Tottenham Hotspur have arrived in Auckland ahead of their pre-season friendly against Auckland FC at Eden Park tomorrow, running football clinics for more than 100 young local players before the match.
Nearly 40,000 fans are expected at Eden Park on Sunday — the biggest football crowd in New Zealand since the country hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup three years ago.
Coaches from the Premier League club have been running clinics across Auckland this week.
"I couldn't sleep last night," one young player said of the clinic.
"Excited for just to have fun, just to meet the players and just enjoy the time here," said another.
"I've never really seen real footballers come to New Zealand, I guess," a third said.
You can catch the match live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 from 2.30pm tomorrow.
More than 100 young footballers got a taste of Premier League coaching this week as Tottenham Hotspur's squad settled into Auckland ahead of their pre-season friendly against Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday. (Source: 1News)
Tottenham global football development coach Shannon Moloney said the sessions were designed to be inclusive.
"To deliver our Tottenham Hotspur football philosophy, we try and adapt it so every single player can get involved," Moloney said.
"To be here and show the children in New Zealand what we do at Tottenham Hotspur almost feels like a bit of Tottenham Hotspur here in New Zealand."
Moloney, who previously visited New Zealand in 2023, said the growth of the game locally had been noticeable.
"When I was here in 2023 to now, I've actually heard a statistic to say that more children under the age of 10 are playing football than rugby," he said. "So it's really, really important that legacy football in New Zealand has carried on."
Tottenham defender Ben Davies said the club's global following made the visit worthwhile.
"We're lucky that we play for a team that's supported around the world, so when you come out to somewhere like Auckland and you see there's people in the Spurs shirts, it's an awesome feeling," Davies said.
"So yeah, to get to come out, give back, promote the club — it's cool."
Spurs players say they're embracing the chance to play the reigning A-League champions. Forward Dominic Solanke said he was looking forward to his first visit.
"It'll be a good game — obviously, like I said, I haven't been here before, so I don't know too much, but we're looking forward to it," Solanke said.
"We have a big team here, so it would be good to play, and especially play in front of all the fans here as well."
Midfielder Conor Gallagher said the club felt pressure to perform on the tour.
"We're a top club and one of the best in England, so we're gonna give our best for the game, and I'm sure it'll be a good match," Gallagher said.
You can catch the match live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 from 2.30pm tomorrow.
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