Coach & Captain Q&A
As our U18 Girls, Premier Men and Premier Women all prepare to launch into their National League Championship campaigns, we decided it would be a good idea to sit down for a quick Q&A with some of our Coaches and Captains to get their thoughts on the season so far, and what they’re looking forward to the most about National League.
Auckland United FC Premier Women’s Captain Jess Philpot hoists aloft the Lotto NRFL Premiership Trophy after being crowned Champions in 2023. (Photo by Top Athletes NZ).
Premier Women’s Captain Jess Philpot
What was your greatest highlight from the Lotto NRFL season?
“Our first game on the new #1 pitch under the lights. This was such a great highlight as it was about people coming together to celebrate football after what was such an epic world cup. Seeing all the Auckland United supporters enjoying the new facilities was just amazing. The second highlight was of course winning the league and winning our last game so convincingly.”
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming National League Championship?
“Playing some quality sides from around the country. In New Zealand it is rare that you play a team and are unsure of their playing style. Often because you have faced them at least 3 times in the current season. I am excited for the unpredictability of some teams as I know that will be a huge test.
Former Football Fern and Auckland United FC U18 Girls Coach (far right)
U18 Girls Coach Katie Duncan
What was your greatest highlight from the season so far?
“Many small highlights throughout the season. Thursday team dinners at the club, coaching the girls on that beautiful number one field after the Football Ferns had finished training on it.”
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming National League Championship?
“The youth league for us is a huge chance to showcase our talented youth as well as having some strong competition along the way. I am looking forward to it all coming together and for the next few months to have consecutive games!”
Auckland United FC Premier Men’s Coach José Figueira and Captain Ross Haviland (Photo by Top Athletes NZ).
Premier Men’s Coach José Figueira
What was your greatest highlight from the Northern League season?
“There have been a number of highlights and memories from the Northern League Season, I think first and foremost securing our National League qualification is right up their. Its is one of our main objectives every season and to have done this now to seasons in a row is great.”
“Another one of our objectives as a club is to develop and promote our Academy players into the First Team on a regular basis like Semi Nabenu, Ollie Middleton, Benji McCarthy and Ishveer Singh. These players have all shown great attitudes, commitment and have put their mark on the team. This season we have yet again seen a number of Academy Graduates making Senior Debuts which is always a proud moment.”
“Finally I think some of our performances towards the back end of the Northern League season have been really memorable, both from the way we play but also how the players leave everything out on the pitch - hearing our supporters say how much they enjoy coming to watch the team it what we strive for - matches against Manurewa away, Birkenhead United away and Chatham Cup finalists Melville United at home in the league run went a long way to secure our National League spot and really strong performances.”
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming National League Championship?
“The National League is the pinnacle football competition in New Zealand and it's an exciting time of the season where we get the opportunity to compete with some of the top clubs across the country. There is always a heightened sense of occasion when it comes to the National League and after working hard for many months the players are relishing the opportunity to go out and be the best they can be. While we know the prize that lies at the end of the National League, we are focused on being ourselves, taking each game at a time and taking what we do and who we are on to the National Stage.”
Auckland United FC Premier Men’s Captain Ross Haviland. (Photo by Top Athletes NZ).
Premier Men’s Captain Ross Haviland
What was your greatest highlight from the Northern League season?
“I think for us, the goal was to make the national league and to do so with games remaining is a highlight.”
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming National League Championship?
“Really looking forward to going one step further than last year and endeavouring to make the Grand Final which would create history for the club.”
