Youth Pathway (13-18) — Lakes FC, Rotorua

2024 Youth (U13-U19)

We have a number of qualified and experienced coaches who will be working in the youth space for the 2024 season, through the age grades.

The youth space covers the ages of 13-18 and is split into 2 different pathways, our Talent Pathway, and our Community & Development Pathway.

For Talent Development we now offer 2 different avenues to accelerate football learning. Check out the Talent Development below!

1) Talent Pathway

The goal of the Talent Pathway is to provide teams and a structure for players that:

•Desire to play at the highest possible competitive level.

•Have the necessary attitude and ability to meet the challenge points presented in order for this to be the best development space for them.

•Are able to commit to training multiple times per week in and out of trainings.

•Are happy to travel across the federation to play (Bay of Plenty and Waikato).

In 2024 our Talent Pathway footballers will again play in the expanded Lakes FC ACADEMY!

Coaches must have a certain level of accreditation to train them and use an aligned, periodised program across all teams.

In 2024 we will have teams in the following leagues:

J League U12 (born 2012) – 9 aside

Y League U13 (born 2011) – 11 aside

Y League U14 (born 2010) – 11 aside

Y league U16 (born 2008/2009) – 11 aside

Girls Only U14 (Born 2010/2011)

Girls Only U19 (born 2005-2009)

2) COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

The goal of the Community and Development Pathway is to provide teams and a structure for players that:

•Want to play locally or within the Bay of Plenty.

•Would prefer to play in a less competitive environment.

•Will find the challenge points in this pathway the best place to develop this year.

3) TALENT DEVELOPMENT

We have 2 avenues for Talent Development:

LAKES FC ACADEMY

For our teams playing across the WaiBOP Federation in our Y leagues. The teams are selected through trials in February and attend 2-3 practices per week.

This is a holistic programme that uses best practices to work on the technical, tactical, mental and social areas of each player.

· Sessions focus on how to apply our Lakes FC principles to game situations, improving skill development and game understanding.

· One individual/position specific skills and small sided games session per week.

· A huge focus on Lakes FC values and creating a well-rounded person.

· Age appropriate mobility, functional movement, and strength and conditioning.

· Focus on player welfare, injury prevention and physiotherapy support.

· Educational workshops based on different aspects of being a successful sportsperson.

Skill Centres

For our younger players not yet old enough to play in the Y leagues.

These sessions run once a week, teaching Lakes FC principles, decision making, and creativity alongside the core skills needed to play, in a fun learning environment with accredited coaches.

Sessions for 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders and a GIRLS ONLY Session too!