WAIMAK UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
Academy Programme 2026
2026 Academy Programme Information
We are excited to announce the trial dates for our 2026 Academy Programme. These trials will take place in Term 4, from November 4th to November 27th.
Below is the detailed schedule, but first, we would like to explain why we are running the trials over two weeks, offering 4 sessions in total. This extended format allows us to thoroughly evaluate players over multiple days and settings, as opposed to the common practice of making quick decisions based on just one or two sessions. Please note, that these trials are specifically for players who wish to join and commit to our Academy Programme. For those interested in playing in development or community teams, these will be communicated in January 2026.
Key Benefits of Our Trial Process:
In-depth Evaluation: With four sessions, we can assess players across a range of different themes and conditions. Players who might have an off day will have several more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities
Reduced Pressure: Traditional trials often leave players feeling the pressure to perform perfectly in just 1hours. Our extended process allows players to feel more comfortable and play their natural game, with ample time to impress
Team Integration: The trials give players the chance to connect with potential new teammates, helping them feel more at ease and allowing coaches to observe how well new players integrate into the group
Flexibility for Other Sports: We understand that some players are involved in summer sports. By offering two sessions per week, we provide flexibility for those players to attend multiple sessions
More Football: Finally, the extended format simply means more football! The additional time on the field is a great opportunity for players to develop and enjoy the game
Location: All Trials will be held at Kendall Park.
U13 (2013 born):
- Tuesday, 4th November: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, 6th November: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
- Tuesday, 11th November: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, 13th November: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Further dates will be added if required
U14 (2012 born):
- Tuesday, 4th November: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
- Thursday, 6th November: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
- Tuesday, 11th November: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
- Thursday, 13th November: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Further dates will be added if required
U15 (2011 born):
- Tuesday, 18th November: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, 20th November: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
- Tuesday, 25th November: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- Thursday, 27th November: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Further dates will be added if required
U17 (2009-2010 born):
- Tuesday, 18thth November: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
- Thursday, 20thth November: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
- Tuesday, 25thth November: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
- Thursday, 27th November: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Further dates will be added if required
There will be a slight increase to the fees for 2026:
U13-U17 Academy Teams - $TBC
U13-U7 Academy Teams - $TBC These fees will include (all to be confirmed):
- Gear
- Year-round training
- Entrance into the TDP League
Each Academy side will have 3x sessions per week - including a game on either Friday night or Saturday morning depending on the grade.
Session times are tentatively scheduled to be:
Mondays:
- U13/U14 (5pm-6pm @Mainpower)
- U15/U17 (6pm-7pm @Mainpower)
Tuesdays:
- U13/U14 (4pm-5:30pm Kendall Park)
- U15/U17 (5:30pm – 7.00pm Kendall Park)
Thursdays:
- U13/U14 (4pm-5:30pm Kendall Park)
- U15/U17 (5:30pm – 7.00pm Kendall Park)
Please note times for these sessions. Times may change closer to the 2026 season depending on coaches/managers schedule.
Important:
All players, including current Academy players, must register for the Trials. We aim to have teams announced by TWO WEEKS after the trials. While we strive to have coaching assignments finalised by team announcement.
If you have any questions about the trial process, please don’t hesitate to contact Danny Kane at dof@waimakunited.org.nz
WHERE: Home games are held at Kendall Park, Island Road Kaiapoi. Away games are in Christchurch.
WHEN:
U14 - 6pm Friday Nights
U15 - 7.30pm Friday Nights
U13 - 9.15am Saturday Mornings
U17 - 10.45am Saturday Mornings
No football on Kings Birthday Weekend or the middle weekend of July school holidays.
Our Academy Teams are for U13, U14, U15 & U17. They are the pinnacle of our Youth Players, and our younger players should aspire to be selected for these teams, if they want to take their football to another level, in a competitive environment.
Academy Teams - $TBC
Included in our 2025 Academy Fee is:
- Players are provided with two Training Tops, and an Academy Uniform Package is a separate purchase. It may not be required each year unless your child has a growth spurt. Families purchase this from our online store.
- 30 Week Programme
- Top 13-16 Players are selected from Trials each year (depending on field sizes) Trials are open for all players to attend.
- Mainland & NZ Football Fees
- Play in the Top League – Canterbury Development League (CDL), against other fully licenced Clubs in Canterbury
- Coaches are appointed by the Club
- Three Trainings a week (including one indoor futsal session at Mainpower TBC)
- All Training is on the Turf (except the futsal session)
- Coaches are C-Licenced Coaches or Higher and are accountable for their Team's performances. There is an assistant coach for each Team.
- Coaches are First Aid Qualified
- Coaches receive Coach Mentoring from our Director of Football
- Teams may have the opportunity to attend the Christchurch International Cup Tournament, and South Island Tournaments if accepted, along with other opportunities which the Club may offer teams.
- Players have the opportunity to attend Level 1 & 2 Coaching and Refereeing Courses
- Players have Fitness/Testing one/two/three times a year (depending on grade), and the opportunity to receive a Fitness/Gym Programme (depending on grade)
- Ongoing Courses/Workshops/Seminar are provided during the Season eg. Nutrition
- Three Parent/Player Meetings throughout the season
- Families have the opportunity to pay their Fees on a payment plan (TBC) An Academy Payment Agreement for this is provided and signed by the Club, Parent and Player
- Academy Players will be offered opportunities to attend Club events and sessions with younger Club Members.
- Academy Teams will be announced on Social Media
- Opportunities to be selected for Regional Age Group Training Centres which are organised by Football New Zealand
- Teams are provided with new equipment each year.
An Academy Programme is designed to develop players at a faster rate, due to the environment being more competitive, and Coaches are selected on their coaching skills and qualifications.
Admin Login