Young Kiwis Outside the UK

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coochiee
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Dublin Boon, 18 year old keeper (19 on Xmas day) of Roda JC u-21's was on the bench as Roda's first team won 2-1 on the weekend against PSV's reserves in the Eerste Divisie (second tier) and are in 2nd place, four points behind Willem II and three points ahead of third place Emmen.

From Flying Kiwis. Bit rarer to get an overseas gig outside the Weenix/Ole pathways these days.

You may recall young Cantabrian gloveman Dublin Boon popping up in this column a few times. After moving to Roda JC from Nomads United, he’s appeared regularly for the U21s and has made the bench a couple of times for the first team already. Now here’s a bit of a feature on him from the RJC website so we can get to know his story in his own words...

Dublin Boon: “My name is Dublin Boon, I am 18 years old and I am from New Zealand. I am the keeper of Roda JC O21. I have already completed my studies at Burnside High School in my home country. I currently live on my own in Kerkrade. My previous club was in New Zealand: Nomads United from Christchurch. This season is my first season at the Roda JC Football Academy.

Exactly one year ago, in December 2022, I participated in a training camp in Melbourne, Australia. This was organized by Boris Ivanov of Victoria Football and several international scouts and trainers were present. A number of them had become enthusiastic about me and so I had the opportunity to go to the Netherlands in February. 

I also had a number of trials at PEC Zwolle, FC Emmen and at OH Leuven in Belgium, plus also the opportunity to train at PSV, because trainer Albert van der Sleen had me seen at the training camp. All this took a few months, until Robert-Jan Zoetmulder, a PSV goalkeeper coach and former Roda JC goalkeeper coach, recommended this club to me. I went on trial before the season started and was finally hired for the O21.”
December 28, 2023 20:40
YoungHeartHM
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mrsmiis
18 year old New Zealand-born Aarun Lim was called up to Cambodia's national U23 squad for the AFF U23 Championship this February (a Southeast Asia-exclusive youth tournament). Born in Hamilton, he's an ex-Melville youngster - made a few appearances in the 2020 NRFL reserve league. He's made a few senior appearances for Boeung Ket, one of the top sides in Cambodia, since signing there in 2020.

Played one game in qualification for the tournament, a late sub in a 4-2 win over Hong Kong. Didn't make an appearance in the tournament sadly as Cambodia crashed out of the group stage in a group with Timor Leste, Philippines and Brunei.

I knew he'd been mentioned in this thread previously!

He made his debut for Cambodia on New Year's Day in a 3-0 loss to Qatar.
Came off the bench for the last 7-8 minutes.


Brother Lucca Lim was also sounded out for possible selection (via a training camp) for the NZ U17's in the build up to the U17 world cup last year too.
January 07, 2024 12:46 · Edited January 07, 2024 13:34
coochiee
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Another Kiwi (well has a Kiwi dad) playing in Asia, 27 yr
Matthew (Elliot Wing Kai Chin) Orr, is about to play in the Asia Cup with Hong Kong. Is Hong Kong's first appearance in the Asian Cup since 1968. He's also just signed with a club in the Chinese Super League, after starring in the Chinese 2nd tier in 2023 (player of the league).

Honkers have UAE , Iran & Palestine in their Asian Cup group.

https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3247282/manchester-citys-chinese-sister-club-sichuan-jiuniu-sign-hong-kongs-matt-orr-who-also-wins-player

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Orr
Orr was born and raised in Hong Kong by a New Zealand father (Andrew Orr) and a Chinese mother (Janice Chin). He was a graduate of Canadian International School. He also holds New Zealand passport.[14]
January 07, 2024 16:10 · Edited January 07, 2024 16:16
YoungHeartHM
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coochiee
Another Kiwi (well has a Kiwi dad) playing in Asia, 27 yr
Matthew (Elliot Wing Kai Chin) Orr, is about to play in the Asia Cup with Hong Kong. Is Hong Kong's first appearance in the Asian Cup since 1968. He's also just signed with a club in the Chinese Super League, after starring in the Chinese 2nd tier in 2023 (player of the league).

