Partners in Development

Partners In development

"All knowledge is connected to all other knowledge. The fun is in making the connections."
- Arthur C. Aufderheide

Partners in Development is an inclusive, interactive and collaborative programme for motivated youth coaches and clubs with a passion for football development.

One of our main objectives is to provide a consistent and positive platform to share and learn together, to discuss and present on various developmental topics and best teaching
practices, and to develop programmes that ignite the youth. There is special focus on creating a culture of development at the younger ages as we believe this is the key to building a strong and vibrant football future.

In 2023, Christchurch United FC and Halswell United FC formed a special partnership with these objectives in mind. Together, the clubs have worked collaboratively to bring enrichment opportunities to its members and coaches, including several programmes to further enhance each
club’s mission to provide opportunities and promote excellence in football for all ages and abilities.

Oliver Hawkins, Director of Football and First Team Coach of Halswell United FC, has worked diligently on the partnership and helping foster opportunities for both players and coaches alike, from U4-U8 through the club’s senior football teams.

Paul Holocher, Head of Academy, Methodology for Christchurch United FC, has also worked
diligently on the partnership, bringing his vast experience in player and coach development to
the programme.

“Our partnership is now withstanding the test of time, coming into two completed seasons, both clubs are seeing huge benefits on and off the pitch. The connections and relationships between the members who are coaches, players and supporters are allowing us to improve the experiences and development of the game on this side of town. The exciting thing is we are only just getting started and have plenty of collaborative projects to come, that will in turn benefit the football community. I personally know the positive impact Paul, Ryan, Avi, Jude and all the coaches at the club have had on our coaches and players that we can visibly see, that this partnership is steering in the right direction, so I take my hat off to them for their countless hours of support.”

Ollie Hawkins

Director of Football
Halswell UNited

“It has been fantastic to work closely with such a great partner like Halswell United FC. Our goal from the beginning was to improve development each year through player and coach education initiatives. I believe we have very positively begun to impact young players towards new opportunities and enjoyable futures in the game. Like in anything, consistency and quality are so important, and especially when it comes to development, be it player, coach, or club development. So far, we have been able to collaboratively provide some great opportunities for our club’s players and parents, such as the Football Starts at Home Seminar with world-renowned youth development expert Tom Byer. We have also had many excellent collaborative training opportunities for the coaches and players. At the Senior levels, we have begun to develop excellent dynamics to help support the coaches and players development. We are excited for more program initiatives like this in the future.”

Paul Holocher

Head of Academy, Methodology
christchurch united fc

Partnered Clubs

Halswell United FC

Halswell United FC is a historic Christchurch club, based at the Halswell Domain with excellent programmes for all at the community and youth levels. The club also has strong programs into senior level in both mens and womens football. The womens team has reached the semi-finals of the national knockout cup competition. The mens side reached the quarterfinals of the Chatham Cup in 2002, going one stage further to the reach the last four in 2005.

LEARN MORE

Interested in becoming a partner?

If you are a motivated football club, coach, or simply a football
enthusiast and would like to join into the monthly collaborative learning opportunities, please feel free to contact Paul Holocher at academy@cufc.co.nz.