The New Zealand Football Talent Development Programme (TDP) provides an aligned, co-ordinated approach to the development of high potential youth footballers, aged 13-17 years – both boys and girls.

Its main aim is to provide a challenging, structured programme for players, in an enjoyable environment that maximises player development.

The programme has three objectives:

• Produce better players in NZ by increasing the number and quality of training sessions for players 13-17 years old
• Provide clear training guidelines based on NZ environment for youth footballers wanting to be the best they can be
• Create a clear aspirational pathway for youth footballers in NZ

The programme has a clear player development focus rather than outcomes and results focus.

New Zealand Football Accreditation  Process

The accreditation standards are set by New Zealand Football, and have a range of critera, including:

- Head Coach and all Programme Coaches must hold specified coaching qualifications

- Minimum requirements for training sessions, Coach-Player ratios

- A clear player pathway, meaning a team per age group (U13, U14, U15 and U17 for Boys / U14/16 For Girls)

- The playing philosphy and curriculum delivered must follow an approved standard

A club can hold accreditation for Boys or Girls, or both. 

The accreditation process has a preliminary year, during which WaiBOP Federation Development Officers are involved to help clubs ensure they meet all the critera. 

If your club is interested in becoming a TDP club, please contact Ken Cresswell for more information ken.c@waibop.co.nz 

Read the New Zealand Football Talent Development Programme Manual Here

Playing Leagues

WaiBOP Clubs with TDP accreditation are able to enter in the Lotto NRFL Youth Competition, a league that includes clubs from Northern Region Football (Auckland and Northland).

However, they also have the option of playing in the WaiBOP Federation Y-league, because that maybe the appropriate level to support their players development. 

WaiBOP clubs accredited in NZF Talent Development Programme delivery for 2024 are:

Cambridge FC - Mixed

Hamilton Wanderers – Mixed

Melville Utd – Mixed and Girls

Tauranga Moana - Mixed

These clubs have all chosen to enter the Lotto NRFL Youth Competition.

LOTTO NRFL Youth competitions draws are here

Boys/Mixed Leagues: U17 Boys / U15 Boys / U14 Boys

Girls Leagues: U16 Girls / U14 Girls