Eighteen months since the inception of Auckland FC’s Talent Development Centre, and the pathway designed to support the next generation of Kiwi footballers is starting to bear fruit.
As part of Auckland FC’s foundation, the club announced it would be partnering with local clubs to build a pathway for Kiwi boys and girls to reach the professional level and, with it, raise football standards across the region.
Eighteen months later, and 18 clubs from across Northland, Auckland, and WaiBOP are now part of the programme, with the most talented players having the opportunity to train at Auckland FC’s Talent Development Centre (TDC) and Women’s Talent Development Centre (WTDC).
The TDC/WTDC supports player development and prepares them for professional football, but rather than just hoovering up the best players from the region, this partnership sees players stay to train and compete with their current club.
There are approximately 60 players, both boys and girls, currently a part of the TDC & WTDC. Auckland United is the most represented club across the programme, followed by Fencibles United, which provided the highest number of female players. Seeing the benefits of the TDC, Auckland City haven’t recently become part of the programme.
Western Springs, Melville United, Eastern Suburbs and West Coast Rangers are also strongly represented, highlighting the depth of talent across the region. The programme’s reach extended beyond Auckland, with strong WAIBOP representation through Melville United and FC Tauranga Moana, as well as players travelling from Northland.
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,” says McFlynn.
“Aside from additional training, the club supports the players with diet and nutrition plans, load management, physical improvement and training camps. That means that whether they end up playing with us or not, the players are prepared to perform.”
So far, twelve scholarship/youth players have debuted for the club, with five coming through the reserves pathway this season.
Luka Vicelich and Van Fitzharris are two of the most notable pathway graduates, with both featuring frequently in the back end of this A-League season.
Vicelich joined Auckland FC’s reserve side early in 2025 from Auckland City and flourished in his time in the Northern and National League. He made his first team debut in the Australia Cup last August and has been a big part of the OFC Pro League side this season.
After scoring his first professional goal in the OFC Pro League, he was rewarded with a multi-year professional deal and a call-up to the A-League squad.
Fitzharris joined Auckland FC’s reserves through the Talent Development Centre (TDC) pathway. After impressing at Tauranga City, Fitzharris participated in ID games and training camps throughout 2025 before moving full-time into the Auckland FC Reserves programme in September 2025.
His hard work paid off, making his A-League debut off the bench against Melbourne Victory in April and earning Player of the Match.
Assistant Coach Danny Hay highlighted Fitzharris as a standout after his debut.
“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,” says Hay.
Despite not currently having a women’s team, Auckland FC is still developing quality female footballers, with two being recently selected for New Zealand age group sides.
Laura Bennett and Charley March train at the club’s WTDC while still playing at their Talent Development Club every week, and have recently been named in the New Zealand U20 squad to play in the May tour of Australia.
The upcoming friendly against Chelsea F.C. Women’s in Auckland is another step for Auckland FC in furthering the women’s game in New Zealand.
Codey Phoenix and Ryan Mackay are two young guns who have moved through the clubs’ pathway and are now playing in the United States.
Codey was the Auckland FC reserve side’s captain in the inaugural 2025 season, having previously joined from Auckland United.
After a successful first campaign with the club, Codey signed with the Tacoma Defiance in the MLS Next Pro competition. The Defiance is the reserve side for the Seattle Sounders in the MLS.
“The agreement we’ve reached reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to developing players while securing long-term value from our football pathways,” said McFlynn on Codey’s departure.
Auckland FC’s head of recruitment, Doug Kors, hopes that the pathway can continue to not just produce more first-team players, but to keep improving the quality of football in New Zealand.
“New Zealand has the talent – we just need to keep raising the standard and giving it the platform to thrive,” says Kors.
“We believe that the work we’ve done alongside our partner clubs is proof that we’re raising the level in New Zealand football, and we want to continue along this trajectory to be able to provide more and more Kiwi kids with professional opportunities.”
