Christchurch United Football Academy
Football Pathway
Player Pathway
Christchurch United Football Academy

Christchurch United is home of ambitious players.


We offer all year round intelligent, dynamic and innovative training and games.


The program is designed to develop players to their full potential.


We work closely with Mainland Football and New Zealand Football in order to provide player pathways for National Teams, US University Scholarships and professional clubs.



“I believe that Christchurch United provides the most amount of opportunities for young players to pursue their dreams of becoming a pro footballer. The level of coaching at CUFC is also extremely high, which increases your overall ability as a player.”


Hugo Debenham - U17 Academy Player

Having visited Christchurch United’s training facility and observed Academy sessions, it is great to see that a holistic approach to developing the New Zealand player is being undertaken.


The methodology and principles of play align closely with how we want our national teams to play the game, therefore my hope is that Christchurch United will be a good breeding ground for future professionals and All Whites. (March 2020)



Danny Hay

New Zealand Head Coach



Christchurch United Academy Player Pathway is well-defined and is discussed with every player at the beginning of the season to set trackable goals.

Our methodology focuses on five key areas: Technical, Tactical, Physical, Psychological and the CUFC values.


Our training sessions are based on Rondo, Position Play and Training Games developing players of great cognition, competence and character.


The trainings are based upon sound pedagogical practices that encourage players to seek effective solutions with vision, precision and pace.

“What is speed? The sports press often confuses speed with insight. See, if I start running slightly earlier than someone else,
I seem faster."
Johan Cruyff
One of football’s greatest ever players and most influential coaches.