The Blue Rovers Development Programme

Our club has a large group of players who want to take their football further (1 out of every 3 junior and youth players from 2023 joined the development programme in 2024). A lot has been written about what it takes to be a high achieving sports person, with the conversation often revolving around talent versus hardwork. What is now known is that:

• the single largest determinator of achievment is the number of quality coaching contacts a determined sports person has; and
• a "determined sports person" can be defined as anyone with a Growth Mindset and strong work ethic; and
• a large number of children drop out of sport before it "clicks" because they're not getting the recognition, connection, belonging and success they need for training to be fun.

The Blue Rovers Development programme provides any determined junior or youth player with the coaching and support they need to reach their potential. We achieve this through partnerships between the player, parents and coaching team. An analogy which describes this partnership is a Formula One racing team:

• the car is the player's football
• the player is the driver - they are in control of the car
• parents/caregivers are the team owners - they provide the opportunity to race, the car and team
• coaches are the support team - they analyse the car and driver, praise the positive and determine the interventions that will improve performance. They also foster connection and belonging among the team.

The development programme has two streams:

1. Development Teams; and
2. Development Sessions

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Development teams have been formed for the 2026 winter football season. Spaces in our development sessions are still open.

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Development Sessions - Term 3 Friday Skill Labs

Blue Rovers Skill Labs Skill Labs is for players aged 10-13 years old who wish to access a higher level of football coaching. New Zealand Football has identified that football continues to get faster, more physical, and more technical and tactical. Skill Labs are aligned to the New Zealand Whole of Football Plan and NZ Football Talent Development Programme to help young asprinng players develop the football skills that will prepare them for the future game.

Our Skill Labs are open to players from any club.

What: 8-week perodised programme for boys and girls on Fridays.

Dates: Friday 24th July to Friday 11th September (8-weeks).

Times: 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Where: Pemberton Park.

Age: 10 to 13 year olds.

Cost: $80.00 ($10 per session).

Register here: Development Registration

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Development Sessions - Term 3 Girls-only Friday Skill Labs

Girls-only Skill Labs provides girls the same opportunity to grow and develop as boys, but in a girls-only environment.

What: 8-week perodised programme for girls-only on Fridays.

Dates: Friday 24th July to Friday 11th September (8-weeks).

Times: 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Where: Pemberton Park.

Age: 10 to 13 year olds.

Cost: $80.00 ($10 per session).

Register here: Development Registration

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Development Teams (closed for 2026)

We aim to have at least one mixed and one girls development team in Grade 10 and above. The teams train twice a week following a periodised plan, delivered by vetted coaches. Teams play in the league which provides the best challenge point for the team. For Youth Development Teams this may be local Federation league or the Baywide Youth Competition.

Development teams are also supported by our Club Physiotherapists, The Lakes Clinic. The Lakes Clinic provide individual player assessments and age-appropriate strength and conditioning programmes for youth teams. Youth teams are also supported by a Speed and Agility Coach.

Players in development teams pay a development fee in addition to the regular winter season fee. Development team players are also required to purchase a training shirt and team hoodie.

Entry Criteria

• Coaches are required to follow the Blue Rovers' Coaching philosophy, Code of Conduct and other Club policies, be committed to their own professional development, be prepared to work collaboratively, and pass a NZ Police Check.
• Players will need to be able to demonstrate excellent conduct and behaviour, and be able to quickly digest and follow instructions. Players will also need to demonstrate a growth mindset and strong work ethic.
• Parents and caregivers will need to follow the Blue Rovers' Code of Conduct and other Club policies, support the coach and their child, including ensuring the player can train twice a week and by volunteering with the team in some capacity (e.g. managing the team, refereeing, first aid, setting up and packing down, helping with after match functions).

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Development Team Fees

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