The Academy

The Academy at Wānaka AFC offers dedicated footballers from Wānaka and Central Otago the opportunity to achieve their football potential while nurturing a life-long love of the game. 

The Academy programme is designed and led by a team of highly experienced, professional football staff led by OFC/NZF B-License certified coaches Ben Sippola and Thomas Van Hees.

The Academy caters to every stage of player development, offering programmes for players from U7 through to U15. 

PRE-ACADEMY

The Pre-Academy is an open grassroots football programme for enthusiastic young players who are keen for 'more football.' Players get to be a part of a fun and supportive environment where they can build on the fundamentals of the game, learn and develop new skills and continue to foster their love for football. 

The Pre-Academy is offered for two age groups:

• U7 - U9
• U10 - U12

Anyone within this age range is welcome to join us! The Pre-Academy is open to both boys and girls. 

When does the Pre-Academy run? 

The Pre-Academy runs for 10 weeks, throughout the duration of each term. There is the option to train once or twice per week

Term 2 2025 Training Schedule:

Monday | 3.45pm - 4.45pm 

Thursday | 3.45pm - 4.45pm 

What are the costs?

The Pre-Academy is $145.00 per term (1x session per week) or $245.00 per term 2x sessions per week)

There is an optional Pre-Academy training kit, but players are welcome to wear their own football training gear of choice. 

What else can I expect? 

• The Pre-Academy programme is designed by our Director of Football Ben Sippola and Head Coach Thomas van Hees. Both are experienced, professional NZ Football licensed coaches who work with our team to create sessions according to best practices for the players’ age 
• Players are required to arrive for all training sessions in appropriate football training gear
• We always strive to make sessions fun and enjoyable. We also believe in fostering a committed attitude in our players. We encourage them to arrive on time, give their best and contribute to a positive training atmosphere where the focus is on football. 
• Training communications will take place through WhatsApp. Our team will set up group chats before the programme commences.

REGISTER FOR TERM 2 HERE

THE ACADEMY

The Academy at Wānaka AFC offers a year-round football programme for aspirational young players, with a clear pathway of progression and continued opportunities for ongoing development.

Participation in the academy programme is by invitation only. Players are also welcome to trial for the programme.

Please contact us directly if you would like to trial or if you have any questions please email: academy@wanakafootball.nz

What are Fundamental Football Fridays? (FFF’s) 

This brand-new offering has been designed for devoted players who have shown an appetite for more training and are keen to spend dedicated time enhancing their fundamental football skills and technique.

FFS’s are specially tailored small-group training sessions. The aim is to target the essential foundational skills necessary for players to elevate the technical component of their game. 

These one-hour sessions are intentionally designed to be brief yet intense, focused and deliberate.

Players can expect to spend most of the hour with a ball at their own feet or with a ball between two.

The nature of the small-group experience means that players will receive greater 1-1 time with our staff and increased opportunities for on-the-spot feedback and coaching to help them advance further and faster. 

Each session will include a warm-up and a technical focus and incorporate an element of fun competition related to the session's focus. Players will also go away with things to practice in their own time at home.

FFF’s will cover, but won’t be limited to: 

• Building competency with left foot and right foot
• Ball manipulation / juggling / 3's and partner 3's
• Passing, receiving, and first touch
• Ball striking over distance
• Croatia turns and opening out
• Crossing, shooting, and finishing

Spaces will be limited. To secure a spot, please email academy@wanakafootball.nz