Liam Gillion

Football has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing for Manurewa and Western Suburbs at the youth level. It was at Western Suburbs that I got my first taste of senior football in 2019, which was a big moment for me. Being part of that environment helped me develop as a player. 

There’s always that step up in intensity when you go from youth football to senior level, but it was exciting. I learned a lot during that period—how to handle pressure and play against more experienced players. It was a great learning curve for me. 

Then I moved to Auckland City. Auckland City is a top club with a rich history, and joining them was an incredible opportunity. I grew a lot as a player there, not just technically but also in terms of understanding the game better. Being part of a successful team environment teaches you about professionalism and the expectations that come with playing at a higher level. 

Auckland FC has a lot of ambition, and joining the A-League is a massive step for New Zealand football. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a club that’s building its identity from the ground up. I’m looking forward to contributing to that journey and developing my own game at this level. 

My younger brother Fergus plays for the Wellington Phoenix Academy. We are close, and we’ve pushed each other a lot over the years. Having him in professional football is great because we share similar experiences and challenges. We’re always bouncing ideas off each other, and there’s a bit of healthy competition between us, which keeps things fun. It’s inspiring to see him do well, and I think we both motivate each other to keep improving. 

Playing for New Zealand is a huge honour. Being part of the U23 squad during the Olympic qualifiers was a special experience. International football is always a bit different—it’s faster and more intense, but that’s what makes it exciting. Representing your country pushes you to be at your best, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far. 

The Olympics were an amazing experience, even though I was an alternate. Just being part of the squad and training alongside some of the best young players in the country was incredible. The Olympics is one of the biggest stages in sports, and while I didn’t get the chance to play, it’s something that motivates me to keep pushing for more opportunities with the national team. 

For Auckland FC, my main focus is to contribute as much as I can and help the team establish itself in the A-League. We’ve got a strong squad, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.