YOUTH FOOTBALL U13-U17

At Northern Rovers FC, we believe that football is for everyone. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, we have a place for you. Regardless of your ability or talent, we’ll ensure you find a team that suits your skills and provides a competitive and enjoyable environment. Our club welcomes both male and female players, offering a pathway from TDP teams to Saturday league teams. With our TDP, Championship, and Conference grades playing on Sundays, you can represent both your school and your club. No one is excluded because at Northern Rovers, we’re committed to ensuring everyone can play football and have fun doing it. There are no barriers to joining our community—come and be a part of the Northern Rovers family!

At Northern Rovers FC, we are committed to nurturing young talent through a structured and supportive development pathway. As part of New Zealand Football's Talent Development Pathway, Northern Rovers' program is designed to guide players from the 13th grade through to the 17th grade and beyond. Our aim is to ensure each individual reaches their full potential both on and off the pitch.=For 2025, we are introducing five key verticals that will be integrated into our Talent Development Pathway (TDP) and Championship teams. Each vertical has been carefully designed to complement and enhance the other, allowing Northern Rovers players to become the best version of themselves.

1: Technical and Tactical Development

Our club has developed a comprehensive **playing model** that is modern, adaptable, and specific to the needs of each playing group. This model incorporates:

  • Position, unit, and team specifics for each of the four key moments of the game (in possession, out of possession, transitioning to attack, transitioning to defense).
  • The model is based on principles of the game, ensuring players are not only trained for one system but are adaptable to various styles of play. This versatility makes our players invaluable as they progress through the pathway.

2: Football Philosophy, Vision, and Values

At Northern Rovers, we believe in a strong footballing identity rooted in five core values:

  1. Bravery
  2. Leadership
  3. Creativity
  4. Honesty
  5. Respect

These values will be instilled in every player, shaping their approach to both the game and their development within the club. Every aspect of our football program reflects these values, from training sessions to match days.

3: Mental Resilience Model

A key addition to our 2025 program is the 36-week Mental Resilience Training. This program is designed to equip TDP and Championship players with the tools to succeed under pressure, both on and off the pitch. Topics include:

  • Mental toughness fundamentals
  • Emotional regulation
  • Resilience in adversity
  • Goal setting & accountability
  • Building a supportive team culture
  • Mental recovery techniques
  • Resilience challenges & reward systems

This holistic approach will ensure our players are mentally prepared to tackle the demands of high-performance football.Vertical

4: Strength & Conditioning, Fitness, and Nutrition

Player health and physical development are critical to our program. Each player will receive:

  • A fundamental body scan to identify areas for physical improvement.
  • A focus on fundamental movement skills such as sprinting, jumping, landing, and balance.
  • Comprehensive education on nutrition to ensure players understand the energy requirements for growing athletic bodies, especially in relation to their output.

This vertical aims to maximize each player's athletic potential and prevent injuries, keeping them at peak performance throughout the season.

5: Team Culture Aligned with Personal Goals and Values

Team success is built on shared values and a positive culture. In 2025, each team will establish:

  • Clear goals, roles, and responsibilities
  • Acceptable football behaviors aligned with the club's core values

Players will also be encouraged to explore their own personal values, understand the behaviors that align with those values, and set boundaries to maintain their focus and commitment.

Term 4 2025

TDP Training/trial Details for the 2025 TDP/Championship TeamsThe TDP training/trials, which will be integral in determining squads for the 2025 season, will begin on Tuesday, 5th November. Training will run twice a week on Tuesday and Friday nights for five weeks, with 10 sessions in total. These sessions will include training games designed to assess and push players as they compete for inclusion in the 2025 TDP teams.

Cost: $120 per player for 10 sessions.

We are excited to launch this enhanced development program and look forward to seeing our players thrive in 2025 and beyond.For more information or to register here.

2025 Team Fees

For the 2025 TDP/Championship teams, there will be a cost adjustment due to increased expenses passed onto the club. Details will be released soon.