Aspire Academy NZ – Athlete Development Program
Building the next generation of strong, confident, and resilient athletes.
The Athlete Development Program is Aspire Academy NZ’s cornerstone training pathway for youth athletes. It’s designed to give young sportspeople the physical foundations, technical skills, and safe training habits they need to perform at their best — not just this season, but for years to come.
We recognise that every age group develops differently, and that boys and girls have unique needs when it comes to training. That’s why this program is split into tailored groups — ensuring every athlete gets the right balance of challenge, support, and progression.
⚠️ Important Note: There will be no training sessions on Labour Weekend (Sunday 26th & Monday 27th October).
📍 Panmure – Marist Rugby Club Gym
Dates: Wednesday 15th October – Wednesday 3rd December
Location: Marist Rugby Club – Gym, 50 Dunkirk Road, Panmure
Duration: 1 hour per session
Payment Plans: Weekly payment options available
Group 1: Ages 10–12 – Introduction to Athlete Development
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This group focuses on developing coordination, balance, and movement quality in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.
Athletes will learn to:
Move with better balance, control, and body awareness
Perform plyometric and ballistic movements to build explosive power
Understand and practise injury prevention strategies, including landing technique, core strength, and mobility work
Engage in games and challenges that reinforce good movement patterns
The aim is to set a foundation of skills, habits, and confidence to prepare athletes for more advanced training in the future.
Group 2: Ages 13–14 – Strength & Conditioning Foundations
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This group introduces young athletes to structured strength & conditioning in a safe and progressive way. Training is individualised and tailored to their sport and readiness.
Program components include:
Progressive resistance training with bands, medicine balls, free weights, and barbells
Foundational lifts for strength and injury prevention
Sprint and agility work to link gym training with sport performance
Plyometric and core stability exercises
Education on recovery, training principles, and gym confidence
The goal is to produce resilient, strong, and confident athletes ready to take the next step.
Group 3: Ages 15–18 – Performance Strength & Conditioning
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This group is designed to prepare athletes for higher-level sport with advanced strength, speed, and power development. Training progresses according to each athlete’s experience and needs.
Program components include:
Advanced strength training with emphasis on technique and progression
Barbell training and lifting progressions (where appropriate)
Sport-specific acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction drills
Plyometric and ballistic training for explosive performance
Education on safe lifting, recovery, and performance mindset
The goal is to prepare athletes physically and mentally for the demands of competitive sport.
📍 Wairau Valley – Sunday Sessions
Dates: Sunday 12th October – Sunday 7th December
Location: 211B Archers Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0629
Duration: 1 hour per session
Payment Plans: Weekly payment options available
Group 1: Ages 10–12 – Introduction to Athlete Development
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AMGroup 2: Ages 13–14 – Strength & Conditioning Foundations
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMGroup 3: Ages 15–18 – Performance Strength & Conditioning
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
These groups follow the same structure as Panmure, with progressive, age-appropriate training designed to set young athletes up for long-term success.
Why Parents Choose Aspire Academy NZ
Safe and progressive: Every athlete trains at their own level with expert supervision
Sport-specific focus: Sessions benefit athletes from any sporting background
Cutting-edge tools: Professional sports technology for performance tracking and feedback
Confidence building: Athletes learn not only how to train, but how to train well
Community: A positive, supportive environment that inspires young athletes
Athlete Development/Strength & Conditioning Term 4
Each Athlete Development group runs once per week at the day, time, and location selected at the time of booking. Athletes attend the same session each week for the 8-week term.