Honkers have UAE , Iran & Palestine in their Asian Cup group.

https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3247282/manchester-citys-chinese-sister-club-sichuan-jiuniu-sign-hong-kongs-matt-orr-who-also-wins-player

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Orr
Orr was born and raised in Hong Kong by a New Zealand father (Andrew Orr) and a Chinese mother (Janice Chin). He was a graduate of Canadian International School. He also holds New Zealand passport.[14]

We're going to need an expat/dual national thread in this very soon. 😅

He also logged 73' minutes against China on New Year's Day - Hong Kong claiming a rare 2-1 win over the overbearing neighbours of China. Part of their Asian Cup preparation.
January 07, 2024 16:54
coochiee
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Any news on how Korean Kiwi  Seo Ram Lee (age 19) has gone with Tirol U23s in Austria this season?
January 07, 2024 17:04
YoungHeartHM
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coochiee
Any news on how Korean Kiwi  Seo Ram Lee (age 19) has gone with Tirol U23s in Austria this season?

Quite quiet actually. Last time I talked to him he'd only made a handful of appearances off the bench for Tirol, for one goal. He did say a niggly injury suffered early in the season put the mockers on him as other players stepped up and did well (Was a back/lower back injury picked up in a rough challenge).

He's back in Korea for the holiday period and over the European winter break. I'll give him a buzz in a few weeks when he goes back to Europe and see what the plans are.
January 07, 2024 17:48 · Edited January 07, 2024 17:49
coochiee
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Matt Orr started for Hong Kong in a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, pre Asian Cup warmup.


Hong Kong forward Matt Orr in action during his side’s friendly against Saudi Arabia at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar. Photo: HKTA
January 11, 2024 15:05 · Edited January 11, 2024 15:09
YoungHeartHM
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January 27, 2024 01:42 · Edited January 27, 2024 01:45
YoungHeartHM
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Guess this one goes here too. Not signings per se, but good to see a couple of the Auckland United lads in Ollie Middleton & Codey Phoenix take up an opportunity to travel to Japan and experience working and training in a professional environment with Kashiwa Reysol & FC Tokyo.

Japan are doing some excellent things in the world of football, and we're now seeing that success reverberate upwards to their senior sides. 
Screenshot_2024-01-28-19-15-12-00_1c337646f29875672b5a61192b9010f9.jpg 550.98 KB

Language and culture would be somewhat more of a challenge than going through Europe or the UK. But how good would it be to see more Kiwi lads plot a path to a career in football going through Asia?

Speaking of signings though, young Eastern Suburbs goalkeeper Emmett Connolly (2007) looks to have signed over in Singapore for Lion City Sailors. Looks likely to be linking up with the U17's over there initially.
January 28, 2024 19:45
YoungHeartHM
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An interesting move if anything more than a trial comes to fruition. 

A strong and quick LB/LWB, very attacking by nature and with a great passing range. 

Moyo is Botswana born, but recently acquired New Zealand citizenship alongside the rest of his family. Botswana have recently changed their standing around dual citizenship to allow Botswanan nationals to hold dual nationalities. Previously after reaching the age of 21 there was a choice to be made...

Could be one to keep an eye on for the future. 👀


January 29, 2024 17:02 · Edited January 29, 2024 17:42
coochiee
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Andre De Jong had 2 seasons at AmaZulu, based in Durban. And yeah many of Botswana's top footballers play in the PSL.
January 29, 2024 17:14 · Edited January 29, 2024 17:16
Rusty Dunks
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23yo Tom Muhlack playing Regional League in Germany. 

https://www.transfermarkt.com/tom-muhlack/profil/spieler/521478
February 08, 2024 10:05
YoungHeartHM
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Posted in the U17's thread as well. But thought I'd do a cross over to here too.

