Napier City Rovers is proud to partner with Albion Coaching, bringing qualified coaches and the proven Albion Way to players across Hawke’s Bay. This partnership delivers a full development pathway — from programmes designed for new players discovering football to opportunities for highly motivated kids progressing through the talent pathway.

Through Albion Coaching, players can access a structured journey that grows with them, starting from Little Albion for beginners and moving through to Albion+ for advanced, specialised development. Every stage is built on high‑quality coaching, strong values, and a commitment to helping young footballers reach their potential.

By partnering with Napier City Rovers, these programmes are now accessible to all players — not just those registered to the club. This ensures every child who wants to learn, grow, and challenge themselves has the opportunity to do so in a supportive, professional environment.

Little Albion

For our youngest footballers, Little Albion provides a playful introduction to the beautiful game. This programme focuses on fun and fundamentals, helping children develop basic motor and ball skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. Our experienced coaches prioritise enjoyment, ensuring every child leaves with a smile and a love for football.

Albion +

Our Albion+ programme is tailored for players in 7th–12th grades, the beginning of the ‘golden age’ of skill development. Through engaging activities and mini-games, this programme focuses on technical growth and instilling a lifelong passion for football. Albion+ emphasises Albion’s core values and football philosophy, delivering age-appropriate sessions that are both challenging and fun.

Players are encouraged to give their all, improving their confidence, coordination, and technical ability while developing a love for teamwork and competition. This programme aims to unlock their potential and inspire a commitment to ongoing development with positive reinforcement.

Holiday Programmes

Our Albion Holiday Programmes offer an exciting and engaging football experience for players of all levels during the school holidays. Designed to be fun, dynamic, and challenging, our programs create an environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and make lasting friendships - all whils playing the game they love.

Led by experienced coaches, each session is packed with high-energy activities, small-sided games, and plenty of ball-rolling time. Whether your child is taking their first steps in football or already competing at a high level, our holiday programs cater to every player’s needs, ensuring they leave inspired, motivated, and better equipped to take their game to the next level.

Chris Greatholder

Founder and methodologist for Albion Coaching. A NZF/OFC A-License holder and also an Advanced Coach Educator with New Zealand Football.

Chris has spent time in many professional academies around the world and has developed links and pathways to support professional pathways. He has also spent many years coaching at national league level in NZ.

Stephen Hoyle

Stephen has lived and breathed football around the world, playing in four FIFA confederations and experiencing the game through different cultures, styles, and environments.

He is currently Head Coach of Newcastle Jets Women in the A-League and Assistant Coach for the New Zealand U17 Women’s National Team as well as an NZF Advanced Coach Developer, holding his NZF/OFC A-License.

The Napier City Rovers Development Pathway, powered by Albion Coaching, is the clear and supported entry point for young players who aspire to represent NCR in Pre-Academy, CDL Youth teams, senior first teams and beyond.

This programme is about long-term development, not short-term results. We focus on helping players stay active, fall in love with the game, develop strong football foundations, and grow as people within a connected community.

Benchmarking Against the Best

This pathway has been deliberately designed to challenge the standards seen in the leading development programmes across Auckland and Wellington.

The structure, methodology, and learning environment compete with what is being delivered at New Zealand’s largest and most established clubs, adapted thoughtfully for our region, our players, and our club.

Our belief is simple: Players in the Central Football region deserve the same quality of development as anywhere in the country.

Why This Pathway Matters

A clear development pathway within Napier City Rovers Alignment from junior football through to senior 1st teams High-quality coaching without overloading young players Strong community and club identity Focus on long-term growth, not early selection

This programme sits at the heart of how Napier City Rovers develops players for the future.

Develop Locally. Dream Big.

Foundation Development Programme (Ages 4–8)

When: Wednesdays, 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Where: Park Island
Dates: Term 2 29th April - 24th June, Term 3 July 29th - September 16th
Cost: $250

For our youngest players, we offer the same philosophy delivered at the right developmental level.

● Two-term programme (Terms 2 & 3)

● Focus on movement, ball mastery, coordination, confidence and enjoyment

● Sessions built around games and guided discovery

● A small number of internal game days to apply learning in a positive environment

Girls only groups available.

This age group is about building confidence, curiosity, and a love for football, the foundations that future development depends on.

Pre-Academy Pathway Players (Ages 9-12)

When: Tuesdays, 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Where: Park Island
Dates: Term 2 28th April - 23rd June, Term 3 July 28th - September 15th
Cost: $250

The Napier City Rovers Development Pathway, powered by Albion Coaching, is the clear and supported entry point for young players who aspire to represent NCR in Pre-Academy, CDL Youth teams, senior first teams and beyond.

This programme is about long-term development, not short-term results. We focus on helping players stay active, fall in love with the game, develop strong football foundations, and grow as people within a connected community.

Players in this age group will take part in a two-term development programme (Terms 2 & 3) that runs alongside Central Football’s Pre-Academy structure.

Additional weekly training with qualified Albion coaches
Delivered using the Albion methodology (game-based, player-centred, skill-rich)
In Term 3, players will represent Napier City Rovers in matches against clubs across the Central region
A clear pathway into the NCR Pre-Academy and future CDL Youth teams
Girls only groups available.

Our aim is not just to produce better footballers, but better people, players who are resilient, brave, respectful and connected.

Pre-Academy Pathway Players (Ages 9-12)

When: Tuesdays, 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Where: Park Island
Dates: Term 2 28th April - 23rd June, Term 3 July 28th - September 15th
Cost: $250

The Napier City Rovers Development Pathway, powered by Albion Coaching, is the clear and supported entry point for young players who aspire to represent NCR in Pre-Academy, CDL Youth teams, senior first teams and beyond.

This programme is about long-term development, not short-term results. We focus on helping players stay active, fall in love with the game, develop strong football foundations, and grow as people within a connected community.

Players in this age group will take part in a two-term development programme (Terms 2 & 3) that runs alongside Central Football’s Pre-Academy structure.

Additional weekly training with qualified Albion coaches
Delivered using the Albion methodology (game-based, player-centred, skill-rich)
In Term 3, players will represent Napier City Rovers in matches against clubs across the Central region
A clear pathway into the NCR Pre-Academy and future CDL Youth teams
Girls only groups available.

Our aim is not just to produce better footballers, but better people, players who are resilient, brave, respectful and connected.