Under 16 TDP

Programme Purpose

The Under 16 Girls Talent Development Programme (U16 GTDP) represents the translation tier of our regional female performance pathway. The programme focus shifts from "Learn how to practice" to the application of complex tactical principles and situational game awareness. Players will continually build complete individual technical skills under pressure, establish robust unit links, and manage formal team playing principles. We use a problem-solving approach based on guided discovery, creating a structured learning environment where players learn to make smart, autonomous tactical choices on the pitch under match-realistic conditions.

What to Expect

As a member of the U16 GTDP squad, you commit to a high-performance physical and tactical preparation schedule across a 38-week annual calendar:

  • 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, hosted at Ashley Reserve.

Athletic Accountability: Mandatory adherence to player preparation and recovery protocols, covering nutrition, hydration phasing, and active physical recovery

New to GTDP?

New players wishing to trial for U16 need to email us before registering at amanda@hbcafc.org.nz or communications@ecbafc.co.nz

Senior Football Integration Pathway

Note regarding senior integration: Throughout Term 2 and 3, we will send the most developed U16s players to experience senior training. Players who have successfully achieved the relevant phase of technical and physical development will be selected to practice with senior performance squads from time to time. This allows our advanced youth athletes to safely challenge their absolute development ceiling and sample the speed and physical demands of top-tier senior women's football.


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 formal presentation takes place at Bay City Park for all selected U14 and U16 squads. Attendance is compulsory for players and  parents.
•    Tuesday 9 February 2027: Training Term Starts. On-field block training contacts officially commence at Ashley Reserve according to scheduled time allocations.
•    February 2027 (Throughout Month): Pre-Season Matches. Competitive warm-up friendlies and inter-programme preparation match fixtures will be scheduled throughout the month.
•    Saturday 6 March 2027 (Provisional Date): GTDP NRFL Competitive Season Starts. Opening round of the official winter federation league calendar.
•    Term 4 2027: Selection Tracking & Intake Trials. 2 x Training contacts per week specifically allocated to the continuous tracking, performance monitoring, and next-cycle intake trials for the following seasonal calendar (no active NRFL league matches scheduled).

Programme Administration & Logistics

All official squad notices, fields maps, and field status changes run through our primary communication networks:
•    Logistics App: Heja Application (Under 16 Squad Registration Code: TBA).
•    Team Broadcasts: Dedicated squad WhatsApp group for parents.
•    Administration Contacts: amanda@hbcafc.org.nz and communications@ecbafc.co.nz

Core Curriculum Focus

The U16 curriculum teaches you how to use out team’s tactical language on the pitch.You will learn how we want to play in these three areas of the game: 


Attacking Principles 

  • Starting the Attack: Open the Game by using the full width and depth of the pitch. Keep the Passer-Receiver-Mover dynamic going to break through teams that sit deep.
  • Play Forward: Use 3rd men run combinations, combine to switch, and combine to play through or to pass around the opponent's press (always look wide before looking deep). Use the Hit a (Switch) Blade pass and set yourself up to quickly change the point of attack.
  • Scoring Goals: Master quick Give and Go, Cross Over, and Go Around combination plays around the box. Use Set a Stinger (a sharp, first-time cross or shot) and use smart striker movement to Poach the Finish inside the penalty box.

Defending Principles

  • Organising Our Shape: Follow our 1/3 Length & Weak Side Free rules. As a team, move together based on where the ball is. As an individual player, mark tightly based on where your opponent is standing.
  • Defending Deep: Use our Challenge / Cover / Crush rules when we are pinned deep inside our own defensive third of the pitch.
  • Pressuring the Ball: Force the opponent into specific areas by learning how to Set the Trap.

Transitions Principles

  • When We Lose the Ball (Defensive Transition): Execute an immediate Collapse to stop their counter-attack before it starts. Use Seal the Exits passing-lane pressure to win the ball right back, press ball carrier with nearest player, and use Cover + Re-Press to protect the space behind our back line.

  • When We Win the Ball (Attacking Transition): Counter-attack fast. Quickly play away from direct press and congested areas to find a teammate who is completely free from pressure. Weave Forward with quick passes to catch their defenders out of position, create 2v1 overloads, and Switch to Score on the weak side.