The Blue Rovers Development Programme
Our club has a large group of players who want to take their football further. 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.
Our Director of Football is partnering with like-minded coaches, players and families to deliver quality coaching, for determined players with the support they need to have fun, learn and grow.
Programme Lead: Director of Football, Chris Acott
Our Director of Football Chris Acott is leading the programme. Chris has been highly successful in talent development including supporting the Football Ferns 2016 Olympic Games campaign, coaching the NZ National Women's League winners in 2012, National Talent Centre Coach, National Age Group Coach, Federation Talent Centre Coach and involved in trialling the New Zealand Football Whole of Football Plan in Auckland.
Contact Chris on dof@bluerovers.co.nz if you have any questions about the programme.
Development Teams
We aim to have at least one mixed and one girls development team in Grade 9 and above. The teams will train twice a week between March and September (Term 1, 2 and 3) allowing around 52 quality coaching contacts. Training will follow a periodised plan, with one training session delivered by our Director of Football or another one of our experienced coaches, and the second session by the team coach. Development teams will 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 will be supported by our Club Physiotherapists, The Lakes Clinic, who will 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. Youth (G13-16) and W-League players also receive a team shirt for pre and post match wear.
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).
Development Programme Fees
The Club is subsidising the cost of the programme in Year 1. Development Fees include over 30 coaching sessions with our Director of Football, a training shirt and team hoodie (in addition to a loaned playing shirt and team photo). Youth (G13-16) and W-League players also receive a team shirt for pre and post match wear.
| Winter Registation Fee | Development Team Fee | Total Fee | Total Fee per Term | |
| Development G9-10 | $150 | $150 | $300 | $100 |
| Development G11-12 | $150 | $200 | $350 | $117 |
| Development G13-16 | $150 | $275 | $425 | $142 |
| Development W-League | $150 | $300 | $450 | $150 |
How to Apply
Development Team registrations have closed for the 2024 winter football season.
Open Skill Labs
Open Skill Labs don't have an entry criteria. They are a great at building football skills, a Growth Mindset and work ethic for players who want to transition to a Development Team, or for players who want to further their football while still playing with their friends in their regular Saturday team.
2024 Term 1
What: 5-week perodised programme for boys and girls on Fridays.
Dates: Friday 8th March to Friday 12th April (no session on 29th March - Good Friday).
Where: Pemberton Park or Morland Fox Park
Age: 7 to 12 year olds
Cost: $50.00 ($10 per session).
Term 2 details to be announced.
How to Apply
Click HERE to register for Open Skill Labs.
