North Shore United AFC, Player Development Programme (PDP)
At North Shore United AFC, our Player Development Programme (PDP) is more than a football programme, it is a pathway that equips young people to succeed both on and off the field.
The PDP is designed for committed, ambitious players striving to reach the next level of the game. Just as importantly, it is about shaping independent, responsible, and confident individuals who carry these qualities into their performance on the field and into every area of life.
Through high-quality coaching, video analysis, fitness training, player development workshops, and individual support meetings, players are given the tools to take ownership of their journey. They learn to set goals, reflect on progress, and build resilience, skills that last far beyond their playing days.
The PDP provides a clear pathway into our Development Squads and First Team, creating a platform for players to become the best version of themselves.
PDP Trials. 2026 Season
Eligibility
Mixed/Boys PDP Grades
- U13 – Born 2013 (Term 1, 2026, February/March)
- U14 – Born 2012
- U15 – Born 2011
Girls PDP Grades
- U16 – Born 2011 / 2010 (Term 1, 2026, February/March)
Intakes Grades U14 & U15
- First Intake: Term 4, 2025 (November)
- Second Intake: Term 1, 2026 (February/March)
What We Look For
At trials, we go beyond football skills, we focus on the attitude, character, and approach that define success in our programme.
We seek players who:
- Show a hunger to learn and improve
- Take responsibility for their own development
- Display resilience, adaptability, and teamwork
- Embrace challenges in a supportive, high-performance environment
Trial sessions include technical practices, themed scenarios, and match play. Coaches assess not only how players use the ball, but also how they think, respond, and interact with others during the different moments of the game.
Because at North Shore United, being a PDP player is about character as much as capability.
Trial Details for First Intake
- Dates: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4 – 26 November 2025
- Sessions: 8 in total
- Fee: $150
- Venue & Times: To be confirmed late September/early October (subject to Auckland Council summer field allocations)
- Registration: Link below
2026 PDP Squad Sizes & Selection Process
- Squad Sizes: Each grade will be capped at 16 players per team.
- Confirmation: The majority of the U14 & U15 squads will be selected during the Term 4 trials, with written confirmation sent by Friday, 5 December 2025.
- Further Opportunities: Players who show potential but are not initially selected will be invited to join the Term 1 training block for further assessment and development.
- Commitment: Players selected for PDP teams must confirm their place by 15 December 2025.
- Selection Panel: Final decisions will be made by the relevant PDP coaching staff, overseen by the Director of Football (Mauricio Rojas)
- Information Evening: Full programme details and expectations will be outlined at the PDP Information Evening in February 2026.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me Mauricio Rojas, Director of Football.
