A Unique Story Amid Global Soccer Powerhouses
As FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup begins in the United States, global attention gravitates towards soccer giants like Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors. Yet, quietly stepping into the spotlight is Auckland City FC, a team that represents not only New Zealand but also the dream of amateurs competing on the world stage.
Unlike their millionaire counterparts, Auckland City’s squad is composed of full-time workers and students who balance demanding careers with their passion for soccer. Their qualification, earned by winning the Oceania Champions League, has set them on a path that many compare to a Hollywood storyline. Drawn into a group featuring three of the sport’s most decorated clubs, Auckland City’s journey embodies resilience and ambition.
The team, based in North Shore, Auckland, now prepares to test itself against some of soccer’s most accomplished professionals, facing both overwhelming challenges and historic opportunities.
Balancing Daily Life with Global Ambitions
For many Auckland City players, preparation for the tournament is a delicate balance of work and training. Team captain Mario Ilich, employed as a Coca-Cola sales representative, detailed the grueling routine required to stay competitive. His day begins at 5 a.m. with gym sessions, followed by office work and evening practices that stretch until late at night.
“We are trying to compete at the top level while holding down two, and in some cases three, jobs,” Ilich shared. Without access to elite facilities or full-time schedules, Auckland City players improvise their training around professional obligations. They train four evenings per week, while weekend league matches further strain personal time and family commitments.
Ilich noted the personal sacrifices involved, including limited time with loved ones. “I only get to see my partner on a Friday night really, or the odd Sunday,” he explained. The demanding schedule tests both physical endurance and mental fortitude.
Drawing Inspiration from a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The excitement surrounding the tournament’s draw was palpable among the Auckland City squad. Goalkeeper Conor Tracey recalled the moment vividly, as players gathered at 6 a.m. to watch the live draw. Their assignment: matches against Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors.
“You’ll never forget a moment like that,” Tracey said. Working full-time in a veterinary pharmaceuticals warehouse, Tracey faces unique physical challenges due to his manual job. The strain has led to injuries uncommon for professional athletes with dedicated recovery time.
“My job can be extremely physical and can take its toll on my body,” he admitted. Still, the chance to participate in the Club World Cup serves as powerful motivation to persevere through difficult periods. “The Club World Cup has been a goal worth putting in the hard yards for.”
Former Professional Pursuits and Renewed Dreams
Vice-captain Adam Mitchell’s journey offers another perspective on the team’s composition. Having previously signed with Red Star Belgrade and played in Europe, Mitchell eventually returned to New Zealand to pursue a stable career in real estate.
“At a young age, it’s a lot of people’s dream to make the big time,” Mitchell explained. Yet, he acknowledged the fierce competition and uncertainty professional soccer entails. His return home allowed him to continue playing at a high level while securing financial stability, illustrating the pragmatic choices many athletes face.
Now, representing Auckland City, Mitchell sees the Club World Cup as an opportunity to reignite national pride, much like the memorable 2010 World Cup when New Zealand captured public imagination with a string of draws on the global stage.
Facing Soccer’s Elite with Determination
As they prepare to face squads featuring World Cup winners and global icons, Auckland City’s players remain clear-eyed about the task ahead. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, Benfica’s seasoned roster, and Boca Juniors’ storied legacy await them.
For Ilich, matching up against midfield maestro Kimmich is particularly meaningful. “As a midfielder myself, I’ve always looked at the way Kimmich plays the game, so to test myself against him will be pretty cool,” he said. Tracey is equally eager to face Manuel Neuer, whose style revolutionized modern goalkeeping. Meanwhile, Mitchell anticipates the challenge of defending against Harry Kane, whom he considers one of this generation’s top strikers.
Despite the daunting opposition, Ilich emphasizes the team’s unity and determination. “They are on millions and millions of dollars, and we are just amateurs playing for the love of the game,” he stated. The strong camaraderie within Auckland City provides the foundation for their ambitious efforts.
“If we execute our coach’s plan and give it our best shot, who knows what can happen? At the end of the day, it’s just 11 players versus 11 players,” Ilich concluded.