Watching Chch United vs Cashmere tech on Youtube and Chch United have 400+ live viewers, pretty good for an amateur club in NZ I'd imagine. Good signs if they do go pro that they could gain a decent following
sports betting viewers?
Seems a little niche but maybe I'm just not enough of a gambler to understand
Watching Chch United vs Cashmere tech on Youtube and Chch United have 400+ live viewers, pretty good for an amateur club in NZ I'd imagine. Good signs if they do go pro that they could gain a decent following
sports betting viewers?
This. Every central league game I have been on, or watched has pitchsiders. Some, but not all, have been on FIFA+.
Watching Chch United vs Cashmere tech on Youtube and Chch United have 400+ live viewers, pretty good for an amateur club in NZ I'd imagine. Good signs if they do go pro that they could gain a decent following
Watching Chch United vs Cashmere tech on Youtube and Chch United have 400+ live viewers, pretty good for an amateur club in NZ I'd imagine. Good signs if they do go pro that they could gain a decent following
sports betting viewers?
Likely quite a few will be judging by many of the comments during the game.
The plan to build what one would assume to be a small stadium on site is very interesting as well. Ultimately though it is something that anyone who supports football in this country can get behind. Clubs building out their infrastructure, and having their own facilities/stadiums is only going to be good for the game.
FIFA vice president Lambert Maltock: ‘Christchurch can become a great home’
FIFA vice president and Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) president Lambert Maltock says he’s been impressed by Christchurch United’s people and facilities in a three-day visit.
“Seeing the facilities and meeting the club people and Vanuatu community in person, gives me a lot of confidence that Christchurch can become a great home and pathway for Vanuatu football players,” he said.
Maltock was in Christchurch for three days to inspect the club’s state-of-the-art United Sport Centre, the club’s residential academy, to meet with coaching staff and attend United’s Southern League match against Coastal Spirit.
Maltock also signed the formal partnership agreement between VFF and Christchurch United Football Club.
Yeah I'd be amazed if they got rejected after such positive feedback. Maybe since they'll be in different leagues the nix and afc will start playing pre-season friendlies with them?
Excellent idea for a preseason tournament. A bit of rivalry which could add a bit of spice. The Auckland derby would be feisty, as would Nix AFC. I’d imagine the public would buy into this as wellLT01
I reiterate my previous idea.
NZ Professional Cup - Auckland FC, Wellington Phoenix, Christchurch United, Mystery Auckland Consortium Pro League Team FC
FIFA vice president Lambert Maltock: ‘Christchurch can become a great home’
FIFA vice president and Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) president Lambert Maltock says he’s been impressed by Christchurch United’s people and facilities in a three-day visit.
“Seeing the facilities and meeting the club people and Vanuatu community in person, gives me a lot of confidence that Christchurch can become a great home and pathway for Vanuatu football players,” he said.
Maltock was in Christchurch for three days to inspect the club’s state-of-the-art United Sport Centre, the club’s residential academy, to meet with coaching staff and attend United’s Southern League match against Coastal Spirit.
Maltock also signed the formal partnership agreement between VFF and Christchurch United Football Club.
FIFA vice president Lambert Maltock: ‘Christchurch can become a great home’
FIFA vice president and Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) president Lambert Maltock says he’s been impressed by Christchurch United’s people and facilities in a three-day visit.
“Seeing the facilities and meeting the club people and Vanuatu community in person, gives me a lot of confidence that Christchurch can become a great home and pathway for Vanuatu football players,” he said.
Maltock was in Christchurch for three days to inspect the club’s state-of-the-art United Sport Centre, the club’s residential academy, to meet with coaching staff and attend United’s Southern League match against Coastal Spirit.
Maltock also signed the formal partnership agreement between VFF and Christchurch United Football Club.
Likely depends on when they'd decide their players need a break from football. The OFC Pro League to kick off next January, and goes through to May. So you could have guys having about 15 months continous football (Feb 2025 - May 2026). Some welfare issues
If they play National League (Oct-end Nov), you'd think they would need a few weeks rest in December before starting the OFC league early Jan. Not ideal.
They may decide it's best to skip the National League, give the players a break Sept-Oct, and just play friendlies through Nov-Dec to prepare of the new OFC pro league.
Or I guess you just have a large squad, play the kids in October during the NL (giving the more first team players a break) and then bring the better players back in for the NL in Nov, as prep for OFC league.
The National League phase along with the OFC Champions League will lose alot of it's importance/relevance, if Oceania's representative at future FIFA events comes from the OFC Pro League - as seems likely.
FIFA vice president Lambert Maltock: ‘Christchurch can become a great home’
FIFA vice president and Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) president Lambert Maltock says he’s been impressed by Christchurch United’s people and facilities in a three-day visit.
“Seeing the facilities and meeting the club people and Vanuatu community in person, gives me a lot of confidence that Christchurch can become a great home and pathway for Vanuatu football players,” he said.
Maltock was in Christchurch for three days to inspect the club’s state-of-the-art United Sport Centre, the club’s residential academy, to meet with coaching staff and attend United’s Southern League match against Coastal Spirit.
