The Wellington Phoenix is proud to be one of only two clubs in Aotearoa delivering the FIFA talent development scheme.

What is the scheme about?

The scheme, developed in partnership with New Zealand Football, aims to identify, support, and develop the country's most promising young players.

The Phoenix academy has eight age-group teams, male and female, based at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt, as well as a Nix development centre in Christchurch, run by Lee Padmore.

How does the academy work?

The academy works closely with clubs throughout New Zealand to identify talent.

Academy technical director Emma Humphries says the Phoenix has an undisputed record in player development and delivers the leading talent pathway in Aotearoa.

What are the results?

There are seven academy graduates in the All Whites squad at the FIFA World Cup in North America, and four of them have been in New Zealand's starting XI for their first two group matches.

| Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 8th in League, 33 pts, 9W-6D-11L from 26 games | | Recent form | LWLWW | | Last result | Macarthur 4-0 Wellington Phoenix (2026-04-24) | The alignment with New Zealand Football continues off the field, with four of the Phoenix's coaches part of national age-group coaching teams.

What's next for the academy?

The Phoenix will continue to work with community clubs to identify, support, and develop the next generation of All Whites and Football Ferns.