Vision

Experienced, knowledgeable, player centred coaches are delivering an age appropriate systematic development program.

The programme (and each coach on the programme) provides a positive learning environment which is delivered on the best available fields and with the best equipment available.

Purpose

The purpose of the AFF Performance Programme is to identify talented players and give them the opportunity to develop to their potential.

Players will be developed over the long term to prepare for international age group squads, NZFC Youth Academies and senior club football (U-19 upwards).

This will be achieved through:

- Delivering a holistic, systematic development programme that provides development in the form of regular training and AFF representative competition. This will provide a strong foundation in the techniques, skills and tactics of the game appropriate to the age of the player.

- Increasing the amount of time that players spend in formal or informal football environments.

- Placing the best players alongside each other, and alongside the best coaches, in positive learning environment

- Equipping coaches with the knowledge and skills to become experts at age appropriate player development

Guiding Principles

The AFF Performance Programme is founded on the following principles [All activities should be]:

- Player focused: Talent belongs to an individual, not an organisation, parents, coach or any other interested party. Players’ welfare is paramount and must take precedence over the self-interest of other persons or organisations.

- Holistic: Responsive to the holistic development and performance needs of players and the support of coaches, parents, teachers and organisations influencing those players.

- Excellence oriented: Aim to create and reward a culture of excellence with the ultimate aim of producing winners. (A culture of excellence is defined as a sustained passion for continuous improvement and innovation that will propel the player/coach/programme into a long-term, upward spiral of accomplishment and performance. It is not defined as the achievement of short term results, which can actually be contrary to long term performance.

- Long-term: Support a culture of continuous improvement and foster ongoing development and identification across the player’s and coach’s career.

- Collaborative: Involve close partnerships between key stakeholders – parents, coaches, clubs.