Auckland City youngster Stipe Ukich is currently in Croatia training/trialling with the U19's setup for 1.HNL side NK Lokomotiva Zagreb.
February 11, 2024 19:46 · Edited February 11, 2024 23:55
mrsmiis
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Ex-Nix reserves stalwart and U20 international Dan McKay’s signed for Cobh Ramblers in Ireland. Finished third in the second tier last season - first game’s this weekend
February 14, 2024 22:13
YoungHeartHM
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mrsmiis
Ex-Nix reserves stalwart and U20 international Dan McKay’s signed for Cobh Ramblers in Ireland. Finished third in the second tier last season - first game’s this weekend

Good on him for chasing his dream after missing out on a Nix deal. Was hoping he might get a gig in the top tier, but they're a good side and promotion certainly isn't out of the question.

Other rumours/murmurs I've heard.

Jago Godden (Christchurch Utd) was trialling over in Ireland and the UK recently as well (may still be) although I havent heard any news on that front for a while now.
 
Campbell Strong trialling with an unnamed League One club in England.

Kaeden Atkins (Napier City Rovers) to Sweden.

That last one I have heard the information second hand, so is my least reliable one. 😀
February 15, 2024 09:20 · Edited February 15, 2024 09:53
coochiee
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February 16, 2024 00:02
YoungHeartHM
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February 20, 2024 11:48
coochiee
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Gutsy move that. Deportivo Huracán are based in Buenos Aires so that should help, with settling in. Then get him into a Spanish language school. Manurewa had a few Latino players last season?
February 20, 2024 11:58
mrsmiis
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Gutsy move that. Deportivo Huracán are based in Buenos Aires so that should help, with settling in. Then get him into a Spanish language school. Manurewa had a few Latino players last season?
 
Importsnt to note that this isn’t the top-tier Huracán; rather, Huracán Trelew, a side in the fifth tier of Argentine football and the hometown club of Nico Bobadilla, who spent some time with Manurewa (guessing that’s the link). Trelew a city of 100,000, but in the ass end of nowhere so might be a bit of a culture shock
February 20, 2024 12:21
YoungHeartHM
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Could think or worse footballing setups to head over to and try make a go of things.

Unencumbered youth perhaps playing it's part? Even if it doesn't lead to anything permanent down the line, you'd bet he'd surely learn a few things both on and off the pitch simply from being immersed in the culture and environment.

Pretty damn cool to make it onto an exclusive list of Kiwis who have tried to make a go of it over in South America too. 

Kiwis continuing to make some intriguing moves. Hope it goes well for the lad. 👏
February 20, 2024 12:28
YoungHeartHM
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mrsmiis
coochiee
Gutsy move that. Deportivo Huracán are based in Buenos Aires so that should help, with settling in. Then get him into a Spanish language school. Manurewa had a few Latino players last season?
 
Importsnt to note that this isn’t the top-tier Huracán; rather, Huracán Trelew, a side in the fifth tier of Argentine football and the hometown club of Nico Bobadilla, who spent some time with Manurewa (guessing that’s the link). Trelew a city of 100,000, but in the ass end of nowhere so might be a bit of a culture shock

My wires have been well and truly crossed. 

Dropped the ball on this one guys. 😅
February 20, 2024 12:35 · Edited February 20, 2024 16:47
coochiee
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mrsmiis
coochiee
Gutsy move that. Deportivo Huracán are based in Buenos Aires so that should help, with settling in. Then get him into a Spanish language school. Manurewa had a few Latino players last season?
 
Importsnt to note that this isn’t the top-tier Huracán; rather, Huracán Trelew, a side in the fifth tier of Argentine football and the hometown club of Nico Bobadilla, who spent some time with Manurewa (guessing that’s the link). Trelew a city of 100,000, but in the ass end of nowhere so might be a bit of a culture shock

My wires have been well and trúly crossed. 😅

Okay that will be pretty different to BA. Still a bit like those kids at school who bravely went off for a year on AFS or Rotary exchanges. Learn a different culture & maybe language. This guy can play some football on the side. Knew a girl went to Hungary on AFS. Then 10 years later on our Kombi Van trip through Europe she went back to the same small city. Only downer was her host parents had gotten divorced. 
February 20, 2024 14:52
coochiee
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From Niche Cache. 20 yr old Marco Lorenz. 
Signs a deal in the Oberliga (German 5th tier).

https://www.instagram.com/p/C24V_Fktnsf/

Marco Lorenz had spent some weeks trialling around Germany during mid-2023. He was playing games for Werder Bremen’s U23s team, amongst other opportunities. But nothing permanent came of it so he returned to the Wellington Phoenix Academy, looked excellent in a couple of National League games... then disappeared again. Turns out he went back to Germany, linking up with BSV Rehden for a second trial after spending time with them in his first tour, and this time that contract has been offered.

