The Wellington Phoenix Academy has a comprehensive player pathway that starts at a pre-academy level and leads to many possibilities! Every individual is different, and so is their journey. With many recruitment methods and varied exit strategies, the academy supports individuals in achieving their goals.

Pre Academy

• Experience Camps
• Discovery Camps
• Test Training Period

Academy Teams

• U14-U20 Boys and Girls

NZ Football

• NZ U17, NZ U20, NZ U23, All Whites/Football Ferns

Players who excel may get opportunities to represent New Zealand in various age-group teams and potentially the senior national team. This stage provides a platform for players to showcase their talent on a national and international level. 

US Scholarships Opportunities

• Pursue academic and sporting excellence in the United States.

The academy offers pathways for players to gain scholarships to colleges and universities in the United States, allowing them to combine their education with high-level football training and competition. 

Pro-Football opportunities

• Wellington Phoenix A-League
• Overseas contracts

The final stage of the pathway involves players progressing to professional football. Successful players may join the Wellington Phoenix A-League ALM or ALW team or secure contracts with overseas clubs, making the transition from youth and amateur to a professional career. 

Our Success Stories

Since starting in 2013 with our Football School of Excellence Program (FSE), the Academy has been a launchpad for young talent. Over the years, the Academy has developed many players who have joined out club’s first teams, with many other successful graduates moving to professional clubs overseas. Some of our notable graduates include:

• Louis Fenton
• Logan Rogerson
• James McGarry
• Sarpreet Singh
• Liberato Cacace
• Ben Waine
• Sam Sutton
• Alex Paulsen
• Joe Bell
• Calvin Harris
• Eugenio Pizzuto
• Ben Old
• Macey Fraser
• Olivia Ingham
• Manaia Elliott
• Daisy Brazendale
• Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues