Youth Football Invitational Tournament
2025 CARTERS Auckland International Cup PROGRAM BROCHURE
2025 CARTERS
Auckland International Cup
Football Invitational Tournament
Youth
Tong, as the Ambassador and Founder of AIC, is a former Chinese professional footballer born in 1990, specializing as a midfielder. Currently playing for Auckland City FC, he also serves as a community coach and youth trainer. Over his 15-year career, Tong has achieved remarkable milestones, including being the only Chinese player to appear in the FIFA Club World Cup in the past 8 years. He has won two continental championships, three national titles in China, and has been honored with the prestigious title of China National Champion.
Passionate about fostering international sportsmanship and providing a platform for young athletes, Tong founded this tournament with the vision of promoting cross-cultural exchange through football. His goal is to inspire the next generation of players by creating opportunities for them to experience the power of sports, teamwork, and cultural understanding on a global scale.
FOREWORD
Dear Players, Coaches, Officials, and Guests,
On behalf of the Auckland International Football Club and the Organizing Committee, it is my honor to welcome you all to the inaugural 2025 CARTERS Auckland International Cup, Youth Football Invitational Tournament.
This tournament marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in youth football. By bringing together talented young players from both New Zealand and international teams, we aim to foster not only competition but also friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
As the host of this event, we are immensely proud to create a platform that showcases the passion and dedication of youth football. Our vision is to inspire the next generation of athletes and provide an opportunity for teams to connect, learn, and grow together through the beautiful game.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our co-host, Auckland City Football Club, for their unwavering support, and to all our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who have helped bring this vision to life. Your contributions are invaluable in making this event a success.
To the players, I encourage you to embrace this unique opportunity to compete with integrity, play with heart, and enjoy every moment on the field. To the spectators, thank you for joining us in celebrating the talents of these young athletes and making this tournament a memorable one for all.
Let us come together to celebrate football, sportsmanship, and the spirit of international friendship. May this event be a milestone in the journey of every participant and a source of inspiration for years to come.
Best wishes for an unforgettable tournament!
Sincerely,
Andy Zhang Chairman Auckland International Football
FOREWORD
Dear Players, Coaches, Ofcials, Organisers, and Supporters,
It is my privilege, as a Natonal List Member of Parliament, to extend my heartelt support to all th e partcipants, organisers, and sponsors of th e inaugural 20 25 CARTERS Au ckland Internaton al Cup , Youth Footb all Invitatonal Tournament.
Th is remarkable event represents th e very best of what sport can achieve—bringing together talented youth from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills, passion, and sportsmanship. Football is more than a game; it is a platorm for personal growth, teamwork, and internaton al f riendship. These valu es resonate strongly with th e asp iratons we hold for ou r young peop le, as they carry th e potental to shape a b righter future for New Zealand and beyond.
To the organisers, Auckland Internatonal Football Club and Auckland City Football Club, I extend my deepest grattude for your commitment to youth development. Your vision of fostering excellence, unity, and cultural exchange through sport is truly commendable.
I would also like to thank th e sponsors for their invaluable support. You r generosity and partnership have made th is event possible, allowin g us to celebrate th e talents of our young athletes and inspire the next generaton.
To th e players, I encourage you to play with determinaton , integrity, an d respect. Enjoy this unique opportunity to compete on an internatonal stage and build lifelong connectons. To th e spectators, your support fu els the energy and spirit of this tournament, makin g it a memorable experience for everyon e involved.
Let us come together to celebrate the passion of football and the power of community. May this event leave a lastng legacy in the hearts of all partcipants and inspire contnued growth in youth sports for years to come.
Best wishes for a successful and unforgettable tournament!
Sincerely,
National List Member of Parliament
BUILDING A STRONG TEAM
CARTERS believes in the power of partnership and shared success, and is proud to support the building of friendships through sport and cultural exchange. We wish all teams participating in the inaugural 2025 Auckland International Cup the best of luck!
Let’s partner together.
CARTERS is proud to be the title sponsor of the 2025 Auckland International Cup Youth Football Invitational Tournament, hosted by Auckland International Football Club and co-organised by Auckland City Football Club. We wish all of the teams the best of luck and hope that their teamwork brings them success.
