Wellington Phoenix Pre-Academy Partnership

We might have let slip a little partnership we have been working on with New Zealand's only professional club, Wellington Phoenix FC. Well, now we can confirm it!

FC Nelson in conjunction with the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy will provide opportunities for the development of players from any club aged who are aged U9-U14. All coaching will be done under the guidance of the Phoenix with fortnightly correspondence occurring to discuss players, coaching techniques and practices. All are welcome at our pre-academy skill sessions on Monday night's from 4:30-5:30pm, with registrations now open on our website at https://fcnelson.co.nz/register.

All players from 11-14 have a chance to progress into our Academy, with exceptional performers presented opportunities to attend Wellington Phoenix discovery camps and obtain entrance into the Phoenix Academy.

FC Nelson President, Phil Thompson said:

"I am absolutely delighted that we now have an agreement in place with Wellington Phoenix Academy. They are an outstanding professional organisation that will help FC Nelson provide opportunities for all players across the region regardless of the club. The agreement will also provide fabulous development opportunities for our coaches. We will hit the ground running in Term 2. We hope this will provide the stepping stone for a young player to make it all the way to the only professional club in NZ."

FC Nelson's Junior and Community Development Officer, Martin Delgado said:

"The partnership with the Wellington Phoenix presents an exciting opportunity for everyone within the Top of the South region. It provides local talent with a direct pathway to New Zealand's only professional club, while also raising the standard of coaching within FC Nelson and the region as a whole. I am excited to get started and to be providing professional level sessions for the local talents within the Top of the South."

If you have any issues or questions regarding getting involved or registering your child, contact Martin at coach@fcnelson.co.nz.