Central United Football Club

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Central United Football Club The Official page of Central United FC. Established 1962. NZ Club of the Year 1994, 1996 & 1997.

Five-time Chatham Cup Winners, Two-time National League Champions, Four-time Northern Premier League Champions. Central Soccer Club came about in 1962, following the efforts of a group of young Dalmatian immigrants. They gathered together each weekend, seeking support from each other's company, having been subjected to the twin torments of language difficulties and cultural differences at the respective places of employment during the week. Their passion for football, which remained with them despite having left their homeland, was the key to the club being formed. Because the club had no junior teams, central played in the lowest senior grade for the first four years of the club's existence, and consequently remained at that level, despite winning the championship on each occasion. Throughout the 1970s, Central picked up four championships and six second placings, but the continued lack of junior teams within the club meant their efforts weren't recognised by way of promotion to higher grades. However this situation was to change in the following decade, as Central, now with a junior section to their name, began their meteoric rise to the upper echelons of New Zealand soccer. They surged up through the Northern League grades rising from Division Four to the Premier League in a five year period from 1984. A hiccup was recorded in 1990, when Central were relegated back to Division One. One season later, Central proudly displayed the First Division championship in their trophy cabinet. This was followed up with third place in the 1992 Bluebird Northern Premier League, and promotion to the newly-created Winfield Superclub competition for 1993. In this, they finished fifth a more than satisfactory return from their first campaign amongst the "big boys", and an obvious springboard from which to launch the clubs recent success.

A MESSAGE FROM DENNIS KATSANOS πŸ’›πŸ’›β€œHi everyone, I don’t usually get on Facebook, but after being sent the lovely post fro...
09/10/2026

A MESSAGE FROM DENNIS KATSANOS πŸ’›πŸ’›

β€œHi everyone, I don’t usually get on Facebook, but after being sent the lovely post from Central United and reading all your kind comments, I just wanted to jump on and say a massive thank you. I’ve been genuinely blown away.

I’ve often said to people that I’ve probably got more out of coaching than the kids I’ve coached. I’ve been so lucky to meet some amazing families over the years and to have been a small part of their kids’ lives as they’ve grown up. It’s something I’ll always treasure and has been incredibly rewarding for me and my family.

When I moved to Auckland around 2000, Central United welcomed me in and it’s been a big part of my life ever since. It’s always felt like more than just a football club to me. It’s a community where I’ve built lifelong friendships and met so many good people. Looking back on more than 20 years of playing and 13 years of coaching, I wouldn’t change any of it - it has been amazing.

They call football the beautiful game, and I know that’s usually because of what happens on the pitch, but for me I reckon the real beauty of football is the people you meet and the relationships you build along the way.

That’s certainly what it’s been for me.

Thanks again to everyone for your lovely messages and to the Central United family for making me and my family feel part of something very special all these years.

Hopefully I’ll see a few of you at the game tomorrow.”

Dennis Katsanos
9 October 2026

THANK YOU DENNY K β€” A TRUE CENTRAL UNITED CHAMPION! πŸ’›πŸ’›For more than twenty years, Dennis Katsanos has poured his heart a...
07/10/2026

THANK YOU DENNY K β€” A TRUE CENTRAL UNITED CHAMPION! πŸ’›πŸ’›

For more than twenty years, Dennis Katsanos has poured his heart and soul into Central United as a coach, player and tireless club volunteer. This Saturday, we’re proud to celebrate someone who embodies the spirit of Kiwitea Street.

For the past decade, Dennis has coached his son Cruz’s team, the Central Coyotes, guiding the boys from their first footballing steps as five-year-old First Kicks players. What a journey β€” and what an outstanding commitment to a generation of young Central footballers!

Since moving to Auckland from Wellington, Dennis has also been a stalwart of numerous Central senior sides. His family’s roots run even deeper, with wife Melissa (Pavlovich) and her family’s association stretching back to the club’s earliest days in 1962.

And then there’s the contribution beyond the pitch. We’ve lost count of the club events and prizegivings that Denny - a former head of football at Sky Sport - has MC’d. Whenever a helping hand is needed, his answer is invariably β€œyes”. People like Dennis are the backbone of a strong club, giving their time, energy and enthusiasm to make it all happen.

This Saturday at Kiwitea Street, Dennis will proudly present the Mediterranean Cup to the winning captain following the eagerly awaited clash between Auckland City FC and Wellington Olympic β€” the Wellington club he represented in his youth. It’s a fitting honour for the man whose family originally donated this special trophy, celebrating the football, heritage and community that connect our clubs.

Denny K, you’re a champion! We’re proud to have you in the Central United family, and we thank you for your incredible contribution and many years of service at Kiwitea Street.