BSV Coach Kristian Arambasic: “Marco bad already introduced himself to us in the summer of 2023. The timing wasn’t right back then. But now we get another great talent with a defender who is only 20-years-old. Marco is extremely willing to learn and lives like an absolute professional. He wants to make his way and he should do it with us for the next 1.5 years. His signing is a commitment for the future, but I also trust him immediately with efforts in the second half of this season.”

BSV Rehden’s first proper game of the year came last week away to Lupo-Martini Wolfsburg but they lost 2-0 with Lorenz not involved. They didn’t have a game this past round, the pitch got flooded, so they squeezed in a couple more friendlies instead. Not sure if Lorenz was involved because they didn’t publish line-ups but yeah nah that’s how things stand. BSV are currently ninth in the Lower Saxony region of the Oberliga, though with a couple of games in hand on most teams above them.
February 21, 2024 22:02
YoungHeartHM
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February 23, 2024 14:50
coochiee
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Big move, and the Canary Islands. Worse places to live.

Any reason why he wan't included in last year's NZ U17 WC squad?  
See he played the OFC qualifiers prior.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/konstantino-gorgiovski/887844/
February 23, 2024 15:05
YoungHeartHM
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coochiee
Big move, and the Canary Islands. Worse places to live.

Any reason why he wan't included in last year's NZ U17 WC squad?  
See he played the OFC qualifiers prior.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/konstantino-gorgiovski/887844/
No official reason - I guess you rarely ever get those when a player misses out on a squad.

Hopefully he hasn't decided to throw his hat in with North Macedonia? 
February 23, 2024 15:58
coochiee
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coochiee
Big move, and the Canary Islands. Worse places to live.

Any reason why he wan't included in last year's NZ U17 WC squad?  
See he played the OFC qualifiers prior.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/konstantino-gorgiovski/887844/
No official reason - I guess you rarely ever get those when a player misses out on a squad.

Hopefully he hasn't decided to throw his hat in with North Macedonia? 

Not English enough for Bullock's squad (tongue in cheek)?

He could look at North Macedonia. Seems he has parentage. Just under 2 years ago, their senior side knocked Italy out of 2022 WC qualifying, winning their playoff in Sicily 1-0. They recently drew 1-1 with England back in November. Not the weakest side in Europe, though getting to even 48 team World Cups would be tough for them.

Be interesting to see if he pops up in any of their U19/20 squads. Hopefully not.
February 23, 2024 16:47
YoungHeartHM
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Confirmation from his club that he's on the way out.

"Good luck master, all the best!"

Bloody good move. Now we just wait for the announcements. 🤝
February 23, 2024 22:41 · Edited February 23, 2024 22:47
Rusty Dunks
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19-year-old goalkeeper Vadym Patkevych has signed for Serbian SuperLiga club Radnički 1923 on pro terms. He was backup at Takapuna last season in the Northern League, and had previously spent time at Eastern Suburbs and Bay Olympic.

Looks to be the de-facto third choice GK. Soon to be two Kiwis in the Serbian top flight, nice!
 
At Manurewa now
March 16, 2024 17:56
coochiee
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From Niche Cache.

