Reserve team's chances hang on finding sponsor

A Phoenix reserve team playing midweek matches against NZFC franchises this season hinges on whether New Zealand Football can find a commercial partner willing to support the venture.

The NZF board has backed a proposal to fund the travel costs of the Phoenix team – made up of non-playing squad members and talented Kiwi youth players – to play away non-competition matches during the upcoming NZFC season, but the model requires a sponsor, and the clock is ticking.

NZF chief executive Michael Glading is talking to several parties and is "quietly confident" of securing the funding, with the national body keen to contribute because the Phoenix are seen as an important pathway for aspiring New Zealand footballers.

Not only would the Phoenix's second-string players see regular gametime, but a group of 10-12 young New Zealanders would form the remainder of the squad and train and play in a professional environment in Wellington.

While NZF would fund travel for matches, through the commercial partner, the Phoenix would most probably have to cover the costs of bringing players into Wellington.

"All parties have recognised the lack of a Phoenix reserve team is a weakness and putting one in place would have a positive impact across all levels of the game," Glading said.

"Everyone is keen, the board, the NZFC teams, the Phoenix, so it's up to us to make it happen."

There is much to do. Finding a commercial partner is the first step, then they must decide how the team will be made up and when fixtures will be played.

"The fat lady isn't singing yet but there's a desire from all parties to make it happen.

"I'm reasonably optimistic it's a good enough property for somebody to want to invest in, but first we have to find a commercial partner for the league itself."

Glading believed the NZFC teams would benefit much from the exercise.

He used the example of Masterton, who hosted the Phoenix second-stringers for the training match this week and the crowd of 2500 raised nearly $10,000 for the Wairarapa United club.

It's unclear just how the selection of the Phoenix youth players would work.

NZFC teams must include at least two under-20s in their matchday 15 this season and they would have first choice on players.

The Phoenix would have to take players who were not in line for first team action at their NZFC club, probably top players in the youth league.

"Would that diminish the youth league? No," Glading said. "It just means there would be two more places for other players, while guys are getting a taste of professional football at a professional club."

- © Fairfax NZ News