Developing New Zealand Football

our philosophy

Founded by former All Whites Coach Ricki Herbert, the RH3 Football Academy is dedicated to developing the next generation of New Zealand footballers.

With a belief in affordable, quality coaching, we’ve been shaping skilled players and exceptional individuals since 2014.

RH3 Football Academy creates an environment where players develop a love of the game of football and continue to participate in the sport throughout their lifetime. To achieve this goal, we must develop an environment where we teach a creative, attacking, and possession-style football built on a foundation of strong technical skills.

  • RH3 Football Academy exists to provide the highest levels of quality football training for the players and to enhance their social/emotional and physical health, in a positive and safe environment.

  • RH3 Football Academy will strive to create and nurture a valuable football learning experience. To achieve this goal, we will make every effort to ensure that well-educated coaches develop the skills, fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship and to foster and perpetuate these qualities at all levels of their football growth. We will endeavor to empower our players with a life-long passion and love for the game of football.

  • In adopting this style of football, we strive to foster an environment free from the “fear of failure” , where our players can explore and be creative without the fear of making mistakes. We believe that such an environment, with no limitations is where our players can grow the most and realize their potential both as players and people. The motivation to play attractive football must be greater than the fear of losing.

Our playing style

We play a possession game that focus’s on playing through the thirds and we work very hard to press to posses in numbers.

From the back:

Technical defenders, passing, receiving, heading.

Good in 1v1 defensive situations.

Through midfield:

Players who can create and exploit space, rotate, receive, link the play and be cleaver (turn, dribble, 1v1, pass).

Quick to press opposition (controlled) when not in possession.

Into forwards:

Clever players who take risks to create and exploit space. They are skillful and can score or create goals, go 1v1, dribble, turn, shoot and combine with others.

Apply pressure on opposing defenders when not in possession.

Meet the Team

Our elite team of professional coaches provide guidance, mentorship, exposure and travel to international tournaments for players who want to make football their life. They’re backed by core values of excellence, professionalism, dedication and fun.

  • Ricki Herbert is a former New Zealand international and professional footballer who has the rare distinction of representing his country at FIFA World Cup Finals both as a player and as a coach.

    As a teenager, he was a member of the 1982 All Whites at the Spain finals. In 2010, he was head coach of the New Zealand team that went undefeated at the finals tournament in South Africa. He has coached professional clubs including the New Zealand Knights (2006-07), the Wellington Phoenix (2007-13) and North End United in the Indian Premier League (2014-15). Herbert was a member of FIFA’s technical coaching team at the 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil.

    Ricki was awarded the 2010 ISP Handa Halberg Coach of the Year.

  • With 5 years of coaching experience under his belt, Coach Dylan brings enthusiasm to the field.

    Coach Dylan studied and played at a Division 1 University, Georgia State. His journey in football started early, representing New Zealand in youth representative football, and later played professionally in Florida.

    Since moving back to New Zealand, he has played in the National League for 4 years. Currently he plays for Manurewa AFC and continues to exhibit the same dedication in his coaching.

    At the helm of the RH3 Academy as the head coach for the Auckland Region, Coach Dylan is committed to nurturing talent and instilling a love for the beautiful game. His coaching philosophy is rooted in a blend of experience, strategic insight, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every player.

    Join Coach Dylan on this exciting journey, where the love for football meets expert guidance, shaping not just players, but amazing people.

  • Dave Douglas is the Head of Goalkeeping for the RH3 Football Academy. Based in Hamilton, Dave has been instrumental in shaping the skills and careers of aspiring goalkeepers since 2016. His commitment extends beyond the academy, as he also fulfills the role of Head of Goalkeeping at Hamilton Wanderers, overseeing both senior and academy-level goalkeepers.

    Additionally, Dave spearheads the goalkeeping program at St. John's College and is affiliated with the InGoal Goalkeeping Development Service, established by former New Zealand international, James Bannantyne.

    Dave's influence transcends national borders, having collaborated with international representative and Oceania club-based teams. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, underpinned by his OFC/NZF GK C License, demonstrating his dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in his field. Dave's passion for goalkeeping and commitment to nurturing talent make him an integral part of the RH3 Football Academy.

  • Kale head's up our National Camps and overseas selection for our International Tours as well as working closely with our coaches. In recent years he has been the Head Coach of both Hamilton Wanderers Men's Northern League and National League teams where he reached the semi final of the National League for the first time in the clubs history. Kale is currently the Head Coach & Director of Football at Miramar Rangers AFC.

