Under 14 TDP

The Under 14 Girls Talent Development Programme is designed for players moving from junior football into competitive youth structures. The focus shifts toward “Learn how to practice”, building complete individual technical skills under pressure, unit links, and initial team playing principles. We use a problem-solving approach based on guided discovery, creating a learning environment where players learn to make smart tactical choices on the pitch.

What to expect

​​​​​​​As a U14 GTDP squad member, you will balance competitive league play with advanced physical and tactical preparation:

•    Weekly Commitment: 2 weeknight training contacts plus 1 weekend matchday ( 20 weeks of NRFL League plus pre-season friendlies and tournaments) over a 38-week annual calendar.
•    Training Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm at Ashley Reserve.
•    Athletic Accountability: Mandatory adherence to player preparation and recovery protocols, covering nutrition, hydration phasing, and active physical recovery.

Programme Administration & Logistics

All official squad notices, fields maps, and field status changes run through our primary communication networks:
•    Logistics App: Heja Application (Under 14 Squad Registration Code: TBA).
•    Team Broadcasts: Dedicated squad WhatsApp group for parents.
•    Administration Contacts: amanda@hbcafc.org.nz and communications@ecbafc.co.nz

2027 Key Dates

Please log these critical dates in your calendar (precise timetables and field details will update via your team communication channels):
•    Monday 8 February 2027: Programme Induction Night – The official presentation takes place at Bay City Park for all selected U14 and U16 squad members.
•    Tuesday 9 February 2027: Training Term Starts – On-field block training officially begins at Ashley Reserve.
•    February 2027 (Throughout Month): Pre-Season Games – Competitive warm-up friendlies will be scheduled across February.
•    Saturday 6 March 2027 (Provisional Date): GTDP NRFL Competitive Season Starts – Opening round of the official federation league calendar.
•    Term 4 2027: Selection Tracking & Intake Trials – 2 training contacts per week focused on tracking, monitoring, and next-cycle trial intakes (no active NRFL league matches). Tournaments preparation.


Core Curriculum Focus

The U14 curriculum introduces you to the core language of our development programme. You will be coached to master these specific phase concepts:

Attacking Phase


  • Initiation: Open the Game using clear width and depth spacing references, and master the Passer-Receiver-Mover dynamic.
  • Progression: Learn to break lines by finding open target players through Switch to Slice 1 Line protocols.
  • Finishing: Execute Give and Go combinations and master the Set a Stinger concept (single-touch crossing or shooting deliveries).

Defending Phase

  • Construction: Execute Challenge / Cover / Crush low block defensive positioning based on ball orientation.
  • Pressure: Learn to safely isolate the opponent by executing Feed the Beast and Stalk Them Back principles.

Transition Phase

  • Defensive Transition (Loss of Possession): Execute immediate Collapse tactics to restrict opponent counter-attack options by using Seal the Exits passing-lane pressure.

  • Attacking Transition (Winning Possession): Break pressure instantly via Escape to Play options and find a teammate who is free from defensive markers.