No Academy..no problem. Doug Kors reveals the Auckland FC Plan.

Ever wondered who it was that decided on the Black Knights philosophy that fed into which players Auckland FC signed?

Tonight on Nice Drop of Port, we chat with Doug Kors, Head of Player Recruitment at Auckland FC, about building a squad from scratch and the club’s remarkable debut season. Doug shares insights into the recruitment strategy that prioritised a strong Kiwi core, balancing experience with emerging talent, and how a clear vision from the top helped create instant chemistry on and off the pitch. He talks about the importance of getting foreign signings right, the long hours behind the scenes, and why success is a whole-club effort.

Doug also lifts the lid on Auckland FC’s approach to youth development, explaining why the club opted against a traditional academy model and instead focuses on maintaining flexibility and wider community involvement. With an eye already on Years 3 and 4, Doug outlines how the club is identifying and nurturing young Kiwi talent, keeping doors open rather than locking players into rigid systems too early. It’s a fascinating look at what goes into building a football club—not just for now, but for the future.

We also look back at the last game against Western United and figure out who Auckland FC are most likely to face in the Semi Final playoffs.

Send us a text

Support the show