Maltock also signed the formal partnership agreement between VFF and Christchurch United Football Club.
Likely depends on when they'd decide their players need a break from football. The OFC Pro League to kick off next January, and goes through to May. So you could have guys having about 15 months continous football (Feb 2025 - May 2026). Some welfare issues
If they play National League (Oct-end Nov), you'd think they would need a few weeks rest in December before starting the OFC league early Jan. Not ideal.
They may decide it's best to skip the National League, give the players a break Sept-Oct, and just play friendlies through Nov-Dec to prepare of the new OFC pro league.
Or I guess you just have a large squad, play the kids in October during the NL (giving the more first team players a break) and then bring the better players back in for the NL in Nov, as prep for OFC league.
The National League phase along with the OFC Champions League will lose alot of it's importance/relevance, if Oceania's representative at future FIFA events comes from the OFC Pro League - as seems likely.
Could also consider a lot of transfer action, ie: Some players being let go because they're not good enough to justify professional pay, or even people refusing to go pro due to personal life commitments. Depending on how a transfer window plays out it could impact if they play in the NL.
Then again I know little about the transfer window and how those rules would apply to this league so ignore me if this is a mute point
"Instead, New Zealand two OPL representatives will almost certainly be A-League clubs Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix.
And of the two teams, it’s likely to be the cashed-up Auckland FC, who are backed by billionaire American owner Bill Foley, that will be the most dominant during the next four-year qualification cycle.
And that’s even with age restrictions set to be placed on the Black Knights, as well as the Phoenix, as they will be the only genuinely professional clubs in the OPL.
“If you’re going to have a new professional league with the winners going to the Club World Cup as the most consistent team over the four years, you would want to make sure that the best teams are able to compete in that tournament so that the region has its best representation when they do come up against the giants of world football,” Auckland FC chief executive officer Nick Becker said."
The OFC – which will fund the league to the tune of NZ$10 million for the first four seasons – had an information session for New Zealand clubs a fortnight ago and briefed media yesterday.
Prior to the briefing, Auckland FC told The Post that they would “love to be involved’’ in the Oceania Pro League while the Wellington Phoenix said they would seek more information before deciding to formally submit an expression of interest.
But OFC secretary-general Franck Castilo appeared to close the door to reserve teams when asked if the two Kiwi clubs could enter B teams in the Pro League.
“We are not going to be specific but it has to be the eight best teams. We don’t want B teams because we have to keep a certain level in this league.”
I really can't see the OFC taking one A-League side and not the other. Surely it's both or neither depending on the criteria.
Hopefully, but we have to appreciate the Auckland FC bid is strong on paper because of the resources and reputation they bring. I sincerely hope this won't happen as frankly I would lose all interest
From a reliable source, it sounds like both the Nix and AFC are in. There is still a lot to unpack and work through still. No idea what it all means for Northern League/Central League/National League commitments either.
Somewhat disappointed in that personally, as to me it doesn't really grow the pro game here in NZ - We'll still have two pro teams, and then once this starts up we'll have the de facto U21-23 teams + whatever visa players are afforded to us.
**Sidenote - Could we ship the visa players to this new league and start with a clean slate in the A-League? 🙃
If true that is very disappointing news. If you count the ALW side, I don't think Welly needs a 3rd pro football team. Though given we are still a few months away from any announcements it maybe a bit hasty to jump to conclusions.
In August, the OFC club licensing committee will pass on its recommendations to the OFC executive committee, with confirmation on the eight selected clubs happening in September.
Given the amount of recent activity out of Christchurch United like partnerships with the Vanuatu FA etc, I imagine they won't be happy if they ain't part of this new OFC league.
Though maybe as a positive it speeds up a Christchurch/South Island A League bid.
Gonna be an interesting football manager save at least. Think it's probably a good call for the long term stability of the league but yeah some obvious drawbacks for NZ football outside of the 2 pro clubs
Christchurch United have just announced the signing of two Vanuatu players for the rest of this season:
Post from their facebook from yesterday below. Welcome to The Rams, Jordy Tasip & Walter Leoru!
Jordy and Walter join Christchurch United for the remainder of the 2025 season, arriving through our new partnership with the Vanuatu Football Federation
Jordy Tasip is a full Vanuatu international, recently scoring against the All Whites during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers!
With 10 caps and a solid season at Auckland City in 2023, Jordy brings experience, flair, and goal threat to our attack!
Walter Leoru is a powerful forward who has made waves in Vanuatu, winning the Golden Boot in the 2024 VFF Champions League! Leoru also helped Police FC win three regional titles and finish top scorer in the Vanuatu national competition!
Both players have arrived and are already training with our CUFC First Team. They’re settling in well to life in Christchurch—and getting used to the cooler weather!
“They are both wonderful players. It has been a long-time dream of our country to have a proper pathway beyond the borders of our shores, and we hope that can now come to fruition.” - Lambert Maltock, VFF President.
Welcome aboard, boys! We can’t wait to see you both in blue.
coochiee
If true that is very disappointing news. If you count the ALW side, I don't think Welly needs a 3rd pro football team. Though given we are still a few months away from any announcements it maybe a bit hasty to jump to conclusions.
