TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
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Talent Development Programme (TDP)

The Talent Development Programme (TDP) is a programme overseen by NZ Football and administered by the Northern Region Federation that enforces criteria for the youth grades of competition (U13-U17).

The intent of the TDP is to raise the level of delivery by the clubs and subsequently improve the quality of New Zealand’s youth players. Only clubs that are TDP-accredited are able to play in the highest level of competition in their respective grades. To attain accreditation, clubs must meet a set of criteria covering such things as coach qualifications, training sessions per week, match filming, access to goalkeeper coaching, and facilities.

Learn More About the New Zealand Football TDP here

Player Selection will be done via prior knowledge and history of players alongside OPEN ID TRAINING SESSIONS in February 2026.

We encourage all players to attend as many open training sessions as they are available for.

Players can register for the trial sessions here... FORM

If you are keen to be involved, but can't make the Open Training session, please email admin@papakuracityfc.org.nz

Dates for 2026 are

Monday - 09 FEB
Wednesday - 11 FEB
Thursday - 12 FEB

Sunday - 15 FEB
Monday - 16 FEB
Wednesday - 18 FEB
​​​​​​​Thursday - 19 FEB

Games - Sun 22 FEB

All McLennan Park, Papakura

Changes may be made, register to keep up to date

*First Season Gameday 03 May

Papakura City FC is lucky to have some of, if not the best, facilities that football in New Zealand could provide for a training base. With seven grass fields and four floodlit for training, McLennan Park offers a premier environment for player development.

Our club also benefits from the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with newly refurbished, upgraded clubrooms and changing facilities. Additionally, we are fortunate to have the world-class Bruce Pulman Park and Arena right next door, providing an exceptional indoor facility for our players.

• 7 Grass Fields (4 with training lights)

• FIFA Women’s World Cup Upgraded Clubrooms & Changing Rooms

• World-Class Indoor Facility at Bruce Pulman Arena

Papakura City FC will take a unique approach by incorporating Futsal into our Talent Development Programme. Futsal is a fast-paced indoor game that maximises ball touches and meaningful interactions.

This format builds players’ confidence in tight spaces and develops technical skills that seamlessly enhance their performance on the 11-a-side field, shaping them into well-rounded footballers.

Note: Futsal sessions may depend on facility availability.

• Starting end of Feb (TBC)
• Currently scheduled, Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm - 6:45pm
• 3 Training sessions per week // 30 Week schedule

Sessions follow a structured curriculum aimed at developing players through the key phases of the game, Attack, Defence, and Transition all grounded in our core playing philosophy.

Futsal will be utilised once per week to encourage the development of on-the-ball skills, quick decision-making and composure under pressure while providing an additional future pathway for players.

*Training dates may change and be modified to work around Team needs and field availability.

All Papakura Youth Players will pay the Youth Club Fee of $215. This covers costs associated with running the club and competition entry fees.  

All players selected into a TDP team will pay the TDP fee of $395 per Term. This covers the cost of coaches, coach education, TDP Support staff and additional gear required for the TDP programme. This works out to be around $10 per contact.

Total Programme Cost

Youth Fee ($215) + Term 1 ($395) + Term 2 ($395) + Term 3 ($395)Total Cost - 1,400

Payment Plan

We recognise that for some, the cost of the programme may be a barrier; we are happy to provide payment plan options, but the Youth Fee will need to be paid upfront.

A Girls Only TDP Programme is the next step after gaining a fully accredited Mixed TDP Programme. Youth Girls are welcome to express interest and attend Open ID sessions.