Our aim at WSAFC is to create a holistic learning environment that gives players the best opportunity to represent their country at international age group level or pursue opportunities aboard.  We are not just looking at the Technical and Tactical arm of player development, but also the Physical, Social/ Emotional and Mental components.

With the experience and leadership of Maia Vink (Head of Women’s Football) and Scott Hales (Head of Men’s Football), alongside Katie Rood (Girls Academy Manager) and Danyon Drake (Mixed Academy Manager) the club provides player development pathways through the Western Springs Academy.

See the Academy Player Pathway document for more information.

Term 4 2024 - Pre-Academy & Academy Pathway

All players at the club are invited to attend these sessions to grow their individual skills and game play, and be considered for the Western Springs Girls & Mixed Academy (Ages 13-17) and Girls & Mixed Pre-Academy (Ages 9-12) for 2025. Term 4 builds on Terms 1-3 in offering football development opportunities as part of the year round Academy programme. 

Sessions for all age groups will be 2x per week and registrations for Term 4 are on that basis. The training sessions during Term 4 will give the players a chance to continue on the good work they have been doing throughout the year with the continued focus on the Academy’s playing principals and training themes. 

There will also be specialist GK training provided within these training times. It also provides opportunities for other players who are motivated/committed to playing in these groups in 2025. 

We will be on the look out for players who are committed to learning and developing their skills, players who are curious and brave enough to give things a go. We commit to ensuring players develop and grow across this term and seeing them across two sessions a week will give us a better understanding of their skill-set and potential.

Players will be named in Pre-Academy and Academy teams following the conclusion of Term 4.

Term 1 2025 - Pre-Development & Development Pathway

All players have the opportunity to attend Player ID sessions to help with forming Development teams.  Players will get plenty of touches of the ball and play a range of small-sided games that allow them to demonstrate their skills.

For information specific to a player's grade and to register for these sessions, click on the below links:

Mixed Player ID Sessions: Click Here

Girls Player ID Sessions: Click Here