Michael Fann
CARTERS Area Manager
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
- Auckland International Football Club, New Zealand
- Auckland City Football Club, New Zealand
- Wynrs Wynton Rufer Soccer Academy, New Zealand
- The Pro Project, New Zealand
- Maitland Football Club, Australia
- Shanghai Shenhua Football Club, China
- Suwon Samsung Bluewings Football Club, Korea
- Iniesta Football Academy Japan, Japan
2025 CARTERS
Auckland International Cup
Football Invitational Tournament
Youth
2025 CARTERS
Auckland International Cup
Overview
This inaugural tournament aims to promote the growth and development of youth football across the Asia-Pacific region and globally. It seeks to foster international cultural exchange through football, enhance young athletes competitive skills, broaden their horizons, and build lasting friendship.
Organizer
Auckland International Football Club, Co-Host by Auckland City Football Club
Venue
King’s School: 258 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
ACFC: 47A Kiwitea Street, Sandringham, Auckland
Dates
January 18-20, 2025
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1. Regulations
AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL CUP (AIC) will be played in accordance with the applicable sections of FIFA rules and NZL F.A. rules. In case of any doubt, the English version of the FIFA rules will be applied.
2. Competition Regulations
2.1 AIC is an open event that welcomes all teams to participate.
2.2 The competition adopts a single round-robin scoring system.
2.3 Points will decide the ranking among teams. Three points will be awarded for a win and Zero point for a loss.
2.4 In the event of a tie, direct penalty shootouts (3+1) will be held until a winner is decided. The winning team will earn 2 points, and the losing team will earn 1 point for that game.
2.5 If two or more teams have the same points, rankings will be determined in the following order:
2.5.1 Results of matches between teams with equal points (head-to-head). The winner is ranked higher.
2.5.2 Goal difference in matches between those teams.
2.5.3 Total goals scored in matches between those teams.
2.5.4 If still equal, a drawing of lots will determine the ranking.
3. Age Regulations
3.1 Eligible age: Players must be born after January 1, 2013.
3.2 Exemptions: Teams may register up to five players born before January 1, 2013, with a maximum of two allowed on the field simultaneously.
3.3 Female players may participate in the boys’ category, which is one year younger than their age.
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REGULATIONS
4. Match Format, Duration, and Ball Specifications
4.1 All matches will be played with eight players per team.
4.2 Each match will consist of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a halftime break not exceeding five minutes. A size 4 football will be used for the matches.
5. Substitution Regulations
5.1 Substitutions must adhere to the principle of “top-down first.” Substitutes will enter the field through the designated substitution area, and players leaving the field must exit through the same area while exchanging shirts with substitutes on the bench.
5.2 There are no restrictions on the number of substitutions; players who have been substituted may re-enter the game.
5.3 Substitution timing is unlimited, but players must exit before re-entering. Goalkeeper substitutions must be made during a stoppage in play.
5.4 All participating players must be listed on the submitted participant list of the AIC.
6. Age Verification and Player Registration List
6.1 Participating teams must submit a player registration list to the “Auckland International Cup” in the uniform format specified by the organising committee. A template will be provided.
6.2 All players must present original identification (ID) or passports for pre-match identity verification. The referee will check players' eligibility before each match, and only eligible players may participate. If a player cannot present ID due to special circumstances, they must provide alternative documentation that includes their name, date of birth (DOB), and photo. Such documentation must be approved by the organising committee in advance.
6.3 After verifying player qualifications, participants must wear wristbands issued by the organising committee; those without wristbands are prohibited from competing.
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7. Insurance Regulations
Teams must purchase insurance for their players (covering both on-field and off-field activities). The “Auckland International Cup” does not provide any group insurance for player injuries. The organising committee is not responsible for injuries or economic losses resulting from war, civil conflict, government actions, strikes, quarantine, or similar events. Note: Please do not leave valuables and money unattended in rooms.
8. Uniform and Footwear Regulations
8.1 The player numbers on the registration list must correspond to the numbers on their jerseys.
8.2 Each player may only have one jersey number; different players may not share the same number (non-compliant numbers may be taped).
8.3 Only rubber or plastic studded football boots are permitted; metal-studded boots are prohibited.
8.4 All players must wear shin guards and other protective gear.
8.5 Each team must supply two sets of jerseys, one in a dark color and one in a light color, with consistent jersey numbers on both sets. The home team wears dark jerseys, while the away team wears light jerseys. If a team does not possess two sets of jerseys, the team with conflicting colours must wear training vests provided by the organising committee. Teams may also agree upon a dress code based on mutual consent.
9. Cards Regulations
9.1 A player receiving two yellow cards in a match will automatically receive a red card.
9.2 A player shown a red card will be suspended for the next match.
10. Fields
10.1 The first and second competition days will be held on artificial turf, while the third competition day will take place on natural grass.
