Over about one and a half weeks, Christchurch United FC held their 9th Annual Christchurch International Cup. The competition consists of six age-group tournaments, from Under 10 (U10) to Under 15 (U15). Teams right across the country and beyond gather at United Sports Centre in Yaldhurst to battle it out to become champions.
The tournament kicked off with the Under 14s. East Auckland side Fencibles United came into this age group as favourites after conquering the Under 13s tournament the previous year. They lived up to their expectations, winning all three pool matches with a goal difference of +17. They then faced Palmerston North United and Christchurch United on their way to the final, winning 4-0 and 5-0 respectively. The final saw Fencibles take on Christchurch’s Nomads United, who they had swept aside in their pool match days earlier. Despite putting up a fight, Fencibles ran out 3-0 victors, retaining their title without conceding a goal.
Christchurch United ran out 3-0 victors over A-League academy side Wellington Phoenix. (Credit: Nate Lilley)
The under 15s tournament kicked off with a bang as hosts Christchurch United faced Wellington Phoenix in the opening fixture. The United U15s team was strong, including many players who play for their reserve team in the New World Premiership, and first team debutant Sena Vesty. They started the tournament off with a statement 3-0 victory. As expected, the hosts breezed through to the knockout stage. The semi-finals saw them come up against an incredibly resilient Palmerston North United side. Richard Fa’alogo’s header in the second half was enough to send The Rams to the Cup Final. In the other semi-final, fellow Christchurch side Nomads United caused a huge upset, beating Wellington Phoenix 3-2. Despite the defeat in the latter stages, Phoenix captain Ethan Aymes was proud of his team’s performance at the tournament, “I think we did really well as we’re such a young team, coming up to player under 15s. We fought right ‘til the end.”
Christchurch United had to face a familiar foe, Nomads United, who they play regularly in the Canterbury Development League. The Rams were big favourites and started with intent. Draved Henry’s spectacular instinctive volley flew past the Nomads keeper to give Christchurch United the lead. Sena Vesty’s devilish corner smacked the front post and found its way to Fa’alogo, who smashed it home to double their lead. The Rams were in control. However, Nomads did not roll over. For much of the second half, Christchurch were forced into ‘backs against the wall’ defending. Despite a fantastic penalty save by Joseph Chalabi, Nomads got one back. They kept fighting, and for a moment, Nomads thought they had scored a last-minute equalizer before it being ruled out for offside. The final whistle blew and Christchurch United were crowned champions. Speaking after the prizegiving, Captain Jack Hocken was calm and collected. “It feels awesome (to win the trophy). In the second half, we had to grit it out, it wasn’t comfortable, but it was alright.”
Jack Hocken lifts the U15 Champions Trophy. (Credit: Liam Higgins)
Following the under 15s was absolute madness. 48 teams through the Under 10s, 11s and 12s tournaments playing across three days. Regular competitors at the Christchurch International Cup, All-Stars Football Academy took home the Under 10s Cup.
RH3 Football Academy, directed by former All Whites and Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Ricki Herbert, sweeped the Under 11s tournament. Herbert faced a familiar face in the final, in the shape of his former player Jeremy Brockie, who brought his team, JB Football, over from Queensland, Australia. “We love coming here,” Herbert said. “It's such a well-run tournament, the facilities are second to none. We’ve been coming a few years now. We thoroughly enjoy being here and this year is no exception.”
Ricki Herbert‘s (left) Under 11s were crowned 2024 Champions. (Credit: Liam Higgins)
It was the hosts who triumphed once again in the Under 12s Cup Final. Christchurch United were the much superior side in the competition, demonstrated by a lovely team move capped off by a bicycle kick from Alisina Salahi to make it 5-0 to The Rams in the final.
Finally, it was the Under 13s tournament that capped off the 11-day competition. Fencibles United had the chance to take home their second trophy of the competition as they faced All-Stars FA in the Cup Final, which got off to a blistering start. Santiago Harvey put All-Stars ahead in the first minute of the game. The East Auckland side responded in no time, scoring the equalizer just one minute later. Later in the half, Fencibles scored another two quickfire goals; Matthew Morrow slotting it into the bottom right corner to put his side 2-1 up, and Bryan Harkness doubling the lead just two minutes later. MVP and Golden Boot winner Jadyen Nguyen settled the game with his ninth goal of the tournament right after the break.
Jadyen Nguyen celebrates after putting Fencibles United 4-1 ahead in the Cup Final. (Credit: Nate Lilley)
What was arguably most impressive about Fencibles United’s triumph, was who it was that led them to victory. 15-year-old Harrison was United’s U13 Head Coach throughout the tournament. Despite the marginal age-gap between himself and his players, Harrison is wise beyond his years. “It was so good to lift the trophy. Coaching this team makes it so much more special. In that final, the way they went 1-0 within a minute and instantly scoring, that just shows their character and how they’ve really improved over this tournament.”
The Christchurch International Cup once again had moments of incredible harmony, skill and joy. It's exciting to anticipate what could come next in 2025.
