Follow the journey of 18-year-old Van Fitzharris as he came through the Talent Development Centre to make his A-League debut for Auckland FC
Van Fitzharris made his A-League debut on Saturday against Melbourne Victory, winning the Player of the Match award.
“It was awesome to get out there, a bit unlucky with the result I think, but just buzzing to get out there”, said Fitzharris post-match.
Fitzharris subbed on in the 60th minute, replacing star forward Jesse Randall, and quickly left his mark on the fixture.
His confidence and ability to take players on changed the game for Auckland, who were struggling creatively and behind a goal in the match.
Assistant Coach Danny Hay highlighted Fitzharris’s performance post-game.
“Young Van Fitzharris, I thought, was sensational.”
Hay said that Fitzharris was due for the opportunity after adapting well to the first team environment.
“First and foremost, we saw it in training, and that’s why he’s got that opportunity, he’s earned that.
“The way that he’s come into the first team, when he’s had those chances, the way he’s trained, his ability on the ball is something that I think is quite unique in this country for a youngster, he’s one of the best I’ve seen.
“Even though he only played 40-odd minutes, he was a standout”, said Hay.
For many, this was the first time seeing the 18-year-old as he made his first feature in Auckland’s match-day squad.
Fitzharris joined Auckland FC through the Talent Development Centre (TDC) pathway. After developing with his local Talent Development Programme (TDP) club, Fitzharris participated in ID games and training camps throughout 2025 before moving full-time into the AFC Reserves programme in September 2025.
The Tauranga native spent time developing at Tauranga City and FC Tauranga Moana, making his first senior appearance for Tauranga City in July of 2024, playing 8 minutes off the bench against East Coast Bays.
On the back of making his senior debut at Tauranga City, Fitzharris made his New Zealand age group debut later that month at the U16 OFC Championships.
Fitzharris claimed six goal contributions in the tournament, including an assist in their victory over Fiji in the final.
Winning the U16 OFC Championship qualified the team for the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where Fitzharris also featured, starting the first two games.
Fitzharris played his first game for Auckland FC in September last year, joining up with the Reserves for their National League campaign.
He scored 2 goals in 5 appearances as the Reserves impressed, finishing 4th and only 2 points away from the National League Final.
This season, Fitzharris has shared time between all three squads, making several appearances for the Reserves and the Pro League squad.
Hay spoke on the importance of young players at the club.
“It’s a big part of what this club’s about, and that’s providing opportunities for young Kiwis, so it was beautiful to see.”
The game against Victory featured four players who have come through the reserve team, with Luka Vicelich making his first start and Jonty Bidois, James Mitchell, and Van Fitzharris coming off the bench.
Since the club’s inception in 2024, twelve scholarship/youth players have debuted for the club, with five coming through the reserves this season.
The Reserve squad launched in 2025, having now played a full season in the Northern and National League.
Creating opportunities was at the forefront of Auckland FC’s director of football, Terry McFlynn’s, mind when starting the Talent Development Centre.
“We said right from the very start that we wanted to create opportunities for young boys and girls. Whether that be into the A-League or overseas directly.”
The TDC and WTDC programmes involve partner clubs across the Northern and WAIBOP federations, with top age group players getting an opportunity to join Auckland FC’s development centre.
The Talent Development Centre allows top young players access to training programmes and resources to aid them with their development, while continuing to train and compete with their current club.
The top players identified from the development centre will join the Reserve team, where opportunities to train and play in the first team are possible for top performers.
With many young players already coming through the pathway and into the first team, Fitzharris will be one of many young Kiwis playing professionally in the near future.
