Auckland FC will face Wellington Phoenix for the first and second time in 25/26 next weekend (September 12-14).
But rather than the A-League Men facing off, this will be a two-game series for the under-17’s Women’s Talent Development Centre.
The series, hosted in partnership with New Zealand Football, represents an important step in showcasing the next generation of women’s football talent in New Zealand.
The first fixture will take place at 7pm on Friday, 12 September at Olympic Park in New Lynn, with the decider happening on Sunday, 14 September at Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai.
The club are hoping free entry and a 11am kick-off time will encourage people to attend the Sunday game.
Auckland FC is also offering a couple of great incentives to get people along to Sunday’s game. Starting at 9am is a free football for her AFC Football School minicamp.
The 90-minute training session will be led by professional coaches and support girls of all levels of ability to improve their skills through fun and engaging coaching sessions run by Auckland FC.
There are 150 spaces available for girls aged between eight and 13. Early registration is essential and can be done here.
If that wasn’t enough, anyone who attends the game on Sunday can get a free child ticket to Auckland FC’s first home A-League men’s game of the season, scheduled for late October.
Auckland FC’s Women’s Talent Development Centre (WTDC) works with local partner clubs to develop and nurture future talent.
Doug Kors, head of player recruitment at Auckland FC said the game was a chance for the players to test themselves against some of best in the country.
“Having a Women’s Talent Development Centre in Auckland provides players with a unique opportunity to train regularly alongside the best young women in the region, compete in highly competitive matches, and still maintain their strong connections with their local clubs and schools,’ says Kors.
“By being based in Auckland, we’re creating new opportunities for aspiring players and ultimately building a clear pathway toward future participation in our women’s national league and A-League teams.
These matches, the first played by Auckland FC’s Women’s Football Talent Development Centre, are designed to support and prepare players for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“Not only do both teams and the national team benefit, but the women’s game as a whole is strengthened through more competitive matches and development sessions — and that is the ultimate purpose of the WTDC.”
The programme will later expand to include players born 2006–2010, providing a development platform aimed at future participation in both the 2026 FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups.
