When the team’s kick-off at Western Springs AFC’s four-day under-17s football tournament on Thursday, the prize on offer to the two best players has the potential to be life changing.
That’s because for the first time, the players voted for as best male and best female will win the chance to travel the UK to experience life at AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The two-week experience will include flights, accommodation and training alongside their age-group equivalents at AFC Bournemouth. There may also be a chance to watch a Premier League fixture, should dates allow.
The package has been organised by Auckland FC as part of their multi-club ownership model.
Director of Football at the club Terry McFlynn, says the prize is further proof of the club’s commitment to developing professional player pathways for New Zealand’s most talented young footballers.
“We’re incredible grateful to AFC Bournemouth for agreeing to work with us on this initiative and to Western Springs AFC for allowing us to be a part of their tournament,” says McFlynn.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a couple of young footballers to experience what life is like at a Premier League club and what it takes to be successful.
“We recognise that a strong and competitive youth system here in Auckland is great for the local clubs, great for Auckland FC and ultimately, great for New Zealand football.”
Auckland FC has formal agreements with seventeen clubs across the North Island as part of its Talent Development Centre (TDC), providing additional training and resources to support youth development.
Western Springs AFC was one of the first clubs to join TDC pathway. It’s tournament one of the biggest in the region, attracting more than 950 young players annually.
“We’re delighted to have Auckland FC and AFC Bournemouth onboard with this amazing, potentially life-changing opportunity for two players at our tournament,” says Tracy Cunnington, Western Springs AFC Tournament Director.
“It reinforces our desire for this to be the premier tournament in the country at this age-group.”
The best two players are selected based on a points system, with points being awarded to the best players after every game. This then creates a shortlist of players that a panel then pick from. Due to FIFA rules, only players who are 16years or older between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 can be selected.
Looking after the winners at AFC Bournemouth will be Sam Gisborne, Head of Academy.
“This is a great opportunity for a couple of talented young players from New Zealand and a clear demonstration of the advantages of the multi-club model,” says Sam.
“We look forward to hosting the pair, further developing their skills and showing them what life at AFC Bournemouth is all about.”
Further details on the players selected will be announced next week.
