Futsal Navy Blues Ready For New Era

Representing the Auckland Region in partnership with Northern Region Football (NRF), the Navy Blues continue to build on a collaboration that has become a cornerstone of futsal development in the region. The fusion of ACFC’s high‑performance culture and NRF’s guidance and support has shaped a squad ready to thrive in a league entering its most ambitious chapter yet.

The competition’s overhaul from a four-weekend series-based format to an 11-week home and away league format signals a bold step forward for futsal in Aotearoa. The refreshed competition structure promises more intensity, more meaningful fixtures, and a platform that reflects the sport’s growth across the country. For a club accustomed to setting standards in the outdoor game, the futsal programme now has the stage to match that ambition.

A Proven Partnership Driving Northern Excellence

The partnership with NRF remains central to Auckland City FC’s futsal identity. It blends the club’s established high‑performance environment with regional support and guidance creating a pathway that has consistently produced competitive squads and nurtured emerging talent. 

The squad has seen a refresh with several returning players not part of the 2025 season. Art Twigg, Adam Paulsen, Dominic Hawkins, Hayden Cooper, Kern Platts-Mills and Kyaw Mya all make their return to the Navy Blues to join Alex Roberts, Mike Antamanov, Denny Twigg, Dylan Manickum, Finn Ambridge, James Marshall, Oban Hawkins, Sam Fagun, Sam Twigg and captain Stephen Ashby-Peckham.

Rounding up the squad are new arrivals in Andres Magliola, Ashton Harbin, Emilio Ghosh-Novero, Mario Ramos, and youth team players, Hugo Copley, Peter Ragon and Joshua Da Costa.

Head Coach Nic Downes returns to lead the side, bringing tactical flexibility and a calm authority that has become his hallmark. Downes’ teams are known for their structure, discipline, and ability to adapt under pressure, qualities that will be essential in a league that promises to be faster, deeper, and more demanding than ever.

International Pedigree at the Heart of the Squad

Auckland City FC enters the 2026 season with one of the league’s most recognisable and accomplished rosters. At its core stands Dylan Manickum, the Futsal Whites captain and New Zealand’s most‑capped international. His leadership, experience, and competitive edge remain invaluable.

Alongside him Stephen Ashby-Peckham, Adam Paulsen, Art Twigg, Denny Twigg, Mike Antamanov, Oban Hawkins and Sam Twigg have all seen international action for the Futsal Whites. Together, they form a spine that blends maturity with dynamism, a balance that could prove decisive across a long and demanding campaign.

A League — and a Club — Entering a New Chapter

The 2026 season arrives with a sense of renewal. Increased match volume, national streaming coverage, and a more competitive structure reflect a sport stepping confidently into its next phase. For Auckland City FC, the opportunity is clear: to assert themselves as a dominant force in a reshaped national landscape and to continue building a futsal identity that mirrors the club’s storied success on the outdoor stage.

There is expectation, yes — but also excitement. The Navy Blues have the pedigree, the partnership, and the personnel. Now they have a platform worthy of their ambition.

2026 Auckland City FC Futsal Fixtures

2026 FORD Futsal SuperLeague R1

Canterbury United Dragons vs Auckland City FC x NRF
Saturday, 17 January, 12:00pm
Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, Christchurch

AC SQUAD: Adam PAULSEN, Alexander ROBERTS, Andres MAGLIOLA, Art TWIGG, Ashton HARBIN, Denny TWIGG, Dominic HAWKINS, Dylan MANICKUM, Emilio GHOSH-NOVERO, Finn AMBRIDGE, HaydenCOOPER, Hugo COPLEY, James MARSHALL, Joshua DA COSTA, Kern PLATTS-MILLS, Kyaw MYA, Mario RAMOS, Mike ANTAMANOV, Oban HAWKINS, Peter RAGON, Sam FAGAN, Sam TWIGG, Stephen ASHBY-PECKHAM

HEAD COACH: Nic DOWNES
ASSISTANT COACH: Sam COYLE
GOALKEEPER COACH: Elias BILLEH
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Emily LO
TEAM MANAGER: Jason WIN