Olé Football Academy
The Olé Football Academy, commonly referred to as Olé, is a national association football centre based in the suburb of Porirua in Wellington, New Zealand. Considered the premier football academy in New Zealand, Olé have produced a number of New Zealand internationals in both men's and women's football.[1][2] Founded in 1997 by Dave Wilson and his son, Michael, the academy has been directed by Declan Edge since 2012.[3]
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| Established | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 41°8′24″S 174°49′49″E |
| Website | https://olefootballacademy.co.nz/ |
Olé Football Academy is currently represented at the senior level by Central Premier League side Western Suburbs, and also shares a partnership with Team Wellington. Internationally, Olé have formed a partnership with Swedish club Torslanda IK, now coached by Edge; players and coaches are exchanged regularly.[4] Olé partnered with ISPS Handa Premiership club Eastern Suburbs for the 2018–19 season, in which Eastern Suburbs won the title for the first time in their history – a success largely attributed to the Olé academy, whose graduates consisted of the majority of the team.[3][5]
Notable graduates
The academy's two most notable graduates are current PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ryan Thomas and Beşiktaş winger Tyler Boyd. Others listed are either current internationals, or have represented a professional team outside New Zealand following graduation from Olé Football Academy.
