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.
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Development Teams
Expressions of interest for players and coaches open now: Register your interest
We aim to have at least one mixed and one girls development team in Grade 9 and above. The teams train twice a week between March and September (Term 1, 2 and 3) allowing around 52 quality coaching contacts. Training follows 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, who provide individual player assessments and age-appropriate strength and conditioning programmes for the teams.
Development team players receive a training shirt and team hoodie as part of the development team fee.
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 follow instructions and 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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Try-out Dates below. See our Important Dates page for: Development Try-out Dates & Times
Grade 9 & 10 (born 2015 and 2016) Try-outs
Wednesday 26th February
Wednesday 5th March
Grade 11 & 12 (born 2013 and 2014) Try-outs
Wednesday 12th February
Wednesday 19th February
Grade 13 (born 2012) Try-outs
Tuesday 18th February
Sunday 23rd February
Grade 14, 15, 16 (born 2009 to 2011) Try-outs
Tuesday 11th February
Sunday 16th February
Girls-only Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (born 2013 to 2016) Try-outs
Thursday 27th February
Thursday 6th March
Girls-only Grade 13, 14 and Baywide Youth (born 2006 to 2012) Try-outs
Thursday 13th February
Sunday 16th February
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Term 1 Skill Labs
Skill Labs in Term 1 do not have an entry criteria. It is great at building football skills, a Growth Mindset and work ethic for players who want to transition to a Development Team.
What: 8-week perodised programme for boys and girls on Fridays.
Dates: Friday 21st February to Friday 11th April.
Times: 4pm to 5pm.
Where: Morland Fox Park
Age: 7 to 12 year olds
Cost: $80.00 ($10 per session)
Register here: Development Registration
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Term 1 Fantails - Girls-only
New Zealand Football created Fantails to provide more opportunities for young females to play football, and to increase female participates rates. Fantails at the Blue Rovers is focussed on giving girls aged 7 to 12 years a fun football experience where they can learn some skills, make friends, be active, and ultimately fall in love with "the beautiful game". Because Fantails is on Fridays from 4pm to 5pm, it's a great afterschool activity that girls can bring their friends along to and introduce them to football.
What: 8-week perodised programme for girls-only on Fridays.
Dates: Friday 21st February to Friday 11th April.
Times: 4pm to 5pm.
Where: Morland Fox Park
Age: 7 to 12 year olds
Cost: $40.00 ($5 per session)
Register here: Development Registration
