Tianjin Sports Bureau visit Auckland City FC

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 9 February 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A delegation from the Tianjin Sports Bureau recently visited Auckland City FC to explore avenues for cooperation, foster sporting exchange, and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of China and New Zealand.

The visit showcased the potential for deepening the ties between the two nations through the universal language of football.

Tianjin Sports Bureau recently visited Auckland City FC to explore avenues for cooperation, foster sporting exchange

READ: https://t.co/P52oz4HG1o #WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/5xA6vdLyYy

— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) February 8, 2024

The esteemed delegation from China was welcomed by Auckland City FC chairperson Ivan Vuksich and General Manager Gordon Watson, who expressed his excitement about the collaborative possibilities that lay ahead.

The Tianjin Sports Bureau delegation was led by head of the sports bureau - Ms. Li Kemin and also included members of Mr. Chong Yong (Tianjin Football Association - Vice president & Secretary General) and Mr. Pang Chao (Head of training/competition/youth programs of the Tianjin sports bureau).

Vuksich said: "It is an honour to host the distinguished delegation from the Tianjin Sports Bureau. This visit signifies a significant step towards strengthening the bonds between our nations, not just on the playing field but also in fostering cultural understanding. Our shared passion for football creates a unique platform for collaboration, and we are eager to explore how we can learn from and contribute to each other's sporting traditions."

The Tianjin Sports Bureau delegation, led by Ms. Li Kemin, reciprocated the warm sentiments and expressed admiration for the work achieved in the community by Auckland City FC and it's enthusiasm in promoting football at local and international level.

Ms. Li Kemin said: "I am truly impressed by the commitment and passion displayed by Auckland City FC in nurturing the football spirit in New Zealand and internationally. Our discussions have been fruitful, and we see tremendous potential for collaboration in various aspects of sports development and cultural exchange. Beyond the playing field, we aim to build bridges between our organisations, fostering understanding and friendship."

The discussions between the two parties centered on potential joint training programs, exchange initiatives for players and coaches, and collaborative community outreach projects that aim to leverage the unifying power of sports for social good.

Both Vuksich and Ms. Li Kemin are optimistic about the future prospects of this collaboration, seeing it as a testament to the ability of sports to transcend borders and forge lasting connections. Also, both parties agreed that Auckland City player/community coach Tong Zhou may exert a better role to connect sports and people among two sides.

As the visit concluded, Vuksich extended his gratitude to the Chinese delegation: "This exchange marks the beginning of a promising chapter in our football journey. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and believe that through football and sport, we can create lasting bonds that contribute to the broader relationship between our organisations."

Ends

天津市体育局莅临考察奥克兰城俱乐部

2024年1月31日

天津市体育局代表团一行于近日莅临新西兰奥城俱乐部进行考察调研。致力于加深中新两国人民常期友好且紧密的文化连接，双方就体育交流及合作进行了深入交流和探讨。

奥城俱乐部主席伊万-武克西奇和总经理戈登-沃特代表俱乐部热烈欢迎尊敬的代表团一行到访，并真挚的赞扬和认可通过足球这种“通用”语言，代表团的此次到访为加深两国人民友谊和串联提供了更多的可能性和可行性。

此次天津市体育代表团由李克敏局长亲自带队，天津市足协副主席兼秘书长崇勇先生及市体育局训练竞赛青少处处长庞超先生随行。

奥城主席武克西奇表示：我们非常荣幸能够接待尊敬的代表团此次到访。此次访问对我们而言是有重大意义-加强两国（人民）友谊的重要访问。不仅限于体育比赛场，更多的是对双边文化的了解和认知。基于对足球热爱，我们希望通过此此交流合作的平台，更多的探索学习并为双方的体育事业做出贡献。

天津市体育局李克敏局长对奥城俱乐部在社区服务、全民体育推广及国际足坛范围取得的优异成绩表示了高度赞赏。

李局长表示：我们对奥城俱乐部所取得的各项国际优异成绩和本地足球推广工作印象深刻。基于体育运动的推广和相关文化交流，我们进行了富有成效的合作探讨。不局限于体育赛场内，我们希望搭建增进双边各级组织机构更多了解认识的友谊桥梁。

本着通过体育运动服务社会公众的目的，主客双方就潜在的训练合作、教练员及球员互动协作及拓展全民及社区体育合作方面进行了深入探讨。

李局长及武克西奇皆对此次访问会谈的成果表示满意，同时对通过体育合作促进跨国交流并增进双方持续友好关系持乐观态度。双方也共同期望奥城社区教练兼球员周通在串联双方足球和民众的文体交流中发挥更重要作用。

随着此次访问圆满结束，武克西奇再次表达他对代表团到访的真挚感谢！“此次交流是我们俱乐部足球旅程的一个历史性新篇章！我们热切的期待足球及体育能够带来的更多美好机会，我们坚信我们能够为各级组织机构在更宽广的友好关系搭建中持续发挥作用”。

完稿