In a sport that thrives on individual effort and tribalism at the grassroots level, two of New Zealand’s proudest triathlon clubs have joined forces to help grow the future together.
The Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy is a shared initiative between North Harbour Triathlon Club and Auckland City Triathlon Club with the fiercely friendly rivals parking traditional competition to create something bigger than either could achieve alone.
The goal is simple and ambitious: get more kids into triathlon, keep them there, and give them every chance to fall in love with the sport for life.
That vision is expanding beyond traditional club development boundaries into what organisers hope will become a juggernaut, helping cement the code’s future in New Zealand in a sports and recreation environment that has never been more competitive.
Opening the Door Earlier…and Wider
The new-look Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy has grown to include 9–13 year olds and novice athletes, alongside its established 14–19 group, a move designed to introduce the sport earlier and make it more accessible than ever.
Weekly sessions will run across school terms 2 and 3, alternating between traditional North Harbour and Auckland City training locations. It is being led by Triathlon New Zealand-accredited coaches Troy McAlister (9–13 years + Novice) and Liam Bird (14–19 years).
The first session, a run-swim at Birkenhead War Memorial last Saturday, were an encouraging sign of things to come. The weekly sessions are timed for 8:00–9:15am (9–13 years) and 8:00–10:15am (14–19 years).
Building Athletes for Life
This isn’t about quick wins or early podiums.
The Academy is built around long-term athlete development, with a structure that includes:
- Progressive, structured training
- Ongoing feedback and development tracking
- Individual “work-ons”
- Support at key races and events
- Exposure to the wider triathlon community, including events, service providers and elite athletes
There’s also a deliberate pathway for older juniors, not just as athletes but as future coaches, creating leadership opportunities within the sport.
While consistency is not demanded, it is encouraged and those who commit to the weekly sessions will benefit from deeper feedback and clearer progression.
A Transformative Moment: Why This Matters Right Now
This initiative lands at a crucial moment for the sport in New Zealand.
The Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy is designed to prepare juniors for:
- College Sport Auckland Series
- New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships
- Triathlon New Zealand Junior Series
But the lens is longer-term.
With the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Grand Final Tauranga 2028 on the horizon, and key events building towards that transformative moment, swim, bike and run in Aotearoa must grasp this golden opportunity.
The new joint academy is planting seeds now.
“We want more young people to get involved in triathlon and see that this is a sport to enjoy, belong in and grow with,” says North Harbour Triathlon Club President Gareth Holebrook.
“For those already in the sport, this is a chance to train alongside strong athletes, lift standards and refine skills. We are especially keen to give 9 to 13 year olds a safe and welcoming introduction to triathlon, so the sport becomes familiar and accessible early.
“I believe the seeds we plant with this initiative today will yield results for the sport for many years to come.”
Holebrook’s Auckland City Triathlon Club counterpart, Vince Sesto, wholeheartedly agrees.
“We get so much back from a program like this,” Sesto said.
“It’s a privilege to see young athletes come to these sessions, new to the sport, and see them develop and progress. I love seeing two clubs in Auckland joining forces to make this happen as well.”
Community First, Always
The Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy isn’t operating in isolation, promising to work closely with local event providers to give athletes real race opportunities, including:
- North Harbour Triathlon Swim Run Series
- Kohi Summer Swim Series
- Auckland City Triathlon’s Auckland Duathlon Championships (September)
And at its core is something even more important than racing: Belonging.
McAlister saw the fruits of that during a stint leading the Canterbury Triathlon Club junior programme before his recent shift to Auckland.
“The biggest lesson I took from Canterbury Triathlon is that progress isn’t about results, it’s about building confidence, gaining positive habits, and developing lifelong skills,” McAlister said.
“The Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy is where juniors learn the skills, confidence and enjoy the sport for life, one swim, ride and run at a time.”
Bird echoed McAlister’s sentiment.
“Junior [triathlon] is in this awesome growth phase and it’s great to be a part of it,” Bird said.
“It’s been a long time since we had a proper junior programme outside of the school system. I’m looking forward to it starting to mirror what Saturday Juniors was for me when I was their age.”
Fuel for the Future
The Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy is a community-driven initiative and needs community backing. Fundraising initiatives to get coaches to key races and to expand opportunities for promising athletes are already in motion. Upcoming efforts include:
- ACTC fundraising at Peoples Tri Race 3 in Maraetai (date TBC)
- NHTC fundraising at Peoples Tri Mission Bay (24 May)
Auckland City Triathlon Club and North Harbour Triathlon Club are also keen to discuss sponsorship opportunities to help the programme grow.
Two clubs. One purpose. More kids. More opportunities. A stronger future together.
This is what “growing the sport” actually looks like. Why wouldn’t a corporate want to be part of that healthy future?
Get Involved
More information: www.aucklandtriacademy.nz
Register: Auckland Youth Triathlon Academy
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