Waiheke United is a New Zealand registered charity and an incorporated society that was formed in 1987 when the local junior and senior teams combined to become Waiheke United AFC. Since its inception the dedication of the club’s committee members and volunteers, players and parents has seen the club thrive and grow to become one of the largest sports club on Waiheke Island.
The Club was an early adopter of the Whole of Football Plan which was developed and introduced in 2011 by New Zealand Football to provide children with a fun and rewarding experience at every stage of a player’s development. The Plan was introduced after extensive research from proven football development programmes around the world, and includes the Junior Framework which ensures that every child entering the game will take part in training and games tailored to his or her age and ability. The Whole of Football Plan provides a comprehensive model with coherent pathways and age-appropriate skills development. Waiheke continues to offer the complete junior and youth framework, including investment in developing coaches and players.
First Kicks and Fun Football
Designed for children aged from 4 to 7 years of age. Game days run on Saturday mornings from 8:50am until 10:30am from March to September. This programme is a great way for youngsters to learn and play the wonderful game of football. Coaching caters to all levels of players in a safe, fun and encouraging environment.
Junior & Youth Football
With just over 100 children aged from 9 through to 16, the junior club is thriving. The junior teams play in the Auckland Football Federation junior league competition against other clubs from around the Auckland region. Games are played on Saturdays between April and September, with both home and away on alternate.
Senior Teams
The club has one senior Women's team, a senior Men's team, a senior Men's reserve team, and an over 40's senior social team. Both the senior Men and Women's teams have recently enjoyed success at senior level with both teams consistently winning their respective leagues. As of September 2017 the senior Men's first team has enjoyed particular success, winning six consecutive promotions in a row - most recently winning promotion to Lotto Sport ItaliaNRFL Division 1. Waiheke United is run by a passionate and hard-working group of volunteers. The club’s success is dependent on the philosophy of "many hands makes light work" along with delegation and empowerment. With this in mind each committee member has a clear role within the club.
Players and Supporters
The senior Men's team is made up of players from a range of nationalities with French, Japanese, Mexican, Uruguayan and Argentinians as well as Kiwi’s cited amongst their squad. Players and supporters from around the world have discovered the club courtesy of the local Waiheke Island tourist industry, which has attracted the attention of youngsters eager to try something different. The Club also attracted significant attention from South America in 2016 after it was featured on ESPN Argentina, who sent a film crew to the island to produce a documentary on why it had become so popular with South Americans. The documentary lead to a very big following on the team's Facebook page from South American fans, resulting in the Team now having the third largest Facebook following in New Zealand Football Supporters are generally very excited and bring colour, character and passion with them, singing, playing drums and generally having a very good time. With between 50-80 supporters who travel to away games and they’ve put together banners, whistles and flags, streamers and more, providing for an atmosphere more typical at a European or South American venue.
