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Francis de Vries • NZ Football 2026 World Cup Squad
In Camp Now • USA
THE STORY BEHIND THE METHOD
Built through adversity. Now on the world's biggest stage
A series of setbacks, including a serious knee injury left Francis de Vries' professional career in turmoil. He fought back through the lower leagues, earned his NZ national team call up, and is now in the United States preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
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This isn't a motivational anecdote, it is the lived experience behind everything Head Start teaches about resilience, pressure, and the long road to high performance. You can see it all up close in an eight-part documentary following the journey.
Three areas where sport reshapes how teams perform
The Head Start Method is built for organisations - corporates first, and proven across clubs and schools. A defined system with clear structure and outcomes, tailored in depth for your people
01
Leadership & Culture
Leadership is built from the inside out - through self-awareness, team trust, and the everyday behaviours that creates a culture which holds under pressure, not just when things are easy.
02
Resilience
Tools from elite sport to manage stress, stay mentally flexible, and grow through setbacks - for stronger recovery, higher engagement, and performance that lasts through change
03
Performing under Pressure
Beyond quick fixes, the long term habits that drive performance in high stakes moments, Prepare with intention, manage emotion, and execute with clarity - repeatedly.
One proven method.
Three formats.
From a single galvanising moment to lasting change embedded in your team.
Francis works with a small number of organisations at a time, so every engagement gets his full attention
600+
People developed across corporates, clubs & schools
3
Countries - New Zealand, Australia & the United States
NZ Football
Led by a current NZ International & 2026 World Cup player
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Google NZ
Google NZ partnered with Head Start to bring the lessons of high-performance into their sales team - exploring resilience, A-game behaviours, and a commitment to daily growth. The result being more focused, adaptable, and high-performing individuals, both on and off the job.
"Francis is not just a soccer player. He gave the Google team an insight into how to know your values, the power of connection, and objective reflection. These aren't just lessons in being a great athlete, but ones we can translate into our own businesses and lives too"
Caroline, Country Director at Google NZ
The same method runs inside sports and schools - from Auckland FC to Eastern Suburbs AFC and the University of Wollongong - so corporate teams get an approach already tested in an environment where pressure is real.
THE HEAD START APPROACH
What guides every session
The Head Start method is about mindset into motion - turning insights into consistent, character driven actions
Character through Consistency
Showing up with purpose and building strength of character through repeated action.
Progress through Persistence
Real growth comes from showing up consistently and staying committed when it gets tough
Ownership through
Action
Turning mindset into movement - intentional habits and everyday leadership that drives progress
FOR EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWED THE JOURNEY
The thinking that reached a World Cup - now inside your organisation
If Francis' journey resonates with how you want your team to think, perform, and lead that is exactly what Head Start brings to your business
REACH OUT TO FRANCIS
Discover how Head Start can lift your team's performance and help your people unlock their potential.
Every engagement begins with a conversation about your needs and how Head Start is uniquely positioned to help you and your team thrive.
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