Auckland FC Expands Youth Development Pathway 

Auckland FC is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Youth Development Club Partnership, a key initiative focused on nurturing young football talent across the Northern Region Football (NRF) and WAIBOP Federations. With the addition of Cambridge Football Club and Hamilton Wanderers to the program, Auckland FC now partners with 17 of the 18 Talent Development Programme (TDP) clubs across the region, bringing the club closer to achieving a fully connected youth development network.

Strengthening the Youth Football Community

The Youth Development Club Partnership was created to support local clubs and provide promising young players with a structured pathway towards professional football. Auckland FC extended invitations to all TDP clubs in the NRF and WAIBOP regions, establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to formalize these valuable partnerships. This collaborative approach aims to integrate resources, coaching expertise, and training programs, ensuring youth players gain access to comprehensive development opportunities within their communities.

Rebel Sport Development Centre Set to Launch in 2025

In a further commitment to youth development, Auckland FC is set to open the Rebel Sport Development Centre in 2025, providing advanced training programs and resources specifically designed for selected boys’ and girls’ players. Supported by Rebel Sport as the naming rights partner, the new centre will allow players to continue training with their home TDP clubs while accessing high-quality development sessions and resources under Auckland FC’s guidance. This partnership enriches the training experience for players, offering an elite pathway without disconnecting from their local clubs.

Current Partner Clubs

The current Youth Development Club Partnership now includes 17 clubs, each instrumental in building a stronger future for football across New Zealand. Auckland FC proudly welcomes these partner clubs:

• Auckland United F.C.

• Bay Olympic FC

• Birkenhead United AFC

• Cambridge FC

• East Coast Bays AFC

• Eastern Suburbs AFC

• Ellerslie AFC

• Fencibles United AFC

• Hamilton Wanderers FC

• Hibiscus Coast AFC

• Melville United AFC

• Northern Rovers FC

• Northern United Sports Club

• Northland FC

• FC Tauranga Moana

• West Coast Rangers FC

• Western Springs FC

This structured pathway will provide young footballers with access to professional-grade resources and training, helping them develop skills and achieve their goals within a supportive community network. Auckland FC’s commitment underscores its motto: In the community, for the community.

Tags: #AucklandFC #YouthDevelopment #FootballPartnership #NRFFootball #WAIBOPFootball #TDP #CommunityFootball #FutureStars #PitchsideHQ