We are thrilled to announce that, following the outstanding success of our Player Development Programme (PDP) this season, North Shore United is extending this opportunity to our female players aged 15 and 16 for the 2026 season.

This stage of a player’s development is incredibly important, and the PDP 15/16 Programme has been created to support young athletes who are beginning their longer journey toward senior football, national programmes, academy pathways, and for some, even opportunities overseas. Our focus is to guide players through this transition with a holistic approach that develops not just the footballer, but the young woman behind the player.

For many, the NSU Women’s First Team will be the first major milestone on this pathway, and this programme has been carefully designed to prepare players for that step and the possibilities that come beyond it.
What Is the Girls PDP 15/16 Programme?

The PDP is NSU’s holistic and professionally structured football development pathway, created to help players unlock their full potential technically, tactically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

At this stage of the pathway, our focus is to prepare players to:

• Compete at a higher level
• Train with more intensity and purpose
• Build the habits and mentality required for advanced football environments
• Begin positioning themselves for national age-group programmes, academy pathways, senior football, and opportunities beyond New Zealand

We provide a fun, safe, competitive, and performance focused environment where ambitious female players can grow with confidence.

Weekly Training Structure

Each week, players will complete:

• 2 Core Football Training Sessions

Focused on high level technique, tactical understanding, and applying concepts at speed.

• 1 Optional Session (Strength & Conditioning or Futsal)

Building athletic power, movement quality, and sharper ball skills.

We understand players lead busy lives with school and other commitments.
Our coaches manage training load carefully to ensure healthy, balanced, and sustainable development.

What Players Will Experience

1. Advanced Technical & Tactical Development

• High-level ball mastery
• Position-specific detail
• Tactical responsibilities in all moments of the game
• Playing with purpose, speed, and intelligence

2. Football-Specific Fitness

• Strength & conditioning tailored to female athletes
• Speed, agility, and power development
• Aerobic and anaerobic capacity
• Injury-prevention foundations for long-term athletic health

3. Video Analysis & Game Intelligence

• Individual and team video analysis
• Reviewing key moments and decision-making
• Understanding tactical systems and structures
• Learning to analyse the game like a senior player

4. Player Support Meetings (3 per season)

• Dedicated 1-on-1 conversations covering:
• Performance progress
• Goal setting
• Confidence and mindset
• Guiding players toward senior, national, or academy pathways

5. Player Development Workshops

• Essential off-field topics include:
• High-performance nutrition
• Injury prevention
• Laws of the game
• Women in high-performance sport
• Pathways to senior, national, or international football

6. Professional Physio Support

• On-site physio at training
• Free or discounted follow-up appointments
• Injury-prevention education
• Load management support

This ensures players stay healthy and confident as training intensifies.


Elite-Level Coaching Team

The Girls PDP 15/16 Programme is delivered by experienced, accredited coaches with:

• UEFA / NZF A Licence
• NZF C Licence
• Youth Level 2
• GK Level 1

Our coaches provide a professional, inspiring, and player centred environment, preparing athletes for the demands of senior football and beyond.


Playing Grade for 2026

The Girls PDP 15/16 squad will compete in the U17 grade, the ideal level to prepare players for:

• Senior Women’s Football
• Women’s First Team training integration
• National Talent Centre opportunities
• International possibilities for ambitious players

This grade is a critical stepping stone in the female high-performance pathway.


Trials, February 2026

All players must attend trials to be considered.

Trial Details

• Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
• Total Sessions: 8
• Fee: $80
• Time & Location: Sent to registered players

This extended trial format allows coaches to assess players fairly and thoroughly.

Key Programme Information (2026)

• Age Group: Girls 15/16
• Duration: 24 weeks
• Squad Size: 16 players
• Programme Fee: $950
• Training Venue: Bayswater Park
• Schedule: Released before programme start

PDP Girls 15/16, Register Now for trials below
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact mauricio@nsu.org.nz