Amateur Dreamers on the World Stage: Auckland City FC Players' Juggling Act
- Author: Eugen Epp
- Est. Read Time: 2 Mins
Opponents of Bayern required to take holidays for the Club World Cup - Competing teams in Bayern's schedule need to temporarily halt their participation due to World Cup commitment.
Get ready, Bayern fans, because on Sunday (6 pm ET), you'll be facing off against a team that might not be familiar to many of you: Auckland City FC from sunny New Zealand. While they might not be household names, they're a force to be reckoned with in the Oceania region, and they're set to make some waves in the revamped Club World Cup starting this weekend.
Auckland City ranks as the most successful club in New Zealand, with a impressive 10 national championships and 13 Oceanic Champions League victories under their belts since 2004. However, when compared to European powerhouses like Bayern, there's no contest - Auckland City is the only amateur team among the 32 clubs participating in the upcoming US tournament.
A Few Day Jobs on the Side
If Bayern's substitutes are floating on millions, Auckland City players are keeping their feet firmly rooted in the real world - many of them have day jobs. In fact, some of the team have had to take unpaid leave to participate in the Club World Cup, such as striker Angus Kilkolly who works in sales for a power tool company, or other team members who are teachers, warehouse managers, real estate agents, or students. For them, football is more of a passion project than a lucrative career.
"We're just a bunch of amateurs from New Zealand who dream of playing football on the world stage and giving our best," Kilkolly told "Straits Times." He and his striking partner, Ryan De Vries, know they're in for a challenge, facing high-caliber opponents like Benfica Lisbon and Boca Juniors from Argentina. Just the chance to prepare professionally for these games is a treat, Kilkolly says.
A "Family Club" from Down Under
Football isn't exactly the main event in New Zealand, where the national team hasn't qualified for the World Cup in 16 years. Auckland City FC (distinct from Auckland FC) was established in 2004, the same year the national league began.
Kilkolly describes Auckland City as a "family club where everyone is welcome, and everyone knows each other." Home games at Kiwitea Street Stadium are small, cozy affairs, with a few hundred spectators, but when there's a big event, attendance can reach 2,000. Back in their hometown, players and fans bond over a well-deserved beer after the game.
In the past, Auckland City has represented Oceania at the Club World Cup 12 times, reaching the semifinals in 2014. With the tournament expanded to 32 teams, including top European clubs, they might not reach that height again. But these underdogs are ready to give it their all.
Factbox:
- Auckland City - Top football club in New Zealand
- Auckland - Largest city in New Zealand
- New Zealand - Country that's home to Auckland City FC
- FC Bayern - Bundesliga champions
Insights:
- Players have had to request leave from their employers to participate in the Club World Cup.
- Some players have negotiated flexible working arrangements to accommodate their football commitments.
- Players often make significant personal sacrifices, including adjusting their work schedules and possibly reducing their work hours to ensure they can focus on football when needed.
References:
- Fifa
- Straits Times
- Radio New Zealand
The Commission shall be assisted by the Member States in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of professional football teams into the revamped Club World Cup, considering that Auckland City FC, while an amateur team, has shown remarkable success in the European leagues, such as the champions-league, and can potentially provide interesting insights for the European powerhouses like FC Bayern.
Despite their achievements in sports, notably the football arena, the players of Auckland City FC are remarkable for their dedication towards their day jobs, many of which include roles as teachers, warehouse managers, and even sales personnel for power tool companies, highlighting their passion for football as a non-lucrative endeavor.
