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Wellington United & Wellington Phoenix Update Joint Venture05 December 2018
After four years of a successful partnership between New Zealand's third oldest club, Wellington United, and the country’s only professional club, Wellington Phoenix, the clubs have agreed together to update their joint venture arrangement and refocus their joint resources in the junior and youth space. The partnership started in 2015 with Wellington United in the Capital Premier Division and has seen the club promoted back into and established in the Central League including finishing third in 2017. The partnership has provided invaluable playing experience and opportunities for aspiring young players, several of whom have gone on to secure professional contracts or university scholarships, as well as gaining international recognition which was one of the core objectives of the relationship. The Phoenix Academy is growing, and as such they have a requirement for a larger developmental training and playing environment that Wellington United are unfortunately not in a position to provide. To add clarity, Wellington United will most certainly be retaining their Central League spot in 2019. Whilst the senior joint venture is concluding, the strong relationship between Wellington United and the Phoenix will continue and grow with the two clubs working together in the newly created Wellington United Junior Academy. Wellington United are looking forward to developing their junior pathway in conjunction with the Phoenix. This framework will provide a comprehensive training programme as a gateway to their senior Men’s club. The outcome of which will complement their currently strong and successful Women’s senior club. Wellington United wish the Wellington Phoenix all the best with their next chapter, one of which they will of course be following with great interest through their ongoing player developments and future successes. If you have any questions regardling this press release please contact the club wellingtonunitedafc@gmail.com Anthony Mumby Chairman Wellington United AFC |