10.2 In the event that fields are unplayable due to inclement weather or other force majeure circumstances, the organising committee reserves the right to change the venue or determine the outcome of a match through penalty shootouts or drawing lots.
11. Schedule Regulations
11.1 The organising committee reserves the right to change match groups, times, and venues and will promptly communicate any changes to the team managers.
11.2 Extreme weather: If extreme weather prevents matches from continuing, play will be paused for 30 minutes. If conditions remain unsuitable after 30 minutes, the referee will announce the cancellation of the match.
11.3 If a match is cancelled before kickoff, the organising committee will schedule a makeup match. If rescheduling is not possible, the outcome will be decided by penalty shootouts or drawing lots.
11.4 Normal rain conditions allow matches to continue at the referee's discretion; however, play must be halted immediately in the event of thunder.
12. Final Interpretation Rights
The final interpretation rights of the event regulations belong to the organising committee.
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TEAM
AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB
Auckland International Football Club (AIFC) is a non-profit social society dedicated to promoting the growth and development of youth football in New Zealand.
With its acronym “AIFC,” the club embraces a unique cultural resonance, as "AI" in Chinese translates to "love." This reflects the club’s passion for football and its commitment to fostering a sense of connection and unity through the sport.
AIFC’s mission is to elevate the profile of youth football across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond while promoting international cultural exchange.
By providing young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their competitive skills, broaden their horizons, and build enduring friendships, AIFC creates a supportive environment where talent and camaraderie flourish. The organization stands as a symbol of love for the game and a bridge for cross-cultural understanding.
TEAM OFFICIALS
WILLIAM ZHAO Manger
AIDAN CAREY Head Coach TONG ZHOU ASST Coach NATHAN LOBO Physio CAMERON ORCHARD ASST Coach ASST Coach JACQUI ORCHARD
THOMAS MATHEW
BILLY BARNES
GEORGE ARCHER
SCOTT SHEN
JACE YIP
KEYAN DUTT
FELIX ZHOU
HAWKINS
VICTOR SHAN
TEAM
AUCKLAND CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
Auckland City have won the National League 10 times since its inception.
Auckland City FC has won the OFC Champions League 12 times since their first crown in 2006 and remains Oceania's premier football club.
Additionally, the club has won the Northern League 4 times and claimed the Chatham Cup once.
Auckland City FC is an amateur club with most players having full-time occupations outside of football.
TEAM OFFICIALS
NIC DOWNES Head Coach NIC DOWNES
Manager
ARCHIE MEAD
KIMPI JASUAN
MATEO VUKSICH
MONTY LAVICH
RALPH HURTADO
TEAM
WYNRS WYNTON RUFER SOCCER ACADEMY
WYNRS - the Wynton Rufer Soccer School of Excellence is a charitable trust and was founded by Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer in 1997.
WYNRS (Wynton Rufer Soccer) pronounced “Winners” is based in Auckland and offers skills based training sessions for kids between the age of 5 and 13.
WYNRS offers top quality year round training programmes at different locations that focus on individual player development.
Wynrs coaching is about passing on the simple skills of the game that each player must master to get to the top. Regular coaching from top coaches as well as players spending hours with the ball improves performance.
Basic football skills like juggling the ball or passing the ball with both feet are taught at Wynrs through a unique certification system. Only the very best make it from Bronze + to Silver, Gold & Platinum.
We believe we have one of the best kids programmes in the area with coaches who are full of enthusiasm and 100% committed to providing quality soccer training. Our first priority is that we all have fun but also to provide a positive and motivating environment that encourages teamwork, fair play and respect.
TEAM OFFICIALS
DANIEL ECHEVARRIA
Head Coach
TUAN TON Manger
LZAAC GAR HOONG LEONG
CAIDEN FLUX TON
AMAAN ALI
RYAN HIN WAH CHUNG
HOGAN DABUJA
LUCAS KULATUNGA
WEIHL
TEAM
THE PRO PROJECT
The Pro Project offers extra training & support for ambitious players on and off the pitch.
Run by ex-Manchester United Academy graduate Adam Thurston, our aim is to help further player development alongside club and school football with extra trainings such as 1-1s, small-group sessions, and more.
We also provide additional exposure opportunities such as tours and tournaments, as well as off-the-pitch support with feedback for both players and parents, where clubs usually struggle due to large numbers.
