© 2025 Christchurch United Football Club
The FOOTBALL institute
The Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery – Football Institute is an innovative programme designed for the
motivated student / athlete with a passion for both learning and football, entering years 11,12,13 in the year 2025.
motivated student / athlete with a passion for both learning and football, entering years 11,12,13 in the year 2025.
Player Testimonials
- DANIEL MEYNCUFC ACADEMY & AO TAWHITI GRADUATE
- Jackson ColeCUFC ACADEMY & AO TAWHITI GRADUATE
- Jago GoddenCUFC ACADEMY & AO TAWHITI GRADUATE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does The Football Institute combine a top education with high-level football development?
Through a collaborative partnership between Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery School and Christchurch United Football Club, the Football Institute was conceived and designed to support motivated young student athletes towards both academic and football
achievement.
Students will be immersed and instructed in all NCEA qualification requirements - Maths, English, Science, Physical Education - and other elective courses, along with the opportunity to take part in special courses with a football and high-performance context.
Students will learn at their own pace, developing skills, knowledge and expertise that directly links to their interests. Each student athlete has a personalized programme which is supported by the highly experienced and distinguished Ao Tawhiti – Unlimited Discovery staff and other industry experts. An expansive list of various fields of study, sports, performance, and business are all part of the overall learning experience.
The Football Institute supports and challenges each student athlete to be the best they can be through a consistent but flexible schedule that allows them to better balance their academics alongside advanced football development. With the goal of optimizing
learning, weekly guidance meetings with each student are included, supporting our student athletes in the direction of their goals, be that towards future university studies in New Zealand or abroad scholarship opportunities, or towards a professional football career or career in sports management.
achievement.
Students will be immersed and instructed in all NCEA qualification requirements - Maths, English, Science, Physical Education - and other elective courses, along with the opportunity to take part in special courses with a football and high-performance context.
Students will learn at their own pace, developing skills, knowledge and expertise that directly links to their interests. Each student athlete has a personalized programme which is supported by the highly experienced and distinguished Ao Tawhiti – Unlimited Discovery staff and other industry experts. An expansive list of various fields of study, sports, performance, and business are all part of the overall learning experience.
The Football Institute supports and challenges each student athlete to be the best they can be through a consistent but flexible schedule that allows them to better balance their academics alongside advanced football development. With the goal of optimizing
learning, weekly guidance meetings with each student are included, supporting our student athletes in the direction of their goals, be that towards future university studies in New Zealand or abroad scholarship opportunities, or towards a professional football career or career in sports management.
What are the benefits of the programME from a football and performance standpoint?
The Football Institute is the most comprehensive football development program in the country. Each student will be guided through an IDP - Individual Development Program which will help them to improve in various aspects of Their overall game. Individual, small-group, and position-specific trainings designed to improve the details of their game that can often be overlooked in a team setting.
Through these well-designed deliberate practices and aided by video learning, each player will not only become better footballers, but also more intelligent and active ‘students of the game’ - improving their overall vision and understanding of the game, the various principles of play, training methodology and match analysis.
Additional programming includes physical development programming to improve speed, quickness, agility, and strength. In any field, the difference between experts and non-experts, is often the amount of time spent with insightful coaching and individual development. The Football Institute’s highly qualified technical staff are the mentors and consistent thread of feedback that supports the motivated young player towards their goals.
Through these well-designed deliberate practices and aided by video learning, each player will not only become better footballers, but also more intelligent and active ‘students of the game’ - improving their overall vision and understanding of the game, the various principles of play, training methodology and match analysis.
Additional programming includes physical development programming to improve speed, quickness, agility, and strength. In any field, the difference between experts and non-experts, is often the amount of time spent with insightful coaching and individual development. The Football Institute’s highly qualified technical staff are the mentors and consistent thread of feedback that supports the motivated young player towards their goals.
Do I need to play for Christchurch United FC to be a part of The Football Institute?
The Football Institute is designed for all ambitious players of any club and can be used as a supplemental program for their overall academic and football development.
What is the cost of The Football Institute?
Annual cost is $1,500 - includes both the academic and football components.
How can I learn more or apply for the A0 tawhiti Unlimited Discovery - Football Institute?
The Ao Tawhiti – Unlimited Discovery Football Institute is designed for motivated student athletes with a passion for both learning and football and who are entering years 10, 11,12 & 13. If you are interested in learning more or applying for enrollment, please contact our directors and a time to speak and meet will be arranged.
Ian Hayes - Email: ian.hayes@aotawhiti.school.nz
Steve Hunt - Email: steve.hunt@aotawhiti.school.nz / Phone: +64 21 304 704
Paul Holocher - Email: paulholocher@icloud.com / academy@cufc.co.nz / Phone: +64 29 123 0704
Ian Hayes - Email: ian.hayes@aotawhiti.school.nz
Steve Hunt - Email: steve.hunt@aotawhiti.school.nz / Phone: +64 21 304 704
Paul Holocher - Email: paulholocher@icloud.com / academy@cufc.co.nz / Phone: +64 29 123 0704