Junior (9-12) Skills programme changes 2025

Updates to Our Skills Programmes for 2025

In 2025, we will be introducing several key changes to our Skills Programmes across both Mixed and Female football for players aged 9-12. As part of this evolution, we will be rebranding from the Wellington Phoenix Pre-Academy Centre to the OFC Skills Development Programme and OFC Girls Skill School, respectively.

Continued Partnership with Wellington Phoenix

Our partnership with Wellington Phoenix has been a valuable asset to our members over the past few years, and we are pleased to continue our strong relationship. However, we have transitioned away from the WPX Pre-Academy due to changes in WPX’s focus, as they have partnered with New Zealand Football to deliver nationwide benefits primarily through regional Federations (e.g., WaiBOP).

OFC Skills Development Programme

The newly branded OFC Skills Development Programme is designed to support and develop junior players aged 9-12, providing them with structured and enjoyable training opportunities. This programme offers an aligned and coordinated approach for young footballers looking to access extra training sessions to enhance their development.

• Open to all players, both from OFC and other clubs.
• Focuses on skill development, confidence-building, and game understanding.
• Delivered in a fun, structured, and player-centered environment.

In Terms 2 & 3, we will run an invitational Pre-Academy Programme for identified Grade 11/12 players. 

This will be aimed at our highly motivated and committed Grade 11 & Grade 12 players who will be identified through Term 1 ID Sessions and/or Junior Skills Development Programme.

OFC Girls Skill School & Female Pathway

On the female side, we are reintroducing the OFC Girls Skill School, which previously ran successfully before our 2022 Wellington Phoenix partnership. This replaces the WPX Programme and Fantails, ensuring continued development opportunities for young female players.

Additionally, we are continuing our collaboration with FC Tauranga Moana (FCTM) in the female space. As part of this partnership, we aim to establish an FCTM U12 Girls team based at Otumoetai, further strengthening the Female Talent Pathway into FCTM’s development structure.

We are excited to launch these programmes in 2025 and look forward to seeing our players develop within these new and improved pathways.

For any questions, please contact fdo@otumoetaifootball.co.nz.