SPORTS CHOICES 2026
Personal development is embedded across all programmes through Hāpai Āki, delivered via a blend of modules taught by our teachers and supported by guest educators, athletes, coaches, and speakers. Aligned with NZPAA’s kaupapa, each programme nurtures rangatahi as both athletes and learners—building the knowledge, skills, confidence, and character they need to thrive in their chosen sport and in all areas of life.
Delivery programmes for 2026 as follows:
FOOTBALL
The Football Programme at NZPAA is delivered in partnership with the Wellington Phoenix Academy, providing students with access to elite level coaching, training environments, and development standards used within a professional club pathway. Led by experienced academy coaches, the programme focuses on strengthening technical ability, game intelligence, and position-specific understanding through structured, high quality on-field sessions. Athletes benefit from expert instruction grounded in the Phoenix Academy’s proven development philosophy, ensuring training that is both challenging and purposeful.
For students that are already a part of the Wellington Phoenix Academy system, their NZPAA programme will add value to their existing timetable. This includes practical individual development sessions, active recovery, match analysis and sports nutrition amongst other topics. By integrating the academy programme within the school curriculum, it saves students valuable time and provides a platform to develop holistically amongst their peers outside of their usual training environment, helping them to build confidence and professionalism in their approach to the sport.
Coached by: Phoenix Academy Coaches
RUGBY
Our partnership with IRANZ brings a world-class high-performance rugby and mindset programme to support the growth of players, coaches and teams. Established in 2001, IRANZ is recognised for developing emerging talent through programmes informed by former international players, professional coaches, and leaders in the game. Their approach blends technical skill development with feedback, mentoring, and leadership training to accelerate both individual and team progression.
IRANZ will deliver practical skills sessions for our aspiring rugby players, complemented by support for both students and staff in building a strong high-performance culture at NZPAA. This includes guided learning around mindset, planning and preparation, and rest and recovery – core pillars that underpin long-term success in sport. By combining expert coaching with a holistic focus on performance habits, the programme aims to equip our athletes with the tools, confidence, and discipline they need to thrive on and off the field.
Coached by: IRAINZ Coaches
Basketball
The Basketball Programme at NZPAA provides a high-performance development environment designed to accelerate the growth of emerging athletes. Led by an experienced and highly respected coach, the programme combines technical skill development, tactical understanding, and performance driven habits that support both individual and team success.
With a strong emphasis on developing confident, capable, and resilient players, students benefit from structured coaching, feedback, and mentoring that builds their game awareness, strengthens their fundamentals, and prepares them for school, club, and representative pathways.
Coached by: Terry Stallworth – NZ Basketball Academy
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
The Softball & Baseball Programme is grounded in expertise, shaped by our coach’s extensive experience across international competition, tertiary education, and youth development. This programme offers students access to world-class knowledge both on and off the diamond.
The programme integrates technical skill development with a deep understanding of athlete growth, wellbeing, and long-term capability building. This includes fostering confidence, resilience, self-awareness and high-level performance habits that strengthen each student’s development journey.
Journalling and regular reflection is a key aspect of this programme. Students will be provided with the tools to assess their own development and guided by the coach to form the habits required to succeed in sport and academically.
Coached by: Dr Lara Andrews – Captain of the White Sox
Netball
This netball programme is supported by high-performance expertise from within the elite domestic and international game. With extensive coaching experience across regional, national age-group, and international levels, the programme brings a proven track record of developing athletes and guiding teams to success.
The training environment emphasises skill refinement, tactical understanding, and the development of behaviours that support long-term performance. Athletes benefit from structured coaching, clear feedback, and tailored support designed to help each student reach their personal best.
By combining high-level experience with a passion for nurturing emerging talent, this programme provides a high-quality pathway for students looking to accelerate their development and deepen their understanding of netball.
Coached by: Anna Andrews-Tasola – Central Pulse Head Coach
VOLLEYBALL
Our volleyball programme is built on a strong foundation of competitive expertise and a commitment to meaningful athlete development. Our coach’s deep understanding of the game is applied to deliver high-quality technical and tactical training.
What sets the programme apart is its development philosophy. Guided by Te Ao Māori values, it integrates whanaungatanga (connection) and manaakitanga (care) into every training environment. The focus extends beyond volleyball skills, fostering confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging for rangatahi.
By combining proven volleyball knowledge with a holistic, culturally-grounded approach, the programme supports young athletes to grow both as people and as players, creating positive and empowering experiences within the sport.
Coached by: Helen Moorcock
FLOORBALL
Our floorball programme will be underpinned by a strategic framework developed by Floorball NZ, who will hold a partnership with NZPAA in the establishment of this flagship programme.
Meanwhile, the coaching programme provides a fast-paced, skills-focused training environment designed to grow confident, agile, and game-smart athletes. There is an emphasis on core technical abilities such as ball control, movement, passing accuracy, and shooting. Meanwhile, tactical elements including quick decision-making, reading
the game, working effectively in transition, and responding rapidly under pressure will complement the core technical capability of our students.
Coached by: Jon To – Coach of the National Team