From age 9 (Grade 9) the focus for these players is on developing their skills as part of a team playing in a safe and friendly environment. They play:
- 9th grade - 5v5 with Goalkeepers with medium sized goals
- 10th grade - 7v7 with Goalkeepers with medium sized goals
- 11th grade - 7v7 with Goalkeepers with medium sized goals
- 12th grade - 9v9 with Goalkeepers with medium sized goals
The Pre-Academy pathway provides opportunities for players (9th Grade and above) who are highly motivated and committed to training twice per week with teams formed based on abilities, commitment and motivation. Players following this pathway must be able to commit to two training sessions a week plus a game (played across Auckland)
Note: Female players also have the option to play in our Mixed Pre-Academy teams either within their age group or a year below. Female players also have the option of playing in Girls Only teams.
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9th Grade Pre-Academy and Pre-Development teams
- Game Day: 5v5 with Goalkeepers in 4x2 medium goals
- Sundays with games at 8am, 9am or 10am (fixtures provided in advance)
- Training - 2-3 sessions per week
- First Game Day: 3 May 2026
- Final Game Day: 6 September 2026
- No Games on the following holiday 2026 dates: 31 May, 12 July
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10/11/12th Grade Pre-Academy and Pre-Development teams
- Game Day:
- 10/11th Grades - 7v7 with Goalkeepers in 4x2 medium goals
- Saturday mornings games scheduled by Northern Region Football (NRF) at Seddon Fields or other club fields around Auckland
- 12th Grades - 9v9 with Goalkeepers in 4x2 medium goals
- Saturday mornings games scheduled by Northern Region Football (NRF) at Seddon Fields or other club fields around Auckland
- Training - This is optional for teams but most usually choose to train 1x per week. We will place teams alongside other teams of similar age on their preferred training day so teams/coaches can train together.
- First Game Day: 2 May 2026
- Final Game Day: 5 September 2026
- No Games on the following holiday 2026 dates: 30 May, 11 July
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Registrations and Teams
Pre-Academy players are identified during term 4 from players attending the Term 4 Pre-Academy identification sessions and those attending the Term 4 Skill Centre sessions. The group of Pre-Academy players is then finalised at the end of term 4. Any players who are not in the Pre-Academy teams but would like to follow the pathway should attend the Player ID sessions (for mixed and girls teams) during February to be considered for a Pre-Development Team. Players following the Social and Pre-Academy (includes Pre-Development) pathways must also be registered with the club for the season.
The Girls and Mixed Academy Managers will manage selection of players to play in Pre-Academy teams. Pre-Academy teams are announced at the end of term 4 while Pre-Development teams are announced during term 1 (late February).
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Coaching
Western Springs AFC is committed to continuing to improve the level of coaching at the Club. The Club will endeavour to provide a suitably qualified non-parent club supported coach for each Pre-Academy Team. Please note this will incur an additional fee which is required to cover the expenses of this coach.
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Parents/Supporters
Should watch games from behind the fence or on the balcony. Provide encouragement to all players but leave specific football comments to the coach.
Those interested in playing an active role supporting the players could:
- Manage a team working with the coach
- Enrol on a Community Referee (CR) course so they can referee games.
- Run the line as an Assistant Referee.
