THE RH3 FOOTBALL Academy’s residential facility helps young players live their dreams

At a time where so many families are looking to the next opportunity for their child, the RH3 Football Academy is here to offer a high value Residential Programme that will align the Academy’s offerings to the best around the world.

Clive House is a space where young, promising footballers can fully immerse themselves in the sport.

The facility offers live-in services, education, and pastoral care, fostering a supportive environment for both personal and athletic growth.

Clive House embodies Ricki Herbert's dream to nurture future national players, with its design incorporating elements from Ricki’s own football journey and his father's influential legacy in New Zealand football.

the offering

RH3 will allow for a Residential Football experience that aligns traditional education with the added benefit of targeted holistic technical and tactical perspectives of football provided in a fully immersed 24/7 environment, which will deliver high quality education and football outcomes.

Located on the Boundary of the Cambridge Football Club allowing for the perfect mix of home and footballing facilities. A modern home styled environment unlike anything else available with the ability to build a holistic student while immersed in football. Small numbers per room with multiple work and breakout areas to allow for time and space to be yourself.
The facility is a 5-bedroom, 1800 sq m property in Cambridge, that backs onto John Kerkhof Park, the home ground of Cambridge FC, for whom Ricki Herbert is the club’s Technical Director.
The interior of Clive House is unmistakably football-themed. The players’ bedrooms are named after some of the world’s greatest footballers.
Inspirational football quotes have been carefully painted on walls. Football strips — such as those from the Wellington Phoenix, where Herbert was head coach — show the allegiance of young players who dream of one day wearing them.
RH3 Coaches will provide
- 10 contact sessions per week
- 1-2 hours per session across a 4 term program that includes 1 game day per week during the season
- Variety of training options including swimming pool recovery sessions, gym development and understanding sessions (where appropriate)
- Specialist video analysis of training, metrics and games
While the Clive House will eventually have the ability to cater for up to 20 players who will be from across New Zealand, the first intake of young players has seen three arrivals from Northland, two from Taupo and players from Taranaki and Christchurch.
Schooling options can be discussed further with the RH3 Clive House Team
Live in caregivers will provide 24/7 support at the facility during school terms, ensuring the players get the right balance between their football and academic educations.
The daily and weekly routine is designed to help each player reach their full potential, and to become fully-rounded individuals with good habits they’ll keep for life.
A Typical Day
A typical day starts with a training session on the adjacent Cambridge Football Club grounds.
A healthy breakfast might be followed by the chance to watch a live match on television, with the players and Herbert analysing the game together.
The children head off to school.
Upon their return, the players use a pool of computer desks for school studies, or for recreation.
In the afternoon/evenings, the players attend trainings with RH3 coaches overseeing a number of teams competing in the annual youth leagues.
We’re careful not to overload the players, and having them under the same roof means we can monitor their progress individually as well as a group.
Attend agreed team building weekends, and in addition to this the RH3 Academy provides:
- National Camps
- Domestic Football Travel Experiences
- International Football Travel Experiences
- These above football opportunities will be programmed in as part of the overall experience with in the Residential Facility.
Additional Costs Applicable
The total annual cost for your child to be based at the Residential Facility includes:
- All accommodation (incl internet and wifi) and meals (required daily nutrition)
- Mindfulness programme and support
- Domestic transport related to Clive House
- Training and casual apparel and associated gear
- Gym and pool membership
- Football club registration and term fees
- Full academy football specific training

Our Approach

Holistic Approach

“I believe that the lessons learned in football will help to develop essential life skills in our players that will be valuable for their future. I aim to develop players with excellent people skills, self-respect, confidence, resilience and a desire for self-improvement.”
- Ricki Herbert, RH3 Director
Playing Philosophy

We aim to produce technically outstanding players who are good decision makers with the ball. We strongly promote a possession-based game by encouraging our players to pass through the thirds.We encourage controlled pressing play when not in possession, so we can regain and retain possession quickly.We expect all our players to work hard in training and games.
Our Players

Are always on time Are always well presented Aspire to be better Take care of their body – Train, Fuel, Rest Show respect to coaches, referees, teammates and opponents Always greet coaches with eye contact and a handshake Never waste a development opportunity

A tribute to Clive Herbert

Clive House is a homage to Ricki’s late father, Clive Herbert, an influential figure in New Zealand football and road cycling, whose mentorship and leadership greatly contributed to the establishment and growth of the Academy.

His legacy continues to inspire our players.

The opening of Clive House was marked with a unique celebration, where Ricki Herbert received a special training shirt, symbolising his football journey and the academy's legacy.

The shirt features the RH3 logo, reflecting Ricki’s playing number, and a stylised design of Papatoetoe, his childhood suburb in Auckland.