The U16 Junior Development grade is presently only offered in the AFA competition. 

The development grade was initiated by the NZAFA and GNZ organizations in Auckland three years ago and was spearheaded by the North Peninsula Panthers and the Papatoetoe Wildcats club's.  These two clubs and their teams played 6 games throughout the 2006 2007 season at the Terry Street Park in Blockhouse Bay.  These games were non-competition and were successfully managed by these clubs to provide an introduction to the sport of American Football to the then 40 youth players.

The success of the foundation year was clearly proven with the introduction of the Auckland Junior Competition in the 2007 2008 season.  The Metro Predators and the North Harbour Jaguars entered the competition building the U16 Junior season to include four teams.  Games were played on Friday evenings around Auckland and quickly grew to having a dedicated following of supporters.

The AFA U16 Junior Development grade has continued to grow and the 2008 2009 season welcomed the South Auckland U16 Raiders to the competition.  It has been a few years since the Raiders club have participated in competition football in this age group and the AFA clubs are extremely excited yet heartened that more clubs are implementing strategies for future growth at club and grass roots level.

American Football Auckland U16 Junior Development grade for the 2008 2009 season criteria will follow the template established in the previous combined Auckland competition.  The playing format is 11 man football and mandatory equipment is worn at all times.

In only a short time the AFA U16 competition has already amassed its own history:

2008 2009 Auckland U16 Junior Champions - North Peninsula U16 Panthers

2007 2008 Auckland U16 Junior Champions - North Peninsula U16 Panthers