Development Programme 9th - 12th Grade (Term 2&3 2023)

Junior Development Programme

The 9-12yr age group is the ‘golden age’ of learning both technically and tactically for any footballer. This programme is aimed to accelerate the player’s development and unlock a higher potential as they advance toward Youth 11 a side and Senior football at Fencibles.

The programme will also focus on the Fencibles values and football philosophy/playing style which stems from our First Team through to all our Junior and Youth members. This will be taught at an age appropriate level through the club’s Development programmes. This will give our players the best chance of succeeding at youth, senior level, and beyond!

The programme helps navigate through the stages within the players changing environment as they move from 7v7 to 9v9 then on the future on to 11v11, also known as the ‘Building Blocks’.

There will be extension opportunities within the Development programme. These are designed to extend players by offering training with and/or playing in higher age groups. Additional opportunities include Development Tournaments and NRF Talent Centres in the future.

Following the Fencibles playing style and philosophy, our Development Programme is dedicated to providing all players a fun and challenging training environment that will grow their skills and increase their enjoyment of football.

The Development Programme is a new programme designed to take the next step of capitalising on the success of Junior Football by keeping young players involved, and making sure they are enthusiastic about playing football. It also addresses the vulnerable age category of 13 to 19 where we experience player drop off.

These are the top talent teams for each of our junior grades and are for players that wish to train and play two times a week with a dedicated coach. Players will need to attend trials and be invited to play in our Development teams.

Selection

Pre-season all registered 9th - 12th Grade players will be invited to attend trials to be part of a Fencibles Development Programme. Players selected into a development squad will be required to train twice per week and will play in the NRF (Northern Region Football) League on Saturday mornings. The DOF in conjunction with other Academy Coaches will select the Development Programme squads. From the squad's teams will get chosen and play in the NRF leagues. Team selections will take into consideration training and games both during open trials and during the Fencibles Summer Academy Programme. Click here for Player ID Session dates.

Players who reach age 13 move into youth level football and become eligible for the Fencibles Development Plus Programme and Squads. The Development Plus Programme is designed to prepare players for competitive youth football and ultimately developing players for the key Under 17 and Under 23 age grade sides which are the primary 'feeder' grades for senior football in New Zealand. Find out more about the Development Plus Squad here.

Development Programme (Travelling 9th Grade – 12th Grade Boys & Girls)

Dedicated Girls Squads:                        10-24 Players (Depending on age)

Head Coach Each Age Group:               Junior Level 3 Qualification

Team Names:                                           Fencibles Navy & Red

NRF Junior Competitions:                      Teams will make up the one or two Fencibles teams in each age group.     

Dedicated Boys Squads:                        30-40 Players (Depending on age)

Head Coach Each Age Group:               Junior Level 3 Qualification

Team Names (Mixed):                             Fencibles Navy, Red, White & Gold

NRF Junior Competitions:                     Premier Teams and Div1 making up the top three or four Fencibles teams depending on age group.

All Teams

Contacts per week:                                2 Contacts: Covering NZF Skill Centre Training, Strength & Conditioning, Squad Training

Game Day:                                              Saturday

Extras:                                                     Regional Tournaments

Cost:                                                        There is an additional cost to the standard fees for this programme.***

***Where the Club is able to provide a suitably qualified coach for the Development Programme, there will be an additional fee required to cover the expenses of this coach.  The cost will be communicated on selection.

These teams are ONLY for players who wish to play football within the highest ranked teams within these grades and for those committed to two trainings per week. These teams are announced by the Director of Football, after trials, and in collaboration with other club coaches.

Players who reach age 13 move into youth level football and become eligible for the Fencibles Development Plus Programme and Squads. The Development Plus Programme is designed to prepare players for competitive youth football and ultimately developing players for the key Under 17 and Under 23 age grade sides which are the primary 'feeder' grades for senior football in New Zealand. Find out more about the Development Plus Squad here.