A new pathway for the Wellington Phoenix to develop young footballers into professional athletes - with an academic backbone

A new charter school is set to open at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt for Years 11-13.

It'll initially offer elite training in football under the guidance of the Phoenix academy, as well as rugby.

Phoenix general manager David Dome says it'll run independently of the football club, but the idea comes from seeing the educational challenges players face.

He says when a program incorporates sports into their education, it's going to be beneficial for sports development as well.