TDP FAQ
What is the Talent Development Programme (TDP)?
The New Zealand Football (NZF) Talent Development Programme provides a coordinated approach to the development of high potential youth footballers, aged 13-17 years. Its main aim is to provide a challenging, structured programme for players, in an enjoyable environment that maximizes player development.
NZF Talent Development Programme
What age is TDP for?
TDP is for players 13-17 years. If invited by the club a younger player may also be eligible to trial.
How many TDP groups are there?
There are 3 groups known as U13, U15 and U17.
When are the trials?
Trials are held over term 1.
How do I know if my player should trial?
We encourage all our Youth Grade players to trial.
Does my player need to be in TDP if they want to play in the Capital Development League?
Yes, to play in the U13 Sharks, U15 Sharks or U17 Sharks team in the Capital Development League, the player needs to be part of TDP.
How do trainings work if a Shark isn't in TDP?
As TDP players train 3 times a week it is now a requirement for U13, U15 & U17 Sharks players to be part of TDP.
What if there aren't enough or too many players for a TDP/Sharks team?
This will be assessed at the beginning of the year. It is possible to double band age groups so in some cases a second team may be a mixture of TDP and non TDP players. These players will play in the Regional Premier A Division.
My player belongs to another Club, can they trial for TDP?
Yes, players from other Clubs can trial for our TDP if their own club doesn't have a TDP programme.
Do I need to sign up for a whole year?
It is a requirement players must commit for terms 1 to 3, with term 4 being optional.
We missed the trials, can we join TDP?
Please contact the TDP Coordinator
Can my player play for school and TDP?
Capital Football play all Capital Development League games on Sundays to allow this to happen.
As it is difficult to manage training and game load, as well as the rest and recovery players need, we highly recommend you discuss this with the TDP Coordinator & your TDP coach before committing to playing for both TDP and school teams.
Also, as it is not easy for club coaches to monitor player activity outside of the club environment, it is vitally important that parents are involved in monitoring the condition of the player and keeping club coaches abreast of any fatigue or injury issues. Young players typically want to play and train as much as they can but well-founded research shows this is often to their detriment. Overloading is an issue that the club takes very seriously and it should be understood it can only be prevented when club coaches, school coaches and parents all work together to protect the welfare of the player.
My player is injured, what happens next?
Depending on the scale of the injury players are encouraged to attend training, when possible, so they can listen and learn from coaches. Players are also asked to help coaches during the sessions. Depending on the age groups an injured player might be asked to help teammates by coaching a team during training. This is to make sure they take an active part in the training. The club may be able to assist with physio if required, please contact the TDP Coordinator.
My player is sick and can't make a training. Can he attend another one?
Unfortunately no. Players can only attend training with their group unless the Director of Football requests them to attend another session.
Training was cancelled, is there a make-up session?
Unfortunately due to pitch bookings and coach availability we are not in a position to have make-up sessions.
My player is in TDP this year, do they automatically get in next year?
We run trials at the beginning of each year where all players have the opportunity to trial for a TDP spot.
What are the player well-being sessions?
As part of our programme we offer a variety of player well-being sessions throughout the year. These include workshops on player nutrition, strength and conditioning and social events.
What's the policy for players playing outside their age group?
The coaches assess this case by case. Players will be placed in the best possible environment for their ability and stage of development.
Who do I contact if I have a query?
If your query relates to the TDP programme email the TDP Coordinator
If your query is team or training specific its best to contact the player’s coach via Whatsapp or approach them before or after a practice session.
Who are the coaches?
Alejandro Suarez U13 Coach
Leo Villa U15 Coach
Stu Jacobs Director of Football/U17 Coach
Guillermo Schiltenwolf & Khalid Ahmed South Coast Girls Academy Coaches
