In another football pathway moment for Christchurch United, U15 academy player Giacomo Kleffmann made his senior men's Southern League debut tonight in the Round 17 clash against FC Twenty. The match was more than just a game; it was a proud moment for Christchurch's youth development.
Kleffmann joined Christchurch United as an U13 moving from Dunedin to Christchurch a few years ago and has been an ever presence in the U15s this year, he had debuted with a goal with the U20s earlier this season aswell.
Although the final score may have favoured Christchurch United 5-0, Giacomo's debut marked the beginning of an exciting journey. For the young athlete, this debut serves as a testament to the bright future of football in Christchurch. Kleffmann becomes the 2nd youngest player in the country this year to debut for the first team across the Northern, Central, and Southern Leagues..
Kleffmann joined Christchurch United as an U13 moving from Dunedin to Christchurch a few years ago and has been an ever presence in the U15s this year, he had debuted with a goal with the U20s earlier this season aswell.
Although the final score may have favoured Christchurch United 5-0, Giacomo's debut marked the beginning of an exciting journey. For the young athlete, this debut serves as a testament to the bright future of football in Christchurch. Kleffmann becomes the 2nd youngest player in the country this year to debut for the first team across the Northern, Central, and Southern Leagues..
Kleffmann is not the only talented player to emerge from Christchurch United's academy. In fact, he is the 14th academy player to earn a senior team debut since 2019. The club's commitment to nurturing young talent has yielded impressive results, with these players making a significant impact on the field.
Eric Imachi Sugahara, Mac Prathumphithak and Tommy Chao, debuted earlier in 2023. Similarly, in the 2022 National League, Nick Murphy, Daniel Meyn, and Jackson Cole earned their senior team debuts. The Southern League has also witnessed the rise of Frewen Watts, Diego Lavin, Jago Godden, and Noa Prestel, who made their mark on the field in 2022. Additionally, Zach Bennett, Oscar Obel-Hall and Luke Pennington, who made their debuts in recent years, highlight the club's consistent ability to produce top-tier talent.
The memory of Giacomo Kleffmann's debut will surely linger within the Christchurch community, inspiring pre-academy players at the club. As the 2023 Southern League season comes to a close, all eyes will be on this rising star in the following years.
Eric Imachi Sugahara, Mac Prathumphithak and Tommy Chao, debuted earlier in 2023. Similarly, in the 2022 National League, Nick Murphy, Daniel Meyn, and Jackson Cole earned their senior team debuts. The Southern League has also witnessed the rise of Frewen Watts, Diego Lavin, Jago Godden, and Noa Prestel, who made their mark on the field in 2022. Additionally, Zach Bennett, Oscar Obel-Hall and Luke Pennington, who made their debuts in recent years, highlight the club's consistent ability to produce top-tier talent.
The memory of Giacomo Kleffmann's debut will surely linger within the Christchurch community, inspiring pre-academy players at the club. As the 2023 Southern League season comes to a close, all eyes will be on this rising star in the following years.
Academy players in tonight squad
All photos courtesy of Jim Watts Photography
All photos courtesy of Jim Watts Photography
