HeadStart Coaching

Welcome to Northern Rovers' new partner: HeadStart Coaching.

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partnership with HeadStart Coaching, an innovative programme designed to harness the full potential of our young athletes. HeadStart Coaching is dedicated to empowering the next generation of New Zealand’s football talent by equipping them with essential mental skills that go beyond the pitch.

Founded by Francis de Vries, an esteemed New Zealand All White with a B.A. (Hon) in Psychology and over 100 professional football appearances, HeadStart Coaching brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the mental aspect of competitive sport. With three years’ experience as a mental skills coach across New Zealand and Europe, Francis and his team have developed a methodology grounded in well-validated psychology and neuroscience research, offering impactful tools to build mental resilience and well-being.

At Northern Rovers, we understand that the journey to athletic excellence isn't just about physical training; it's also about cultivating a strong mental game. HeadStart Coaching’s vision aligns perfectly with ours: to see every young athlete in our club thrive, achieve their best on the field, and maintain mental well-being off it. Their programs aim to fully develop young athletes, ensuring they have the capability to succeed in every aspect of their lives.