Auckland FC is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Development Club Partnership, an initiative designed to nurture young talent and deepen connections with football communities in the Northern Region Football and WAIBOP Federations.
Auckland FC invited all Talent Development Programme (TDP) Clubs within Northern Regional Football and WAIBOP to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing them as an official Auckland FC Youth Development Club and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the development of boys’ and girls’ youth football.
This partnership opens doors for clubs across these areas, strengthening Auckland FC’s commitment to being an inclusive club for all.
In 2025, Auckland FC will also launch the new Rebel Sport Development Centre, which will feature dedicated training programmes and resources for identified players from both boys and girls TDP competitions. These players will continue to train and compete with their respective TDP clubs, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of this initiative. Auckland FC proudly welcomes Rebel Sport as the naming rights partner.
Auckland FC’s Youth Development Club Partnership brings together a dynamic group of clubs, with an initial 15 clubs already on board and ongoing discussions with additional clubs to join the initiative.
Auckland United F.C.
Bay Olympic FC
Birkenhead United AFC
East Coast Bays AFC
Eastern Suburbs AFC
Ellerslie AFC
Fencibles United AFC
Hibiscus Coast AFC
Melville United AFC
Northern Rovers FC
Northern United Sports Club
Northland FC
FC Tauranga Moana
West Coast Rangers FC
Western Springs FC
This structured pathway ensures that players from diverse backgrounds and regions have the resources and opportunities needed to develop their skills and pursue further opportunities in football.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with such passionate and dedicated clubs in the Northern and WAIBOP regions,” said Auckland FC Director of Football Terry McFlynn.
“This initiative isn’t just about developing players; it’s about creating a foundation for football excellence across our communities. By investing in young athletes, we’re equipping them with technical skills and giving them the confidence, resilience, and guidance to unlock their full potential in the game.
“With the launch of the Rebel Sport Development Centre, we’ll have a unique model where youth players train with us to gain advanced skills, coaching, and support, while continuing to play with their local clubs.
“This approach enables players to benefit from high-quality training at Auckland FC while staying closely connected to their communities and club roots. Right now, we already have three players (Blake Callinan, Carlos Ranui and Codey Phoenix) who have been training with the first team while continuing to play for their local club. This is a critical step in our vision to make Auckland FC a club that truly represents and celebrates the diverse football culture of New Zealand. We’re excited to watch these players grow and contribute to the future of football.”
“We are passionate about football, so naturally we’re excited to help talented young players achieve their sporting potential through the Rebel Sport Youth Development Centre. Being at the forefront of New Zealand’s sporting business, we see the positive impact that sport has on millions of people and the opportunities it creates. We’re proud to be a part of a programme which invests in young Kiwi athletes,” said Andrew Scott, COO of Briscoes Group.
The Youth Development Club Partnership serves as a foundational step in Auckland FC’s commitment to community-driven development. By building these strong local ties, Auckland FC aims to inspire the next generation of players, fans, and advocates, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s football landscape.
