Dear Parents and Players,
As outlined during our Academy presentations in September, Halswell United AFC has been undertaking a restructure of the Academy programme to ensure a more inclusive and aligned development pathway for both boys and girls.
Following this, the club explored a potential partnership with Selwyn United AFC across the female pathway to support progression towards a Southern League Football Team. While these discussions were positive, the proposed partnership will not proceed. As a result, Halswell United AFC will move forward with the Girls Academy model originally presented, and we are pleased to now confirm updated information for the 2026 Girls Academy season.
Our Vision
To foster a thriving environment that develops the character and potential of every Halswell United player, enabling them to reach the highest ceiling possible in their football journey.
Our Mission
To provide an amateur academy environment that upholds professional standards — through the knowledge, expectations, and behaviours that define our Academy pathway and support long-term development in the female game.
2026 Girls Academy Programme Overview
The Girls Academy will operate across dual age bands, allowing flexibility for player development and appropriate challenge.
Please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form:
https://forms.gle/gnwF73KDdvbK6ftF9
U13 Girls Academy (Dual Age Band)
Due to the transition to 9-a-side football under NZF’s Whole of Football Plan, the U13 Academy will operate slightly differently in 2026.
Key Information
- Squad size of approximately 13 players (1 goalkeeper + 12 outfield players)
- If there is sufficient demand, the club will explore the possibility of a second team after the first week of sessions
- Open to players turning 12 or 13 during the 2026 season
Initial Session Information
- Initial open session: Thursday 19 February
- Term 1 Training days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Time: 4:30–6:00pm
- Location: Halswell Domain
Selection Process
- All interested players must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form prior to attending the first week of sessions
- This is not a full open trial process; selection into the team will be based on:
- Previous season involvement
- EOI registrations
- Training suitability during the initial sessions
- Following this process, selected players will be invited to complete formal registration after the first week of sessions
- Those not offered a place will be placed in our community teams, we will be flexible in providing opportunities for players who wish to be involved and do not make the set squad list
U15 Girls Academy (Dual Age Band)
The U15 Girls Academy will follow the same overall Academy framework and costs.
Key Information
- Squad size of approximately 16 players (1 goalkeeper + 15 outfield players)
- Open to players turning 14 or 15 during the 2026 season
Session Information
- Initial session: Thursday 19 February
- Term 1 Training days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Time: 4:30–6:00pm
- Location: Halswell Domain (Term 1)
Selection Process
- All interested players must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form prior to attending the first week of sessions
- This is not a full open trial process; selection into the team will be based on:
- Previous season involvement
- EOI registrations
- Training suitability during the initial sessions
- Following this process, selected players will be invited to complete formal registration after the first week of sessions
- Those not offered a place will be placed in our community teams, we will be flexible in providing opportunities for players who wish to be involved and do not make the set squad list
Programme Cost – 2026 Season
(Applies to both U13 & U15)
Total Cost: $995 per player
What’s Included
- 33-week programme running Term 1–Term 4
- Qualified, paid specialist coaching
- Access to quality training facilities and surfaces
- Winter season registration included
- Tournament football opportunities (some optional and at additional cost)
- Holistic education and player development opportunities
- Academy training top and shorts
Payment Information
- A deposit is required only once a confirmed Academy place is offered and accepted
- Instalment payment options are available on request
- Families are encouraged to reach out if finances are a concern — we are committed to keeping football accessible wherever possible
Tournament Opportunities (Optional / Additional Cost)
The club will cover the team entry fee and coaching contribution for selected tournaments (as part of the inclusion). All other participation costs are the responsibility of families.
Updated selections and availability are included in the EOI form - more infomation will follow from this.
Programme Structure
Total Training Weeks: 33
- Term 1: 7 weeks
- Term 2: 9 weeks
- Term 3: 9 weeks
- Term 4: 8 weeks
Term Schedule & Key Dates
Term 1 – Halswell Domain
- Start Date: Tuesday 17 February
- Training: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:00pm
- Special Monday Sessions: March 2, March 30
- Academy Day: Wednesday 6 April (9:00am–2:30pm)
Term 2 – Turf + Halswell Domain
- Start Date: April 20
- Training: Mondays (time TBA) & Thursdays at HU Domain, 4:30–6:00pm
- Special Tuesday Sessions: May 5, June 2, June 30
- Final Session: Thursday 2 July
Term 3 – Turf + Halswell Domain
- Start Date: July 20
- Training: Mondays (time TBA) & Thursdays at HU Domain, 4:30–6:00pm
- Special Tuesday Sessions: July 28, August 11, September 22
- Final Session: Friday 25 September
Term 4 – Halswell Domain
- Start Date: October 12
- Training: Mondays only (8 weeks)
- Final Session: November 23
Coaching & Support Staff – Girls Academy
- U13 Head Coach: TBC (OFC C Licence or working toward)
- U15 Head Coach: Andrew Grant – OFC C Licence (or working toward; interim support provided if required)
- Goalkeeper Coaches: Connor & Neil Caswell
- Connor: Men’s First Team GK; OFC Goalkeeping C Licence
- Strength & Conditioning: Tara Bailie & Andre Richards
- Bachelor of Sport Science; experience with the Indonesian National Team
- Mental Skills Support: Performance Potential
- Nutrition Education Workshops
- Video Analysis Support
Questions or Support
If you have any questions about suitability, commitment, or finances, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Further information will be provided in the New Year once the club reopens. We kindly ask families to wait for this communication unless the matter is urgent.
We are incredibly excited about the year ahead and the continued growth of a strong, supportive female Academy pathway at Halswell United AFC, now fully aligned with our boys’ Academy programme.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas, from everyone at Halswell United AFC!
Ollie Hawkins,
Director of Football
Premier Men’s Head Coach
fdm@halswellunitedfc.co.nz
Halswell United AFC
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