Player Development Programme

Greenhithe FC has a proud history of producing exceptional players. Current All White Callum McCowatt and new Auckland FC player Everton O’Leary are among our alumni.

Year after year, our teams represent the club in a wide range of tournaments, regularly placing in the top three and performing strongly in festivals. To continue this success, GFC follows a modern football philosophy delivered through a year-long, periodised plan, ensuring consistent player development from season to season.

The club is proud to provide an exciting development programme while keeping fees affordable. To give every player access to more advanced, technical training, we have developed a Skill Centre approach, designed to deliver meaningful progression at all levels.

Academy and Development Squads (Grades 8-13)

All players wanting to develop their skills and progress their overall play are welcome to join the Greenhithe Player Development Program. Players will be invited into either the Academy or Development squad.

All returning Academy players will be invited to join their relevant Academy sessions. These players will be looking to play at the higher levels of grading within the region and will be stretched in their skills development, using a mixture of professional and GFC qualified coaches. The Development Squad players will also receive the same level of training, tailored to their need and focused on driving them forward.

Players in these teams must commit to two trainings per week, plus a game day. Training starts in term 1 and continues throughout the year. One training session per week will be a Skills Centre session taken by a JL3 qualified coach, the other by the GFC team coach. Skill Centre sessions carry an additional fee, payable each term, on top of the annual club membership fee.

Training follows the club’s four-year Junior Program, providing consistent development year-to-year. This program aligns with NZF Skill Centre guidelines and FIFA best practice.

Placement in development and adademy teams is not fixed for the year. Players can move up or down as needed to ensure they continue to receive the most appropriate training for their development.

​​​​​​​Youth Programme - Extended Skills Centre (Grades 14-17)

Youth players aiming to play at a competitive level will be placed into squads based on their performance at trials.

Players in these teams commit to two to three training sessions per week, plus a game day. Training begins in Term 1 and continues throughout the year, with optional opportunities in Term 4. At least one training session per week is led by a professional coach.

Skill Centre coaching attracts an additional fee, payable each term, on top of the annual club membership fee.

All training is based on our four-year Youth Development Program, building on the achievements and progress established through the Junior Program.

Top players in each grade may be assessed for regional representation through the NFF Comets. Those who excel in the later age groups (U15 and U17) may also be selected to participate in men’s NRFL First and Reserve team training and games.