Aotearoa Coaches Association (ACA)

Developing Coaches. Connecting the Game. Creating Opportunity.

Read more about the ACA 2024/25 Coaches Europe Tour: Click here

The Aotearoa Coaches Association (ACA) is Proteus Sports Group’s coach development and networking arm, created to support ambitious football coaches who want more from the game.

Whether you are coaching at grassroots level or aspiring to work in high-performance environments, the ACA exists to educate, connect, and open doors – both in Aotearoa and internationally.

For coaches interested in working with Proteus Sports Group, joining the ACA is the most direct way to access the unique learning experiences, professional networks, and global opportunities we provide.

Why the ACA Exists

We are a proactive group of young coaches committed to furthering our understanding, knowledge, and application of football — not just to better ourselves, but to positively impact every environment and community we are part of.

Rather than being limited by the opportunities available in New Zealand, the ACA was created to challenge coaches through exposure to the world game. We believe there is immense value in experiencing what football truly means in Europe: understanding professional environments, exploring differing coaching philosophies across countries and clubs, and seeing how football is deeply connected and embedded within communities.

By learning directly from these environments, we aim to bring insight, perspective, and best practice back home — helping to elevate Canterbury football and the wider New Zealand game.

Ultimately, our goal is simple and ambitious: to see more people playing football in New Zealand, to improve their experience of the game, and to develop better players who grow into lifelong fans of football.What We Provide

1. World-Class Learning Experiences

ACA members gain access to bespoke coach education opportunities that go beyond traditional courses. These include:

  • Domestic and international study tours

  • Club and academy visits

  • Coach-led discussions and reflections

  • Exposure to diverse football philosophies and methodologies

Recent ACA initiatives have included immersive learning journeys through England, Spain, and Italy, connecting coaches with academies, federations, and practitioners working at every level of the game.

2. Global Coaching Network

The ACA connects coaches to a trusted international network of:

  • Professional clubs and academies

  • Coach educators and mentors

  • Like-minded coaches across Europe and beyond

These relationships create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and future pathways that simply aren’t accessible in isolation.

3. Real-World Insight Into the Game

Through conversations with coaches working inside professional environments, ACA members gain an honest understanding of:

  • Life inside academies and clubs

  • The realities of coaching careers overseas

  • The standards, expectations, and challenges of elite football nThis insight helps coaches make informed decisions about their development and career direction.

4. Pathways With Proteus Sports Group

For coaches who want to work with Proteus Sports Group, the ACA is a key pathway.

ACA members are prioritised for:

  • Proteus coaching roles and projects

  • Domestic and international placements

  • Future academy, tour, and development opportunities

We believe great programmes are built by great people, and the ACA allows us to identify, develop, and support coaches who align with the Proteus philosophy.

Our Philosophy

At the heart of the ACA is a belief that football is:

  • Player-centred

  • Community-driven

  • Globally connected

We value curiosity, humility, and continuous learning. Facilities matter, but philosophy, people, and connection matter more.

Who Should Join the ACA?

The ACA is for coaches who:

  • Are passionate about long-term development

  • Want exposure to different football cultures

  • Aspire to coach beyond their current environment

  • Are interested in working with Proteus Sports Group

Whether you are early in your journey or already experienced, the ACA provides a platform to keep learning, connecting, and progressing.

Join the ACA

If you are a coach looking to challenge yourself, expand your network, and access opportunities that extend well beyond the local game, the Aotearoa Coaches Association is where that journey begins.

Join the ACA. Grow your coaching. Connect to the world game. Build your future with Proteus.

Email: acassociationnz@gmail.com