Tauranga teen Van Fitzharris has signed with Auckland Football Club’s reserves, taking the next step in his career after more than a decade of development through the Bay of Plenty’s football pathways.

The 16-year-old midfielder has been a familiar face in the region’s football scene, starting out with Mount Maunganui Juniors – now named Tauranga City AFC – before representing Mount Maunganui College and FC Tauranga Moana.

Most recently, he has impressed with the Tauranga City Men’s side in the Northern League, the regional phase of New Zealand Football’s National League competition.

Fitzharris’ rise has also caught the eye at national level. He represented New Zealand Under-16s in 2024 and is widely considered to be in contention for a place in the Under-17 Fifa World Cup squad later this year.

On his move, Fitzharris said: “Barry [Gardiner] and all the Tauranga City coaches have been really supportive in helping me reach this stage, so I want to thank them for everything they’ve done.

“Tauranga City has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years, and I’ll really miss the squad environment here. At the same time, I can’t wait for the next challenge with Auckland FC and to be part of their National League campaign.”

Proven pathway

Fitzharris is the latest success story from the FC Tauranga Moana Academy, a joint initiative between Tauranga City and Pāpāmoa FC, with Otūmoetai FC joining in recent years to expand opportunities in the women’s game.

Aligned with New Zealand Football’s development programmes, the academy has built a reputation for producing players who go on to feature in National League squads across Aotearoa or into professional environments worldwide.

Auckland FC’s head of player recruitment, Doug Kors, said Fitzharris’ signing was the result of long-term planning.

“We are delighted to welcome Van Fitzharris into the club, a player we have been tracking closely for the past 18 months.

“Van was part of our very first development centre identification game, has attended our development training camps, and even had the opportunity to train with our A-League squad.

“His progression is a credit to Tauranga City and FC Tauranga Moana’s strong development programmes, and it is fantastic to see another talented player from Tauranga step into our pathway, further strengthening the partnership we have built with clubs in the WaiBOP region.”

Tauranga City’s senior side has also played a critical role, providing some of the country’s best opportunities for young players to gain National League experience.

This season, the club once again gave more Under-20 players significant minutes than any other Northern League team outside of Auckland FC’s U21 reserves.

Richly deserved

Tauranga City head coach and FC Tauranga Moana technical director Barry Gardiner said Fitzharris’ move was richly deserved.

“This news is great for Van and shows the hard work and commitment he has put into himself to develop both on and off the field over a long period of time,” Gardiner said.

“Van has been part of our pathways for more than 10 years. Auckland FC is a fantastic next step, and we’ll be watching proudly as he progresses. He’ll also link up with former Tauranga City player Jonty Bidois, which shows again that our pathways are delivering opportunities at the highest level.”

A proud moment

Tauranga City chairman and FC Tauranga Moana trustee Brendon McHugh said the signing was a proud moment for the club and the region.

“It seems like yesterday Van was running around in a Mount Juniors kit or as a ball boy at our Men’s First Team games.

“To now see him signing with Auckland FC is incredibly rewarding – not just for Van, but for the many coaches, volunteers and players who have contributed to his journey.

“Van has worked tirelessly for this opportunity, and it’s a great reflection of the pathways we’ve built since 2018. Stories like his show why we’re committed to continuing that growth and creating even more opportunities for young players in our region.”