Accommodation
Wellington Phoenix Academy Boarding
In partnership with Griffin Lodge at NZCIS (New Zealand Campus of Innovation & Sport), Wellington Phoenix Academy offers promising footballers from across New Zealand the opportunity to board at the world-class NZCIS campus. This provides an exceptional environment for both training and living — surrounded by top-tier athletes and facilities.
What Boarding includes
Boarders stay at Griffin Lodge and receive:
- A private King room with shared bathroom.
- Three meals a day, designed for athlete nutrition.
- Daily transport to school and training.
- Pastoral care and wellbeing support.
- Access to WiFi, power, hot water, and laundry.
- Fresh towels daily, weekly linen changes.
- A shared lounge, kitchen, and TV space.
- 24/7 on-site security and caretaker presence.
Academy Boarding of Excellence
At Wellington Phoenix Academy, we’re not just developing great footballers — we’re growing strong, well-rounded young people. Our boarding programme takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, based on Te Whare Tapa Whā, a framework that nurtures balance across four key pillars:
- Te Taha Tinana – Physical wellbeing: Supporting performance through training, recovery, and good nutrition.
- Te Taha Hinengaro – Mental and emotional wellbeing: Building resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset.
- Te Taha Wairua – Spiritual wellbeing: Encouraging self-awareness, personal values, and a sense of purpose.
- Te Taha Whānau – Social wellbeing: Creating a tight-knit, supportive community where players feel at home.
We understand that high-performance sport is demanding. That’s why we also prioritise downtime and connection, from relaxing in the lounge, to shared meals, or simply enjoying time with teammates. Our aim is to create an environment where players can grow, recharge, and genuinely enjoy the experience.
Preparing for the Future
Boarding at Wellington Phoenix Academy isn’t just about excelling in football — it’s about preparing for life.
Our programme helps players build transferable skills that they’ll carry into any career or path they choose. Whether they go on to become professional footballers or take a different direction, they leave with the confidence and tools to succeed.
We focus on developing:
- Leadership
- Time management
- Discipline
- Independence
- Resilience
With guidance from experienced staff, boarders are supported to take ownership of their goals, advocate for themselves, and rise to challenges with confidence. We also work closely with parents and guardians, making sure each young person has the individual support they need to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to enrol my child in a local GP?
Yes. We recommend registering with a GP near NZCIS. Use the Te Awakairangi Health Network to find one accepting new patients. The closest clinic is in the Silverstream shopping area.
What happens if my child is unwell?
Boarding staff will coordinate care with your child’s registered GP or local medical centre. You’ll be contacted in case of any health concerns.
What meals are provided for boarders?
Evening meals are freshly prepared by the NZCIS dining hall, served daily with a focus on nutrition and variety.
Breakfast and lunch are continental-style and self-service. Students are encouraged to make their own lunches to foster independence.
Where are meals eaten?
All meals are eaten onsite at the boarding house, scheduled around each player’s unique training and school commitments.
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes. The dining team caters for over 30 different dietary requirements. Please note any specific needs on the enrolment form.
For highly specialised items (like niche bread or milk options), families may need to provide these themselves at their own cost.
Are bed linens and towels provided?
Yes. All duvets, sheets, and pillowcases are provided. Sheets and pillowcases are replaced weekly, and fresh towels are supplied daily.
Can my child bring a mini fridge?
Yes – as long as it meets NZ safety standards and is electrically certified. Only small under-bench fridges with proper ventilation are allowed. Approval must be given for all fridge models.
Are students allowed to bring TVs?
Yes, but there are limits:
No wall-mounted TVs.
Devices must have their own aerial (no wall plug-ins).
Streaming devices (e.g., Chromecast) are fine, but must be supplied by the student.
Is there laundry access?
Yes. Washer and dryer access is included in the weekly cost.
Is there bike storage?
There’s a small bike rack near Griffin Lodge. NZCIS is working on a covered storage solution specifically for academy boarders.
What transport options are available to and from school/training?
While we are working on securing a minibus for the Academy, current options include:
Train: Heretaunga Station is directly opposite NZCIS, with easy links to Upper Hutt College and Fraser Park.
Bus: School buses run mornings (8:10 and 8:20 AM). Public buses also operate regularly nearby.
Uber: Available if arranged (at parents’ expense).
YMCA Gym membership information Upper Hutt
Is parking available for students?
Yes. Onsite parking is available to rent for $20/week (incl. GST).
Can boarders use gym facilities?
For now, the YMCA gym (a short walk away) is available for a discounted rate of $15/week.
Are there fields for informal play?
Davis Fields (beside campus, open unless booked)
Trentham Memorial Park, ~5 minutes walk from Griffin Lodge
Who supervises the boarders?
A dedicated pastoral care team lives onsite to support boarders’ wellbeing and maintain a safe, respectful environment.
Are there rules around tech, curfew, and behaviour?
Yes. Guidelines around screen time, quiet hours, and respectful living will be provided during onboarding. We work closely with families to support positive habits.
Is the boarding house open year-round?
Boarding is available 45 weeks per year. During the NZ summer school holidays, the house is closed unless players have official training or match commitments.
Players under 16 are especially encouraged to return home during school holidays for rest and family time, as staffing levels may vary.