Two young east Auckland footballers are being given a priceless opportunity.
Pakuranga College pupils Cailean Hamilton and Joseph Matthews, who are both 14 years old, play on teams for local Fencibles United AFC.
They’ve been offered, and accepted, the chance to join the Wellington Phoenix A-League franchise’s Academy programme.
Cailean is in Fencibles’ under-17 team and plays in his school’s First XI.
Wellington Phoenix Academy head of player pathway and under-18 boys head coach Brad Bicknell says after being identified as a promising player in his region, Cailean travelled to Wellington earlier this year for a test training period.
“Cailean’s invitation to join the Academy is a credit to all the hard work he’s put in as well as the support of his coaches and family during his developmental journey.
“We look forward to welcoming Cailean into our programme and seeing him continue to grow as a footballer and as a person.”
Cailean says the Phoenix initially saw him play during a tournament in Christchurch last year and wanted him to trial.
“They watched some of my games this year and then offered me the trial this year again.
“It was pretty intense. The environment is different. Everyone has a goal and is competing for a spot so it’s really good.”
Joseph, who plays centre back, is a member of Fencibles’ under-14 squad.
His name was passed to Phoenix scouts by his coach – and Cailean’s father – Darryl Hamilton while Joseph’s Fencibles team was playing in the Christchurch tournament, which they went on to win.
Joseph trained with the Phoenix franchise for several days about two months ago.
“It was much more intense and I could see it develop me more,” he says.
“I want to have a career playing football. It’s been a sport I loved playing growing up and I want to make my family proud.”
Joseph says becoming a professional footballer will take hard work and dedication.
His advice to younger footballers is to never give up.
“Growing up I’ve had comments mocking me because of my culture.
“Sometimes people can put you down, but I use that as motivation to make me play better and prove a point. I just tell them: ‘Who cares what anyone else says? Just play’.”