  • Phil Auton is an esteemed member of the RH3 Football Academy, serving as both a coach and project manager since 2018. With a passion for nurturing talent and driving excellence, Phil has been instrumental in advancing RH3's initiatives across the Northland Region.

    Originally hailing from England, Phil brings a wealth of playing experience garnered from his time in Middlesborough County Cleveland during his formative years. Relocating to New Zealand in 2011, he embarked on a journey to translate his on-field expertise into impactful coaching methodologies.

    At RH3, Phil's dedication shines through in his commitment to integrating his personal playing background with innovative coaching techniques. His role encompasses leading development programs and team training sessions, where he infuses the RH3 player development philosophy into every facet of instruction.

    Based in the vibrant Kamo region of Northland, Phil has left an indelible mark on the local football community. His coaching tenure spans across all age groups, from junior to senior levels, within schools, clubs, and beyond. Whether guiding teams through league competitions, national tournaments, or Academy tours, Phil's presence on the sideline is a reassuring constant for players and parents alike.

    What sets Phil apart is his unwavering belief in the holistic development of individuals. Beyond honing athletic prowess, he prioritizes instilling values and character traits that transcend the field, aiming to shape not just great players, but exceptional human beings.

    With his blend of experience, expertise, and empathy, Phil Auton continues to elevate the standard of football education within the Northland Region, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence both on and off the pitch.

  • Wade Vincent is a dedicated football coach with a passion for developing players of all ages and abilities. With three years of experience at the RH3 Academy, Wade has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Waikato region's football community.

    His role encompasses working with a diverse range of players, from introducing 5-6 year-olds to the sport for the first time, to mentoring elite players in the Cambridge Football Club TDP teams. Wade's influence extends beyond the training ground, as he also integrates promising players into the Cambridge Football Clubs Mens First team, for which he is the team's GoalKeeper.

    Over the past three years, Wade has formed a close partnership with Ricki, providing support to the Clive House Residential Academy boys and seeking guidance to enhance his own coaching techniques. This has extended to mentoring young coaches at the Cambridge Football Club.

    Described as young and energetic, Wade's coaching style is characterized by his unwavering commitment to the game and his players. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that his players receive the best possible support and guidance, both on and off the field. With his dedication and enthusiasm, Wade is shaping the future of football in the Waikato region, and his impact is poised to endure for years to come.

  • Emma Young has been an essential member of the RH3 Football Academy team since the outset of 2020, where she spearheads all administrative functions. With a background in business ownership, Emma transitioned into the football world, driven by her daughter's involvement in the sport. Her firsthand experience as a parent of a player has instilled in her a deep interest and appreciation for football's intricacies.

    In her role, Emma ensures the seamless operation of the academy, handling various administrative tasks with precision and efficiency. She finds great joy in collaborating with the academy's exceptional coaches and staff.

    In addition to managing the academy's day-to-day operations, Emma excels in fostering connections with parents, ensuring open communication and strong relationships. Her dedication to facilitating connectivity among families and the academy's various programs enhances the overall experience for both players and parents alike.

    Emma's dedication, coupled with her passion for football, makes her an invaluable asset to the RH3 Football Academy.

  • Braedon Makgill, a native of Cambridge and current resident of Tamahere alongside his wife and two talented footballer sons, has been immersed in the world of football since his earliest memories.

    Beginning as a goalkeeper, Braedon's journey through the sport has encompassed roles as a player, manager, and coach, culminating in his current involvement in the operational side of the game.

    Over the past two years, his commitment to football has expanded through his participation in the RH3 Academy, where he has witnessed his involvement in the sport deepen. Beyond football, Braedon boasts a diverse background in governance and executive leadership, spanning various sectors.

    His engagement in sports extends beyond football, including experiences in cricket and harness racing. Professionally, Braedon's expertise lies in property and project management across construction, land development, and health sectors. He has also held roles in operational management within customs and as a successful business owner.

    As a member of the Institute of Directors, Braedon brings a wealth of knowledge and a fervent dedication to seeing football thrive as an integral part of New Zealand's cultural landscape, both presently and in the years to come.

