Pre-Academy and Academy Pathway

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.

At WSAFC 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.

Term 4 

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. 

Players will be named in Pre-Academy and Academy teams following the conclusion of Term 4. Players will be named in Development teams following identification sessions held during Term 1 2025.

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.

Term 4 - Dates

Term 4 sessions will run from Monday 14 October to Tuesday 3 December

The age groups below are based on 2025 age groups

GIRLS U9-12 PRE-ACADEMY

U9 (2016) - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 1 (Turf) / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 3 (Grass)

U10 (2015) - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm  Pitch 1 (Turf) / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 3 (Grass)

U11 (2014)  - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 4 (Grass)  / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 2 (Turf)

U12 (2013) - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 4 (Grass)  / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm  Pitch 2 (Turf)

GIRLS U13-16 ACADEMY

U13 (2012) - Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 1 (Turf)  / Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 3 (Grass)

U14 (2011) - Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 1 (Turf)  / Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 3 (Grass)

U16 (2009-10) - Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 4 (Grass)  / Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 2 (Turf)

MIXED U9-12 PRE-ACADEMY

U9 (2016) - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 2 (Turf) / Wednesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 4 (Grass) 

U10 (2015) - Tuesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 3 (Grass) / Wednesday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 3 (Grass)

U11 (2014) - Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 4 (Grass) / Friday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 1 (Turf) 

U12 (2013) - Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 3 (Grass) / Friday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 2 (Turf)

MIXED U13-17 ACADEMY

U13 (2012) - Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 2 (Turf) / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 4 (Grass)

U14 (2011) - Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 3 (Grass) / Thursday 4:20pm - 5:20pm Pitch 1 (Turf)

U15 (2010) - Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 1 (Turf) / Friday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 2 (Turf)

U17 (2008-09) - Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 4 (Grass) / Friday 5:30pm - 6:30pm Pitch 1 (Turf)

* Field maps are at https://wsafc.org.nz/home-grounds