The NZF Talent Development Programme is an opportunity for clubs to be recognised when offering quality sessions to youth players (13 to 17 years old).

Players within each of these environments receive regular training sessions, delivered by qualified coaches, with access to quality facilities. Players compete in the Capital Development Leagues which have recognised standards, and identification processes. These standards are driven nationwide to ensure consistency of delivery meaning that the players receive a quality experience.

Player development is a continuous process and the Talent Development Programme is seeking to develop better players over a longer period. Players will continue to receive consistent and quality sessions throughout the year. Capital  Football actively works with each of the clubs to ensure that this is the case by going through an appraisal process.

Capital Football is focussed on actively helping clubs to reach these standards whilst recognising the benefits of Sport NZ’s Balance is Better initiative, focussing on maximising participation and skill development across sports.

Talent Development Programme clubs have access to Capital Development League competitions to recognise the investment made in this area. All clubs have access to all other competitions. A basic explanation of this is as follows:

The purpose of the Capital Development Leagues is to provide a competition to develop talented domestic footballers, coaches and referees.

The guiding principles of the competition are:

Ideally, one team environment for the player to help minimise player welfare issues

Training regularly with each other

Playing regularly against each other

Quality player development programme

New Zealand Football is seeking to provide an aligned structure to meet the needs of players across all levels of the game. The talent pathway offers players who are showing potential additional football with a higher level of competition. The provision involves players being challenged appropriately in minimal environments, enhancing their opportunity of further development.

For more information on Talent Development Programmes, please contact Capital Football Federation Development Manager Steeve Sharpe at steeve@capitalfootball.org.nz