments - (U13-U17 grade) October School Holidays. Dates TBC.
CIC Tournament - Christchurch - U13, U14, U15 - Teams will attend this Tournament if selected by the hosts.
South Island Tournaments in Sept/Oct - Dates to be confirmed
Our Mainland Registrations close on the 18th March (Early Bird), so we can allocate teams, and get them entered into the Mainland Leagues for 2025. Those who register after this, will be placed into a team where there is a space. They will pay the full fees rate.
All players must be registered by the 20th April 2025, to play at the start of the season – which is the 26th April 2025. Those registering after the 20th April 2025 will go on a Waitlist.
Academy & Development Teams
Our Academy Teams are for U13, U14, U15 & U17. They are the pinnacle of our Youth Players, and our younger players should aspire to be selected for these teams, if they want to take their football to another level, in a competitive environment.
U13 Academy Teams - $950.00 (other Clubs start at $1500.00)
Included in our 2025 Academy Fee is:
- Players are provided with two Training Tops, and an Academy Uniform Package is a separate purchase. It may not be required each year unless your child has a growth spurt. Families purchase this from our online store.
- 30 Week Programme
- Top 14-16 Players are selected from Trials each year. Trials are open for all players to attend.
- Mainland & NZ Football Fees
- Play in the Top League – Canterbury Development League (CDL), against other fully licenced Clubs in Canterbury
- Coaches are appointed by the Club
- Three Trainings a week (including one indoor futsal session at Mainpower)
- All Training is on the Turf (except the futsal session)
- Coaches are C-Licenced Coaches or Higher and are accountable for their Team's performances. There is an assistant coach for each Team.
- Coaches are First Aid Qualified
- Coaches receive Coach Mentoring from our Director of Football
- Teams have the opportunity to attend the Christchurch International Cup Tournament, and South Island Tournaments, along with other opportunities which the Club may offer teams.
- Players have the opportunity to attend Level 1 & 2 Coaching and Refereeing Courses
- Players have Fitness/Testing one/two/three times a year (depending on grade), and the opportunity to receive a Fitness/Gym Programme (depending on grade)
- Ongoing Courses/Workshops/Seminar/Camps are provided during the Season eg. Nutrition
- Three Parent/Player Meetings throughout the season
- Families have the opportunity to pay their Fees on a payment plan (must be paid by the end of April). An Academy Payment Agreement for this is provided and signed by the Club, Parent and Player
- Academy Players will be offered opportunities to attend Club events and sessions with younger Club Members.
- Academy Teams will be announced on Social Media
- Opportunities to be selected for Regional Age Group Training Centres which are organised by Football New Zealand
- Teams are provided with new equipment each year.
An Academy Programme is designed to develop players at a faster rate, due to the environment being more competitive, and Coaches are selected on their coaching skills and qualifications.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW - CLICK HERE
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