Wellington Phoenix Partnership

Island Bay United is excited to announce a new partnership with the Wellington Phoenix as they look to grow their Pre-Academy Centre (PAC) programme in Wellington's southern suburbs.

In partnering with the Nix, IBU will join a wide network of clubs across the country who have adopted the PAC programme over the past two seasons.

The PAC programme is targeted at players in the skill acquisition phase (ages 9-12) and looks to build on their key skills and confidence to take the next step in their football journey. PAC clubs utilise the Phoenix’s pre-academy training programme and development centre - an online platform to support the development of players, coaches and parent coaches.

We see this as a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the connection between our community club and the Phoenix. This partnership will provide our talented young players a pathway into the Phoenix youth academies and beyond.

IBU Director of Football Stuart Jacobs and Junior Head Coach Leo Villa will continue to lead Island Bay United's Talent Development Programme, Junior Academy, Girls Only and Junior Social Programmes with the PAC overlay for players, coaches and parents to be introduced this term. More information will follow as we implement this.

Island Bay United is excited at the possibilities in our new relationship with the Wellington Phoenix and look forward to a long and successful partnership together.