STRENGTH IN UNITY! πŸ’›πŸ’›

VALE KEVIN PASCOE πŸ•ŠοΈ Our deepest condolences go out to former Central United and Auckland City FC defender Shane Pascoe,...
05/10/2026

VALE KEVIN PASCOE πŸ•ŠοΈ

Our deepest condolences go out to former Central United and Auckland City FC defender Shane Pascoe, his brother Glen, and the entire Pascoe family following the sudden passing of their father, Kevin Pascoe, last Saturday.

Shane was an outstanding young footballer who made 66 first-team appearances for Central United, scoring twice, and was a member of Central’s 2004 Northern Premier League championship-winning side.

Later that same year, Shane aged 19, became a foundation player for Auckland City FC, joining the squad for the inaugural New Zealand Football Championship in 2004/05. City went on to claim the championship in its first season, although Shane’s campaign was sadly cut short when he suffered a serious double leg break against Team Wellington at Kiwitea Street on 5 February 2005.

Shane made 15 appearances for Auckland City, scoring once, before later continuing his career with cross-town rivals Waitakere United.

The Pascoe family has a long connection with our local football community, and at this incredibly difficult time, everyone at Central United and Auckland City FC sends their love, thoughts and deepest sympathies to Shane, Glen and their family.

Rest in peace, Kevin. ❀️

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·πŸ†πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· THE MEDITERRANEAN CUP IS HERE!Two of New Zealand football’s domestic powerhouses go head-to-head at Kiwitea Street...
05/10/2026

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·πŸ†πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· THE MEDITERRANEAN CUP IS HERE!

Two of New Zealand football’s domestic powerhouses go head-to-head at Kiwitea Street this Saturday as Auckland City FC welcome Wellington Olympic for an eagerly awaited Round 3 clash in the 2026 NZ National League Championship.

But this one carries a little extra meaning.

The Mediterranean Cup celebrates the proud heritage behind these clubs and the communities that have helped shape their stories β€” the strong Croatian foundations of Kiwitea Street, shared by Auckland City FC and Central United πŸ‡­πŸ‡·, and Wellington Olympic’s proud Greek heritage πŸ‡¬πŸ‡·.

For generations, Central United and Auckland City have carried that Croatian connection at Kiwitea Street, where football, family, culture and community have always gone hand in hand. Wellington Olympic has its own rich story, born from Wellington’s Greek community and developing into one of the country’s most respected football clubs.

Different cultures. Different histories. The same passion for football.

On Saturday, two clubs with outstanding records in the New Zealand game meet again with valuable National League points on the line β€” and the Mediterranean Cup up for grabs!

πŸ† MEDITERRANEAN CUP
AUCKLAND CITY FC vs WELLINGTON OLYMPIC
NZ National League Championship – Round 3
πŸ“… Saturday 10 October 2026
πŸ“ Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
⏰ 3pm KO
🎟️ ENTRY IS FREE

Come down to Kiwitea Street, bring your family and friends and enjoy an afternoon celebrating football, heritage, culture and community.

Croatian heritage πŸ‡­πŸ‡· meets Greek heritage πŸ‡¬πŸ‡·.
Auckland meets Wellington.
Two powerhouse clubs. One special occasion. One Cup.

THE MEDITERRANEAN CUP β€” LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE! πŸ†βš½πŸ”₯

STRENGTH IN UNITY! πŸ’›πŸ’›

POSA REFLECTS ON A MEMORABLE CRO TOURNEY πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½οΈCentral United Head Coach Paul Posa was pleased with his side’s performance...
28/09/2026

POSA REFLECTS ON A MEMORABLE CRO TOURNEY πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½οΈ

Central United Head Coach Paul Posa was pleased with his side’s performances at the Croatian Soccer Tournament in Melbourne, while admitting there was also a sense of frustration at how close they came to progressing further.

β€œIn our last two games, the guys executed the game plan to perfection against two very good opponents. We pushed forward strongly in the final 10 minutes of both matches and created a number of opportunities, but unfortunately that late winner eluded us on both occasions.

β€œOverall, it was a very satisfying tournament, although slightly frustrating because we came so close. It was great for the players to experience a different style of football, different playing surfaces and different opponents.

β€œMost importantly, it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved and a great time was had both on and off the field.”

Central United would also like to extend a huge thank you to our hosts in Melbourne for the wonderful hospitality shown to our players, coaches and travelling party throughout the tournament. We greatly appreciated the warm welcome and everything that was done to make our time in Melbourne such an enjoyable one.

It was fantastic for Central United to once again experience the Cro Tourney β€” an event that is about so much more than just football.

It is a wonderful celebration of Croatian culture, heritage and community, bringing Croatian clubs together from across Australia and New Zealand and renewing the friendships and connections that have been built over generations.