In August, the OFC club licensing committee will pass on its recommendations to the OFC executive committee, with confirmation on the eight selected clubs happening in September.
Given the amount of recent activity out of Christchurch United like partnerships with the Vanuatu FA etc, I imagine they won't be happy if they ain't part of this new OFC league.
Though maybe as a positive it speeds up a Christchurch/South Island A League bid.
Maybe wrong but cannot see another NZ side joining the A League, unless one of the two existing sides hand their licence back - too many clubs in Australia wanting to join the league.coochiee
If true that is very disappointing news. If you count the ALW side, I don't think Welly needs a 3rd pro football team. Though given we are still a few months away from any announcements it maybe a bit hasty to jump to conclusions.
In August, the OFC club licensing committee will pass on its recommendations to the OFC executive committee, with confirmation on the eight selected clubs happening in September.
Given the amount of recent activity out of Christchurch United like partnerships with the Vanuatu FA etc, I imagine they won't be happy if they ain't part of this new OFC league.
Though maybe as a positive it speeds up a Christchurch/South Island A League bid.
Christchurch United have just announced the signing of two Vanuatu players for the rest of this season:
Post from their facebook from yesterday below. Welcome to The Rams, Jordy Tasip & Walter Leoru!
Jordy and Walter join Christchurch United for the remainder of the 2025 season, arriving through our new partnership with the Vanuatu Football Federation
Jordy Tasip is a full Vanuatu international, recently scoring against the All Whites during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers!
With 10 caps and a solid season at Auckland City in 2023, Jordy brings experience, flair, and goal threat to our attack!
Walter Leoru is a powerful forward who has made waves in Vanuatu, winning the Golden Boot in the 2024 VFF Champions League! Leoru also helped Police FC win three regional titles and finish top scorer in the Vanuatu national competition!
Both players have arrived and are already training with our CUFC First Team. They’re settling in well to life in Christchurch—and getting used to the cooler weather!
“They are both wonderful players. It has been a long-time dream of our country to have a proper pathway beyond the borders of our shores, and we hope that can now come to fruition.” - Lambert Maltock, VFF President.
Welcome aboard, boys! We can’t wait to see you both in blue.
coochiee
If true that is very disappointing news. If you count the ALW side, I don't think Welly needs a 3rd pro football team. Though given we are still a few months away from any announcements it maybe a bit hasty to jump to conclusions.
In August, the OFC club licensing committee will pass on its recommendations to the OFC executive committee, with confirmation on the eight selected clubs happening in September.
Given the amount of recent activity out of Christchurch United like partnerships with the Vanuatu FA etc, I imagine they won't be happy if they ain't part of this new OFC league.
Though maybe as a positive it speeds up a Christchurch/South Island A League bid.
Maybe wrong but cannot see another NZ side joining the A League, unless one of the two existing sides hand their licence back.coochiee
If true that is very disappointing news. If you count the ALW side, I don't think Welly needs a 3rd pro football team. Though given we are still a few months away from any announcements it maybe a bit hasty to jump to conclusions.
In August, the OFC club licensing committee will pass on its recommendations to the OFC executive committee, with confirmation on the eight selected clubs happening in September.
Given the amount of recent activity out of Christchurch United like partnerships with the Vanuatu FA etc, I imagine they won't be happy if they ain't part of this new OFC league.
Though maybe as a positive it speeds up a Christchurch/South Island A League bid.
I remember people strongly doubting an Auckland club would work.
Pragnell has openly said he wants a Sth Island A League club, to give the sport a clear national footprint.
The Estonians have been a huge success, so I'm sure the APL are open to a 3rd NZ team. Got a new shiny very impressive roofed stadium about to arrive in NZ's 2nd biggest city.
Canterbury/wider Sth Island probably now up with the Gold Coast, as the biggest greater population region without an A League club. You'd brand it as a South Island team to tap into the whole Island for support.
Just need that American billionaire with a love for the Mainland! That's the tricky part.
So the OFC representative at future FIFA comps is just gonna be Phoenix or Auckland through the backdoor route??
Gee something feels competitively unbalanced about this. The rest of the NZ football landscape will have no pathway to that level. The rest of the OFC teams will have no opportunity to enter the A-League. The rest of the A-League teams will have to compete for players with a team in the Club World Cup when they do not have that opportunity (except through the very difficult AFC route) themselves.
I get it that it may make sense from a financial/league stability perspective, but man it leaves a sour taste.
Some truth in all of the above except is no guarantee Nix or AFC reserve teams will win the OFC Pro League.
That's noting the OFC League is running Jan-May, so completely overlapping the ALM (usually finishes late May).
Limited opportunity for the two NZ ALM clubs to stack their reserve teams with ALM pros. Especially with the OFC League to be played in far flung destinations like Honiara, Suva, Port Moresby, Port Vila, Papeete etc, for 2 week hubs. You will need to keep at least 20 of your first team squad around NZ & Australia for ALM games.
Also some of the Island club franchise teams could in effect be de facto OFC national teams. So I think far from a given the 2 NZ ALM clubs would dominate the OFC League.