  • Paul Clout is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach based in the Waikato region of New Zealand. With an unwavering passion for football, Paul brings a unique blend of personal experience as a player and professional expertise as a coach to his role at the RH3 Football Academy.

    Drawing from his own background as a footballer, Paul possesses an intimate understanding of the physical and mental demands inherent in the sport. This firsthand knowledge equips him with invaluable insights that enhance his effectiveness in coaching athletes.

    Paul's educational journey laid a solid foundation for his career in sports science and human performance. He earned his bachelor's degree from The University of Waikato, where he immersed himself in the intricacies of sports science, honing his skills and knowledge to prepare him for the dynamic world of athletic training.

    Since graduating, Paul has cultivated a wealth of experience working within national team environments and alongside high-performance athletes across a spectrum of sports. These diverse experiences have enriched his coaching approach, allowing him to tailor his methods to suit the specific needs and goals of each athlete he encounters.

    Driven by a profound commitment to athlete development, education, and empowerment, Paul's mission as a coach is clear: to nurture, challenge, and inspire the athletes under his guidance, empowering them to unlock their full potential and thrive in their chosen sport.

  • Maddi Ollington is a dynamic force in the world of football, currently making waves as the Head of Girls Development at RH3 Academy. With a passion for the sport that ignited at a young age, Maddi's journey began in the picturesque landscapes of the Bay of Plenty, growing up in the tight-knit communities of Reporoa and Rerewhakaaitu.

    Her sporting prowess was evident early on, as she delved into various disciplines including equestrian, athletics, cross country, cricket, and netball. However, it was football that captured her heart and steered her path towards excellence. Under the supportive guidance of her parents, especially her dad, whose English roots instilled a love for Arsenal, Maddi thrived in the world of football.

    From her humble beginnings playing in junior leagues in Reporoa to her pivotal role in the Rotorua Girls High School First XI and Rotorua United under 19's team, Maddi's dedication and talent shone brightly. Her commitment to the sport saw her rise through the ranks, conquering challenges and seizing opportunities with unwavering determination.

    A significant chapter in Maddi's football journey unfolded when she embarked on a transformative experience in the United States, representing a college team in New Jersey. Though her focus was primarily on soccer and academic pursuits, Maddi's heart remained anchored to the game, eventually leading her back to New Zealand in pursuit of her football dreams.

    Returning to her roots, Maddi continued to make her mark on the football scene, donning the jersey for Hamilton Wanderers while also showcasing her skills in the WAIBOP National League. Her leadership qualities shone brightly as she captained the WAIBOP women's team, inspiring teammates and leaving an indelible mark on the field.

    Currently, Maddi Ollington stands at the helm of the Hamilton Wanderers premier team, poised to lead them into the highly anticipated 2023 season. With a packed schedule of games across Hamilton and Auckland, Maddi's leadership, skill, and passion for the game promise to elevate her team to new heights of success.

  • Clive Herbert, a revered figure in New Zealand football, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the sport in the region. His enduring legacy extends far beyond his own achievements, leaving an indelible mark on generations of players, coaches, and staff.

    With a wealth of experience garnered from his illustrious career as a professional sportsman, Clive Herbert served as a beacon of wisdom and guidance within the Ricki Herbert Football Academy. As a mentor, he generously shared his insights, honed through years of dedication to football, coaching, and administration, instilling in others the values of perseverance, excellence, and sportsmanship.

    Prior to his involvement in football, Clive Herbert distinguished himself as one of New Zealand's foremost road cyclists, a testament to his athleticism and determination. His journey culminated in representing his nation at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, where he not only competed but also served as a valued team official, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship on the world stage.

    Throughout his career, Clive Herbert's leadership extended to the helm of some of the country's most esteemed football clubs, notably guiding national champions Mt Wellington as chairman. Additionally, his influence transcended the pitch, as evidenced by his tenure as chairman of the Northern Provincial Council during the 1990s, where his vision and dedication helped shape the sport's landscape at a regional level.

    In a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy, the new RH3 Residential Academy bears the name Clive House, honoring Clive. A stalwart coach, football administrator, and mentor in his own right, Clive left an indelible imprint on the lives of countless young players, embodying the essence of passion and dedication to the beautiful game.

    As the RH3 community continues to flourish within the walls of Clive House, Clive Herbert's memory serves as a guiding light, inspiring all who walk in his footsteps to strive for excellence and to honor the rich legacy of football that he helped to cultivate.