ABOUT KARORI SWIFTS ACADEMY
The Karori Swifts Academy, established in 2014, provides young aspirational footballers with an enhanced level of training, support and challenge. The programme is designed for players who want to take meaningful steps forward in their football journey — developing confidence, skill, leadership and game understanding in a high‑quality environment.
Our Academy is built on a simple belief: young players thrive when they are supported, challenged appropriately, and surrounded by coaches who care about their development as people as well as players.
OUR COACHING APPROACH
At Swifts Academy, players train with a team of highly qualified, experienced and passionate coaches who specialise in youth development.
We focus on:
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Football skill development — technical ability, ball mastery, decision‑making
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Leadership and teamwork — communication, resilience, responsibility
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Holistic growth — confidence, enjoyment, and a positive mindset
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Age‑appropriate training — sessions tailored to each stage of development
Our training activities are carefully designed to be safe, challenging and enjoyable, ensuring players get the most out of every session.
BECOMING A SWIFTS PLAYER
From Grade 10 onwards, players can register to trial for Swifts Academy teams. If selected, they will join one of our Swifts teams.
Swifts teams compete against selected Wellington teams, providing tougher competition and a more advanced level of football. Players are expected to train two - three times a week, depending on the grade.
When players join a Swifts team, they — along with their parents and caregivers — are expected to understand and follow the Swifts Charter, which outlines the standards and behaviours expected in the programme. All Swifts players are required to uphold high levels of respect, attitude, and sportsmanship at all times.
Swifts training fees are additional to the Club’s winter registration fee. More information on trainings and fees is available in the selected grades. You can also view our Fees Policy here.
The Swifts Name
“Swifts” honours our club’s history. The Wellington Swifts (later Karori Swifts), formed in 1894, merged with Waterside AFC in 1987 to become Waterside Karori AFC. The Swifts Academy proudly revives this legacy.