Working for New Zealand's Best Football Club

Top of the league in their first season, three straight wins against the Phoenix, and an average of 18,000 fans watching in person, it's safe to say Auckland FC have lit the A-league and this city alight. Football is New Zealand's most played sport, so it is exciting to see a club finally bring it into the limelight. And what's even better is that you can get involved. 

Last September the club started advertising for volunteers to help on Match Day. Being a massive football fan, who is used to having to wake up at 4am to watch his team lose in the Premier League, the opportunity to be involved with big football games where I live sounded like a dream! So I signed up on a whim, assuming lots would be going for the role. But to my surprise, this opportunity flew under everyone's radar, and I was happily accepted. I can gladly say I have no regrets. 

While the trip to the stadium can be a bit of a mission —thanks Auckland Transport— the experience and environment when you get there is unmatched. I still remember rushing out of the West Stand during my first match and being engulfed by the crowd's roar as Auckland scored a 90+ minute goal to win the game. While you may in your role as a volunteer be working helping with merch, fan support, or other activities it's always easy to keep an eye on the game. And your half-hour break ensures you have time to truly embrace the experience. And, of course, being a volunteer means you don't have to pay to get in and watch.

You also get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the club. Every match, there’s a chance to have a peek at the commentary crew on the way to your break, and once you're there, you have the best views in the house. If you're really lucky, I once even got a wave from New Zealand famous journalist Paddy Gower! It also isn't rare to see players around the stadium if you help pack up, and in some roles, you even get to wander through the changing rooms. It is truly an opportunity to get a glimpse of the side of a football club that you won't see any other way. It also looks fantastic for anyone who wants to be involved with sports in the long term. How better to set yourself up as a sports journalist, coach, physio, or admin than having direct experience helping a club that attracts thousands of viewers every match, on your CV?

I can also say, being a non-Auckland native from Palmerston North, (that's a town in the center of North Island for our geographically challenged Auckland friends), being able to get involved with something I am passionate about but is also a new and exciting part of Auckland culture, whilst giving back to the city, was a great way to become immersed in my new home.  

If any of this sounds appealing, I encourage people to get involved. While applications are closed now, next season will be free game. Email aucklandfcvolunteers@gmail.com to register your interest for next season. You don't have to be at every game, I've skipped a few to watch with my friends instead, and the volunteer crew is super accommodating. Come join me in doing your part to ensure Auckland stays the best club in New Zealand and continues to put the Phoenix and Wellington in their place.

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