The Wellington Phoenix are proud to be one of only two clubs in Aotearoa to be delivering the FIFA talent development scheme.
The scheme, developed in partnership with New Zealand Football, aims to identify, support and develop the country’s most promising young players and help them progress towards professional football and national team representation.
The Phoenix academy has eight age-group teams, male and female, based at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt as well as a Nix development centre in Christchurch, run by Lee Padmore.
The academy works closely with clubs throughout New Zealand to identify talent.
Academy technical director Emma Humphries says the Phoenix has an undisputed record in player development and delivers the leading talent pathway in Aotearoa.
“There are seven academy graduates in the All Whites squad at the FIFA World Cup in North America and four of them have been in New Zealand’s starting XI for their first two group matches,” Humpries said. “That’s unmatched.
“Academy players also have a big presence in every national age-group side, both young men and women.
“The alignment with New Zealand Football continues off the field with four of our coaches; Lee Padmore, Cam Grieve, Jessica Fuller and Alex Richardson, all part of national age-group coaching teams.
“We have the best pathway for young Kiwi footballers in New Zealand but it doesn’t work without our community clubs.
“A big thank you to all the clubs throughout the country who work with us to identify, support and develop the next generation of All Whites and Football Ferns.
“By working together we can ensure more young New Zealanders go on to forge professional careers.”
Main image: Emma Humphries talks to the Phoenix women’s reserves ahead of their Kate Sheppard Cup match against Miramar Rangers. Photo: Cam McIntosh/Photomac.