TEAM OFFICIALS
Manger Head Coach
KEVIN BURT ADAM THURSTON
ETHAN FOSTER
MARCUS TWEMLOW
COOPER DULLABH
JACK BURT
JAKE STOKS
BEN KNOESEN
GASKELL
ANGAD SINGH
JONAH THOMAS
NATE O’LEARY
MOHAMED KHARDAMAN
JAYDEN GOH
JACKSON FLOYD
MORRIS
TEAM
MAITLAND FOOTBALL CLUB
Maitland FC is a cornerstone of the community and has played a key role in shaping the sports landscape of the Hunter Valley.
Calling Cooks Square Park, East Maitland home, the "Magpies" are proud to represent this great region in the Northern New South Wales (NNSW) National Premier League for both men and women, the Premier Youth League, and the Junior Development League.
The mighty Maitland FC Magpies proudly uphold tradition and the spirit of competition.
TEAM OFFICIALS
TANIA KRANIAS PJ KRANIAS CLINT PHILIP Manger Head Coach ASST Coach
TEAM PLAYERS
HARPER KURTZ
JUNIOR KRANIAS
THOMAS POWER
JACKSON CARR
BAILEY PULLER
MYLES YOUNG
RILEY HARMON
FLYNN BROMFIELD
SPENCER PHILIP
RILEY THOMPSON
ALI GHAZALEH
TEAM
SHANGHAI SHENGHUA FOOTBALL CLUB
The Shanghai Shenhua Football Club (Chinese:上海申花⾜球俱乐部; pinyin: Shànghǎi Shēnhuā Zúqiú Jùlèbù) founded on December 10, 1993, is a prestigious professional football club in China and one of the founding teams of the Chinese professional football league.
The club won the championship of the China Football A League in 1995 and has also claimed the Chinese FA Cup title in 1998, 2017, 2019, and 2023, boasting a large fan base.
The club's predecessor was the municipal-run semi-pro club Shanghai F.C.. The team predominantly played in the top tier, where they won several domestic league and cup titles. On 10 December 1993, the club was reorganized to become a completely professional football club so they could play in the 1994 Chinese Jia-A League season, making them one of the founding members of the first fully professional top-tier leagues in China. Since then, they have won one league title and four Chinese FA Cups.
According to Forbes, Shenhua was the 6th most valuable football team in China, with a team value of $106 million, and an estimated revenue of $29 million in 2015.
TEAM OFFICIALS
TEAM
SUWON SAMSUNG BLUEWINGS FOOTBALL CLUB
The club was officially founded in December 1995 by Samsung Electronics, becoming the ninth member of the K League from the 1996 season. It was also the first club to be founded in one specific city, a plan which led to the K-League initiating plans to encourage its other clubs to forge similar links with local communities. They have won the K League on four occasions (1998, 1999, 2004 and 2008), as well as the Asian Club Championship twice, in 2000–01 and 2001–02.
Former South Korean national team manager Kim Ho took charge of the side from their first season in the KLeague, and the team finished runners-up in the championship play-off that season. The championship was secured in 1998 and retained in 1999 as Suwon started to dominate Korean football.
In the 2002 season, Suwon also won the Korean FA Cup for the first time, achieving a continental double. Suwon finished runners-up in both major domestic competitions in 2006, as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma claimed victory in the K-League championship play-off final and Chunnam Dragons won in the FA Cup final, thwarting Suwon's attempts to win the first ever domestic double in South Korean football.
TEAM OFFICIALS
LEE JAE SEOK Manger CHOI IN YOUNG ASST Coach
KIM SU HOO
KIM SU HA
CHOI HWON
TEAM
INIESTA FOOTBALL ACADEMY JAPAN
Iniesta Academy is the personal project of Andrés Iniesta, arising from his motivation to contribute to the education of children and give back to the football community for all that football has given him. Iniesta Academy is a training methodology based on Andrés Iniesta's unique way of seeing and understanding football. It aims to develop children at a technical and tactical level, enhancing their intelligent decision-making on the field.
The Iniesta Academy offers a soccer program designed to develop young players and pass on his distinctive style to the next generation, reflecting the vision of football shaped throughout Andrés Iniesta's illustrious career.
Academy players have the opportunity to learn the technical and tactical concepts derived from the skills of a world-class soccer player like Andrés Iniesta, as well as embrace the values that have de model for aspiring players.
TEAM OFFICIALS
IVAN CASCALES DOMINGUEZ SHINOBU TANAHARA CEO & Head Coach ASST Coach
SOTA TAKASHIMA
RIKU ADACHI
HARUKI SUGINO
KODAI MATSUMOTO
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
January 18th (SAT)
Acknowledgment of Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors for your generous support and partnership. Your invaluable contribution has been instrumental in the success of this tournament and in promoting the growth of youth football. Thank you for your commitment to this event.
