AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City FC is seeking expressions of interest from talented futsal players across Auckland to join our 2026 National Youth Futsal Championship campaign. Delivered in partnership with Northern Region Football, our program provides players with the opportunity to train in a high-level futsal environment and compete at New Zealand's premier youth futsal tournament.
25 July 2026
Held annually, the National Youth Futsal Championship brings together the country’s best young futsal players, with teams representing regions from across New Zealand. The 2026 tournament will be held in Christchurch from 14 to 17 December, featuring U15, U17 and U19 girls’ and boys’ competitions.
Led by Futsal White Captain Dylan Manickum and Futsal Ferns Head Coach Nic Downes, the program has resulted in several winning campaigns, individual awards, and players progressing into senior teams over the past five years.
“Our priority is to teach the technical and tactical specifics of futsal. While many of our players are involved in both football and futsal, with us we want them to experience a futsal-focused environment and continue developing their understanding of the game.” – Dylan Manickum
Selected players will take part in a 9-week preparation program during Term 4, with weekly team training sessions focused on attacking principles, defensive organisation, transition moments, and set plays. Players will also have the option to attend an additional technical skills session each week, with an individual focus on receiving, passing, take-ons, shooting, and 1v1 defending.
“Our teams have consistently been competitive, and we’ve enjoyed some fantastic success across the different age groups. More importantly, we’ve seen many players progress through our youth program into the men’s and women’s Super League teams, which is a reflection of the work our coaching staff have invested over the years.” – Nic Downes
Key Dates
Trials: 14 to 25 September
Training: 12 October to 11 December
Tournament: 14 to 17 December (travelling afternoon/evening 13 December)
Register your interest HERE
Futsal Academy
Players are encouraged to attend our Futsal Academy during the year. Our training is run weekly on Friday nights at Mt Roskill Intermediate during the school term.
U14 to U17 girls: 5:30-6:45pm
U14 to U17 boys: 6:45-8:00pm
Further details can be seen on our website HERE
Please contact Dylan Manickum with any questions via email futsal@aucklandcityfc.com
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