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Junior Navy Blues nab sixth title

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 16 December 2018

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC were crowned National Youth League champions for the sixth time today - and they didn't have to kick a ball.

Camilo Speranza's side completed their league campaign yesterday with a thumping 5-0 take down of Tasman United but then faced a nervous 24 hour wait as nearest challengers Waitakere United took on Hamilton Wanderers at McLennan Park in Papakura.

That match produced eight goals but in the ratios Waitakere United needed.

The Marty Rodwell-coached side needed a seven goal victory to snatch the title away from the Junior Navy Blues and although they threw everything at the visitors it always looked unlikely to be their day.

That became jittery when Waitakere United led 5-2 but Wanderers struck a third time to round of the scoring.

The Junior Navy Blues have now won four of the last season titles and equalled their own achievement of successfully defending their crown, repeating the feat of the 2013-14 sides.

Coach Camilo Speranza took to Twitter to make his final remarks on a campaign.

"It's been a -pleasure and an honour to be at the forefront of this extraordinary group and to humbly collaborate in the development of those who are a part of it.

"I'd like to thank the players and the rest of the staff for such an amazing experience.

"I believe we can be satisfied with the overall performance, but more important than the "WHAT" is the "HOW".

"The legitimacy of the means used to reach the results is what matters the most.

"We started this season as a bunch of people. I believe we can now say that we are a team.
"We stayed together overcoming innumerable adversities. More important than the results is who we become at the end of the journey.

"Over the past 18 weeks the players from our NYL and development squads have trained at least once with our senior team.

"Some of these boys have become regulars at these trainings, which I find truly remarkable. We clearly are on the right path.

"Of course, I also want to thank the club for their constant support and for trusting me to carry out this job.

"A huge number of people are involved working from the backroom. You don't see them, but nothing would be possible without them. Thank you all.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate my fellow coaches in the league.
"The vast majority of them shown an extremely professional and exemplary behaviour before, during and after each match.

"To finish, I'd like to thank every club we've faced. Especially those teams we played away for making us feel so welcome. Hope to see you all again in the future," he said.

Camilo Speranza's work with Auckland City FC's Player Development Programme continues and you can find out more about that here.

Ends

Match Result
National Youth League
Sunday 16 December 2018
Waitakere United 5
Hamilton Wanderers 3

NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE - PREVIOUS WINNERS
2019 - Auckland City FC
2018 - Auckland City FC
2017 - Hamilton Wanderers
2016 - Team Wellington
2015 - Nelson-Marlborough Falcons
2014 - Auckland City FC
2013 - Auckland City FC
2012 - Canterbury United
2011 - Waitakere United
2010 - Canterbury United
2009 - Auckland City FC
2008 - Waitakere United
2007 - Auckland City FC
2006 - Capital Football
2005 - Capital Football
2004 - North Harbour
2003 - Capital Football
2002 - Auckland Football

NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE TITLE WINS
6 - Auckland City FC
3 - Capital Football
2 - Canterbury United, Waitakere United
1 - North Harbour, Auckland Football, Nelson-Marlborough Falcons, Hamilton Wanderers, Team Wellington

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