CUFC | Age Group Coordinators & Team Managers Meeting

Strengthening communication, improving consistency and building a more connected club community.

Internal review • Prepared for Paul Holocher
Includes confidential feedback from Gini, a team manager and parent. This summary distinguishes discussion points, reported concerns and proposed follow-up.

01 / Meeting discussion

Player development

Concerns were raised about video feedback and phone-based engagement for U13 White. Mental training and development were also identified as areas for attention.

Consistency across the club

Consistency in coaching, communication and expectations was a central theme.

Community and club culture

Ideas included a club day, a volunteer/junior committee, fan-club membership and making home games more of an event. Academy attendance at first-team games was discussed, with support and engagement expected to work both ways.

Equipment accountability

Missing equipment and stock control were raised. Staff-only access and coach responsibility were identified as measures to address this. U12 goalkeeper gloves and kit were specifically mentioned.

Player pathways

Concerns were recorded about academy players’ access to NZF opportunities and clashes with the club programme. The specific opportunities and scheduling issues require clarification.

SIU and Football Pathways Gala Dinner

Both topics were included. The agenda listed the Gala Dinner for 13 November 2026, 5:30 pm at the Commodore Hotel. The notes did not record detailed actions for either topic.

02 / Gini’s feedback

The following reflects Gini’s account and perceptions. These are not confirmed findings or agreed meeting decisions.

Individual development

Gini reported limited follow-up after pre-season player meetings and insufficient guidance on individual development plans. She felt WhatsApp messages and videos were not meaningful measures of player improvement or commitment.

Squad balance

The intended balance between Blue and White was felt not to have been achieved. Further Blue-team signings and CIC selection reinforced this concern.

Coaching support and rotation

Gini reported that the promised matchday coaching rotation and weekend match rotation did not occur. She acknowledged Ollie’s commitment but felt White required greater support from an experienced coach.

Coaching responsibilities

Concern was raised that a young team captain was taking on tactical and coaching responsibilities, affecting some player relationships. Gini felt these responsibilities should remain with coaching staff.

South Island Tournament

White’s lack of a dedicated goalkeeper and perceived differences in coaching support contributed to a disappointing experience. Different playing surfaces reinforced perceptions of inequality, although Gini acknowledged that club control over allocations was unknown.

Multi-sport participation and fairness

Gini felt extra football activity and direct online engagement with coaches appeared to receive greater recognition than broader sporting participation. She raised access to personal phones, rest and recovery, and the importance of all players feeling equally valued.

2027 planning

Families want clear trial dates, U14 selection criteria, squad structures, development plans and selection notification dates. Gini asked whether squads would be capped at approximately 16–18 players to support meaningful game time.

03 / Recommended follow-up

Proposed actions for review. The supplied notes do not record assigned owners, deadlines or formal resolutions.

Respond to Gini’s feedbackAcknowledge the concerns, review delivery with the relevant coaches and provide a clear response.
Confirm the development approachSet expectations for individual plans, review meetings and how progress will be assessed and communicated.
Clarify squad and coaching arrangementsExplain selection principles, squad sizes, coaching allocations, rotation arrangements and support for developing coaches.
Publish a 2027 timelineInclude trials, selection notifications and team planning so families can make informed decisions.
Improve equipment controlsConfirm access arrangements, coach accountability and goalkeeper equipment requirements.
Develop community initiativesPrioritise club days, volunteer involvement and stronger academy–senior team connections.
Review pathway access and schedulingClarify the NZF opportunities referenced and identify programme clashes.