Dan McKay made his first start for Cobh Ramblers in a 2-2 draw with Bray Wanderers. He played 64 minutes in midfield before taking a seat, another step forward for the ex-Phoenix Academy lad. This was his third appearance overall after a couple of substitute spots.
April 03, 2024 01:08
newzealandpower
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I assume Norman Garbett has taken a year off, after not featuring for Piacenza Youth this season. Bit of a downer after his (then) recent exploits with the U20s (if I remember correctly).
I'm never a big fan of players taking time out (unless there's a good reason for it). Hopefully the gamble pays off and he finds a team for next season.
April 03, 2024 10:24
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newzealandpower
I assume Norman Garbett has taken a year off, after not featuring for Piacenza Youth this season. Bit of a downer after his (then) recent exploits with the U20s (if I remember correctly).
I'm never a big fan of players taking time out (unless there's a good reason for it). Hopefully the gamble pays off and he finds a team for next season.
There is always two ALM sides now he could fall back on to play for.
April 03, 2024 15:11
coochiee
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newzealandpower
I assume Norman Garbett has taken a year off, after not featuring for Piacenza Youth this season. Bit of a downer after his (then) recent exploits with the U20s (if I remember correctly).
I'm never a big fan of players taking time out (unless there's a good reason for it). Hopefully the gamble pays off and he finds a team for next season.
There is always two ALM sides now he could fall back on to play for.

Nix only seem interested now in Kiwis coming through their Academy. The Black Knights might yes look at him as a scholarship player.

The Garbetts are from Welly (Kapiti?), but their parents now live in Europe I think. Mum is French. Maybe Norman is trying to sort out a French passport or something, if he didn't already have one??

He scored that screamer to get the 1-0 win over Guatemala at U20, but from memories the reviews of him overall were a bit mixed. Not really that prominent apart from the goal first game up. Ben Wallace also scored a nice goal in the 2-2 draw verus Uzbekistan, but he's still playing for the Weenix, when most of the starting 11 in Argentina last year, have already moved onto bigger things.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2023/05/23/world/u20-world-cup/uzbekistan-u20/new-zealand-u20/4068150/
April 03, 2024 15:57 · Edited April 03, 2024 16:00
JUSTSAYING
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coochiee
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newzealandpower
I assume Norman Garbett has taken a year off, after not featuring for Piacenza Youth this season. Bit of a downer after his (then) recent exploits with the U20s (if I remember correctly).
I'm never a big fan of players taking time out (unless there's a good reason for it). Hopefully the gamble pays off and he finds a team for next season.
There is always two ALM sides now he could fall back on to play for.

Nix only seem interested now in Kiwis coming through their Academy. The Black Knights might yes look at him as a scholarship player.

The Garbetts are from Welly (Kapiti?), but their parents now live in Europe I think. Mum is French. Maybe Norman is trying to sort out a French passport or something, if he didn't already have one??

He scored that screamer to get the 1-0 win over Guatemala at U20, but from memories the reviews of him overall were a bit mixed. Not really that prominent apart from the goal first game up. Ben Wallace also scored a nice goal in the 2-2 draw verus Uzbekistan, but he's still playing for the Weenix, when most of the starting 11 in Argentina last year, have already moved onto bigger things.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2023/05/23/world/u20-world-cup/uzbekistan-u20/new-zealand-u20/4068150/

Ben Wallace has been at Auckland United since the start of the year!
April 03, 2024 16:05
coochiee
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Okay apologies. But effectively same same. Wallace hasn't (as yet) made the step up to a pro environment like many of that U20s team (esp Weenix guys) since have. LK-H, Hughes, Conchie, McKay, Donkers, Gray etc.
Surman & Paulsen were already with Nix senior squad.

Maybe Wallace is another who might get a scholarship deal with the Black Knights. Read somewhere Aaryan Raj (also with the NZ U20s last year) is rumoured to be a scholarship signee with the new ALM franchise.

I mean that's what we want the new Auckland team to do. Provide another pathway for young Kiwis. They can't all sign for the Nix, Europe ain't always paved with gold, and not everyone has a UK/Euro passport to make it a bit easier.


April 03, 2024 16:43 · Edited April 03, 2024 16:52
YoungHeartHM
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20 year old goalkeeper Lawton Green (formerly of Motherwell U18's, Motherwell B, and Greenock Morton) is close to finalising a deal with Malaysian Super League side Kuala Lumpur City FC.

Should be an announcement coming over the next little while.
April 15, 2024 08:42 · Edited April 15, 2024 08:45
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