- By Henry Lee, AUT Journalism Student
East Auckland’s biggest football club has claimed a championship and promotion to Auckland’s premier men’s division for the 2025 season.
Fencibles United hasn’t been in the premier grade in Auckland for 21 years, dating back to 2003, the last time the club was among the elite clubs.
Fencibles’ first team won the Northern Region Men’s Championship with one game to spare, after comfortably beating mid-table Ellerslie at Michaels Avenue on Saturday evening.
Young winger Aston Burns scored early for Fencibles, before midfielder Royston D’Souza doubled their lead.
A late goal from Ellerslie wasn’t enough to prolong the title celebrations for Fencibles.
They now move up to the premier division to compete with top clubs such as Auckland City FC, Eastern Suburbs, Birkenhead Utd, and the newly formed Auckland FC reserves side that will also join the grade next year.
Not only has Fencibles gained promotion, but they’ve produced and developed many young talents throughout their title-winning campaign, bolstered by the leadership of experienced players like Daniel Bunch and Jamie Mason.
Head coach Rhys Ruka has shown his capabilities again, in a division the club’s struggled to advance from.
Under the guidance of director of football, Martin Rodwell, and the ever-present assistant coach Michael Poulopoulos, Fencibles are continuing their recent upward trajectory.
The premier division will be a big jump in quality, but the club has shown in recent years it has what it takes to battle with other football powerhouses.