For our team, it was a privilege to be part of that atmosphere again β€” competing hard on the field, enjoying the camaraderie off it and celebrating the Croatian heritage and friendships that make this tournament so special.

We leave Melbourne with plenty of great memories, some new friendships and an even greater appreciation of what the Cro Tourney represents.

Hvala Melbourne β€” until next time! πŸ‡­πŸ‡·πŸ’™πŸ’›

Sloga je Moć — Strength in Unity!

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώβš½οΈ HISTORY MADE IN CHINA β€” ALL WHITES WIN 3–0! βš½οΈπŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏA huge congratulations to the New Zealand All Whites after a superb...
27/09/2026

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώβš½οΈ HISTORY MADE IN CHINA β€” ALL WHITES WIN 3–0! βš½οΈπŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

A huge congratulations to the New Zealand All Whites after a superb 3–0 victory over China in Chongqing last night!

Goals from Tyler Bindon (4’), Ben Waine (29’) and Owen Parker-Price (82’) completed an emphatic performance and a memorable night for New Zealand football.

And there was history attached to this one β€” New Zealand recording a victory over China on Chinese soil for the first time ever in a rivalry stretching back more than seven decades. πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏπŸ‘

Young Stipe Ukich continued his exciting introduction to senior international football, entering the fray in the 79th minute for Logan Rogerson. Just three minutes later the All Whites had their third, with Ukich involved in the attacking move that ultimately saw Owen Parker-Price head home the rebound for his first senior international goal.

What a week it continues to be for Stipe β€” from earning his first All Whites cap against Palestine to getting more valuable international minutes in a historic victory over China. πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡­πŸ‡·

And there’s no time to stop!

The All Whites now head to Japan for the Kirin Cup, where they face Panama this Thursday, 1 October, at 7.10pm NZT at Yokohama International Stadium.

The match will be shown live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN and TVNZ.

CHINA 0–3 NEW ZEALAND πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

⚽ Bindon 4’
⚽ Waine 29’
⚽ Parker-Price 82’

History made. Another clean sheet. Another step forward.

Congratulations to Darren Bazeley, Stipe and the entire All Whites squad β€” bring on Panama! πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏπŸ”₯

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ THREE LIVE GAMES IN A WEEK β€” COME ON YOU ALL WHITES! ⚽πŸ”₯The international action keeps coming thick and fast for the N...
26/09/2026

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ THREE LIVE GAMES IN A WEEK β€” COME ON YOU ALL WHITES! ⚽πŸ”₯

The international action keeps coming thick and fast for the New Zealand All Whites, with three matches in just eight days as the squad continues its international programme across China and Japan.

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ NEW ZEALAND v CHINA PR πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³
πŸ“… Monday 28 September
⏰ 12:35am NZT
πŸ“ Longxing Football Stadium, Chongqing

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ NEW ZEALAND v PANAMA πŸ‡΅πŸ‡¦
πŸ“… Thursday 1 October
⏰ 7:10pm NZT
πŸ“ Yokohama International Stadium, Japan

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ NEW ZEALAND v ECUADOR/JAPAN πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¨πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅
πŸ“… Monday 5 October
⏰ Kick-off TBC
πŸ“ National Stadium, Tokyo

Three games. Three very different challenges. And another valuable opportunity for this new All Whites squad to test itself on the international stage as the β€˜Road to 2030’ begins. πŸ’ͺπŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Best of all, all three matches will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ via DAZN and TVNZ’s Duke and TVNZ+.

Clear the diary β€” it’s going to be a huge week of All Whites football!

βšͺ⚫ COME ON NEW ZEALAND! πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώβš½

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½ SO CLOSE FOR CENTRAL IN MELBOURNE! βš½πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏCentral United’s run at the 52nd Australian & New Zealand Croatian Soccer Tour...
25/09/2026

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½ SO CLOSE FOR CENTRAL IN MELBOURNE! βš½πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Central United’s run at the 52nd Australian & New Zealand Croatian Soccer Tournament has come to an agonising end after the boys narrowly missed out on progressing to the knockout stages.

Going into today’s final Group B match against Dandenong City, the equation was simple:

WIN β€” and Central would finish second and qualify for the quarter-final playoff match.

In a tense and fiercely competitive encounter, Central pushed hard for the goal that would keep their tournament alive, but unfortunately it just wouldn’t come.

The final whistle sounded at 0–0.

One goal. One win. A place in the quarter final playoff.

That was how close it was.

In the other Group B match, HNK Strathmore Split defeated HNK Kralj Tomislav 1–0, leaving Central and Kralj Tomislav level on two points, with Dandenong progressing to the playoff match in second place on three.

FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:

HNK Strathmore Split β€” 7 pts
Dandenong City β€” 3 pts
Central United - 2 pts
HNK Kralj Tomislav β€” 2 pts

There will naturally be disappointment because the opportunity was there. Central were very competitive throughout the tournament, losing only once in three group matches, but unfortunately couldn’t find that crucial goal when it mattered most.

But this trip was about much more than simply the results.

Central United became the first men’s team from New Zealand to compete at the tournament since 2019, and after such a long absence it was fantastic to see the club back participating in this great celebration of Croatian football, culture, friendship and community from across Australia and New Zealand. πŸ‡­πŸ‡·πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

It was great to be involved again!

The experience gained by head coach Paul Posa and the players β€” both on and off the pitch β€” will only benefit this Central side, and hopefully this is just the beginning as the club looks to return again next year, stronger and better for the experience.

A huge congratulations to everyone who represented Central United, Kiwitea Street and our New Zealand Croatian community in Melbourne.

The quarter-final playoff may have been only one goal away, but it’s been great to have Central United back at the Cro Tourney!

And finally a very BIG thank you to our hosts in Melbourne, your hospitality has been amazing!

πŸ’›πŸ’› PONOSNI NA NAΕ E DEČKE! πŸ’›πŸ’›

πŸ‡­πŸ‡· SLOGA JE MOΔ†!
STRENGTH IN UNITY!

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ A DREAM REALISED β€” STIPE UKICH IS AN ALL WHITE! πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏWhat a moment. What a journey. And what an incredibly proud night f...
24/09/2026

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ A DREAM REALISED β€” STIPE UKICH IS AN ALL WHITE! πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

What a moment. What a journey. And what an incredibly proud night for everyone at Central United FC! πŸ’›πŸ’›

A massive congratulations to Stipe Ukich, who tonight made his senior international debut for the New Zealand All Whites against Palestine in Chongqing, China.

Stipe entered the action in the 66th minute, earning his first senior cap as New Zealand played out a 2–2 draw with Palestine.

For those of us at Kiwitea Street, this is a particularly special moment.

From wearing the colours of Central United as a youngster, developing his game at Kiwitea Street and progressing to Auckland City FC’s first team, to playing professionally in Croatia β€” and now pulling on the famous shirt of the All Whites.

Another huge milestone in what has already been a remarkable 2026 for the young Kiwi-Croatian. πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡­πŸ‡·

Tonight, Stipe joins that special group of footballers connected to our clubs and Kiwitea Street who have gone on to represent New Zealand at senior international level.

The whole Central United family could not be prouder.

Congratulations Stipe β€” ALL WHITE #650 and now a senior international footballer!

And something tells us this is only the beginning…πŸ”₯

From Kiwitea Street to the All Whites β€” dreams really do come true.

STRENGTH IN UNITY! πŸ’›πŸ’›
SLOGA JE MOΔ†! πŸ’›πŸ’›

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½ CENTRAL ALIVE AND KICKING IN MELBOURNE! βš½πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏCentral United’s campaign at the 52nd Australian & New Zealand Croatian S...
24/09/2026

πŸ‡­πŸ‡·βš½ CENTRAL ALIVE AND KICKING IN MELBOURNE! βš½πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Central United’s campaign at the 52nd Australian & New Zealand Croatian Soccer Tournament is very much alive after a tough opening day of Men’s Division 2 action in Melbourne!

Central opened their Group B campaign against co-hosts HNK Strathmore Split, going down 2–0 in a challenging first-up assignment.

But the boys responded strongly in their second match against HNK Kralj Tomislav, battling their way to a hard-earned 0–0 draw and picking up a valuable first point of the tournament.

After two matches, Group B remains wide open:

HNK Strathmore Split β€” 4 pts
HNK Kralj Tomislav β€” 2 pts
Dandenong City β€” 2 pts
CENTRAL UNITED - 1 pt

πŸ”₯πŸ”₯ AND NOW IT ALL COMES DOWN TO TOMORROW! πŸ”₯πŸ”₯

Central complete their group campaign against Dandenong City on Friday at 6:00pm NZT, in what shapes as a massive match with places in the Men’s Division 2 quarter-finals on the line.

In the other final Group B fixture HNK Strathmore Split take on HNK Kralj Tomislav.

The top-placed team in each of the five groups along with the highest-ranked second team automatically qualify for the quarterfinals while the remaining four second-placed sides play off for the final two spots in the last eight.

With every team in the group still having all to play for, it promises to be a HUGE final round tomorrow.

From Kiwitea Street to Melbourne, we’re right behind Paul and our boys!

ONE MORE BIG PUSH, CENTRAL! πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ‡­πŸ‡·πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

STRENGTH IN UNITY! ❀️
SLOGA JE MOΔ†! ❀️

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47a, Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland
1041

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