12-13 Years: Widen the base - talent inclusion before maturation

Players from age 12 onwards come from their junior clubs to attend their local Federation Talent Centre.

This first step is to develop greater numbers of talented players in the key early development years. At the ages of 12-13 we keep the base wide, with Federation Talent Centres offered to more players.

In the Auckland Football Federation, there are two zones at this age group - Central and South. Players selected to the FTC will take part in the zone of which their club is a part.

Auckland Football FTC Zone/Club list:

Central Zone: Bay Olympic, Central Utd FC, Eastern Suburbs AFC, Ellerslie AFC,  Lynn-Avon Utd AFC, Metro FC, Mt Albert-Ponsonby AFC, Onehunga Sports, Three Kings Utd, University-Mt Wellington AFC, Waiheke Utd AFC, Western Springs AFC

South Zone: Beachlands Maraetai AFC, Bucklands Beach AFC, Clendon Utd AFC, Clevdon FC, Drury Utd FC, Fencibles Utd AFC, High School Old Boys, Mangere Utd, Manukau City FC, Manurewa AFC, Onehunga Mangere Utd AFC, Otahuhu Utd AFC, Papakura City FC, Papatoetoe AFC, Papatoetoe Utd, Pukekohe AFC, South Auckland Rangers AFC, Tuakau Soccer Club, Waiuku AFC

14-16 Years: Best with best - fewer players following maturation

At the age of 14, following maturation, the number of players involved in the programme will reduce to have the best players training with the best players, as it is at this stage that the talent excel opportunities will be made available.

In the Auckland Football Federation this only one centre across the federation in this age-group.

Consistent approach

Federation Talent Centres offer the following to players involved:

- A programme to systematically develop the individual player
- Consistent national curriculum to prepare players to cope with the modern game
- Competitive and fulfilling environment for the most talented players - "the best with the best"
- Coaches who are specifically trained and experienced in developing talented youth players
- Players' progress continually assessed to ensure the best players remain in the FTC programme
- Weekly training sessions and an extended programme of development throughout the year
- Regular performance feedback to players and parents

Auckland Football FTC Selection Pathway

After the end of the Terms 2 and 4, players in the FTC programme will be assessed.

Players will then be invited into the next phase (2 Terms) of  the programme or asked to attend a Talent on Location Day (trial) along with new player nominations from clubs.

Following the Talent on Location Day, a set number of players will be invited to complete the FTC squads for the next phase of the programme where consistent monitoring and assessment will continue for players both in the FTC programme and those who are not at that stage (in consultation with clubs).

For more information on the structure and process of the FTC, contact AFF Football Development Officer Simon Richards.