Celebrating the First Season and Looking Ahead to 2026
Hillcrest United made its debut on the local football scene in 2025. With the enthusiastic support and administrative expertise of Mr Matt Bryant, a highly committed group of First Eleven players, and the vision of Mr Michael Groom and Mr Josh Groom, the creation of the team became a reality.
Embracing the Joga bonito philosophy that underpins the First Eleven’s approach to football, Hillcrest United gave almost all First Eleven boys valuable exposure to the demands of playing in a men’s league. This was the primary purpose behind the team’s formation, and the players responded brilliantly. Their commitment to extra trainings and Saturday afternoon matches, along with their reliability and belief in the process, was exceptional. The team finished in the top half of the table in its inaugural season, a remarkable achievement, and this experience also contributed to the 1st XI’s success in the end-of-season school tournament. Their six wins from nine games at The Malcolm Cowie Tournament demonstrated how the competitiveness and physicality of the men’s league enhanced both individual development and overall team performance.
The addition of Mr Luke Kennedy and Ben Groom brought further experience and inspiration to the team culture, while Spirit of Football Trophy winners and Year 13 leavers Leo Wallace and Oisin Ballinger, alongside Year 13 captain Toby Robinson, provided leadership on and off the field.
Looking ahead, plans are already underway to build on the team’s performance and profile. Exciting news for 2026 is the addition of Futsal White Jordi Ditfort, an icon of Hillcrest football and futsal, whose joy, skill, and passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire the club and its players. The team’s second season will also see them enter New Zealand’s oldest national football trophy and premier men’s knockout tournament. There is no doubt that Hillcrest United has firmly established itself on the local football landscape, and the synergy between the First Eleven and the team will continue to positively influence and elevate the club’s performance and culture in 2026 and beyond.
