Future bright for debutant Jackson Woods

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 16 February 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Jackson Woods became the latest graduate from the Auckland City FC Academy to make a first team breakthrough when he came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 away draw with Southern United.

The 17-year-old was a travelling member of the Auckland City FC side that competed at the Tonghai Financial Chinese New Year Cup in Hong Kong last week, making the trip alongside fellow Academy alumni Josh Jones.

Woods, who came on with 15 minutes to go in the ISPS Handa Premiership at Sunnyvale Park, delivered a solid performance in his short cameo appearance but there could be more to come for a youngster who contributed much to Camilo Speranza's National Youth League title winning squad.

First team coach Ramon Tribulietx was delighted with what he saw from Woods.

"Jackson Woods made his debut yesterday and played 10-15 minutes and it was good to see a youngster coming on and doing very well for us.

"I'm very happy with the way he managed those 15 minutes against a very competitive team like Southern United.

"Jackson has the ability to compete at our level and it's encouraging because we have others who are also capable who have emerged from the youth ranks.

"Jackson is just 17-years-old but did well for us and I'm happy with what I saw," Tribulietx told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

Woods was included in the Auckland Football Federation National Age Group Tournament U-16 squad in 2017.

That squad also included another Junior Navy Blues up-and-comer in Brad Wilson.

Woods National Youth League career was one step in the club's ACADEMY pathway that leads players from grassroots to senior first team football and beyond.

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