Auckland City FC Academy welcomes Nic Downes

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 19 April 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC today announced the appointment of Nic Downes as the Navy Blues Academy Director.

Downes was most recently at Auckland Fotball Federation as a Football Development Officer and takes up a dual role that also involves Central United.

Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vuksich said he was very happy to welcome Downes into the role.

“We have spent the past few months speaking to some excellent candidates in the game and it was important that we found the right person with extensive knowledge of the local football landscape.

"It was vital the successful applicant possesses an ability to reach out to the football community with a clear vision and solid reputation and we believe Nic is the perfect fit in that regard," he said.

Downes has begun his mission already working alongside former All Whites and first team legend Ivan Vicelich and Camilo Speranza.

NEWS - Auckland City FC launch Kelston BHS Academy

Auckland City FC open registrations for their next Academy programme at Kelston BHS - May 6- July 5.

Register here: https://t.co/52QZfJxdPy

Prices here: https://t.co/rR4XnnXAuJ

#Fun

#Learn

#Develop

#Play pic.twitter.com/GOPJSFIJ7V
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 15, 2019

"It’s not often you get and opportunity to be part of prestigious club like Auckland City FC, and with the game going through a number of changes at the moment, it’s an exciting time to be involved with a club.

"I look forward to bringing to life a number of the initiatives I contributed to at Auckland Football Federation level," Downes told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

The Auckland City FC Academy is now recruiting for it's next programme set for Kelston Boys High School from May 5 to July 6, 2019, and Downes can't wait.

"The Auckland City FC Academy currently delivers a Player Development Programme which has been growing over the past few years and my objective is to continue to grow and develop the programme so that it offers all players a comprehensive pathway from grassroots to senior football and beyond.

"I'm looking forward to working together with Ivan and Camilo to make sure we are implementing a quality player-centred development programme to educate and prepare players for the modern game, whatever level they aspire to.

"As coach, I have a firm belief in creating environments that players want to be part of as being key to learning and success for them on and off the field.

"My experiences and knowledge in what those environments consist of will assist me in my role with Auckland City FC.
"A passion of mine is also developing quality coaches, which is a key component of developing quality players, and I intend to contribute to this space as well," he said.

Delighted for ⁦@nic_downes⁩ in his new role after contributing so much at a regional and national level so far. ⁦@AucklandCity_FC⁩ & ⁦@CentralUtd_FC⁩ have made a real coup with his appointment. https://t.co/URsj1qjZdx
— Steven Dillon (@stevendillon) April 19, 2019

Auckland City FC's Academy programme moves to Kelston Boys High School with registrations now open for participants.

Fantastic appointment for @CentralUtd_FC and @AucklandCity_FC. Great to have such a renowned operator just across the motorway from @3KingsUnited https://t.co/3VQqhmfT8d
— Paul Bateson (@paulbateson21) April 19, 2019

The Academy runs Monday to Friday from 3.45pm to 5.00pm at Kelston Boys High School in Archibald Road and costs $100.00 per term for Kelston Boys High School students and $150.00 for non-Kelston Boys High School students.

Ends

MORE INFORMATION
To contact us for more information email us at: admin@academy.football

AUCKLAND CITY FC - DOWNLOADABLE PAMPHLET
Click here for everything you need to know about fees, schedules and registration.

REGISTER FOR ACADEMY
To register for the ACademy at Kelston Boys' High School click here.

Contact
Nic Downes
Auckland City FC Academy Director
M: 027 294 2773
E: director@academy.football
W: www.aucklandcityfc.com