Tāmaki Makaurau , NEW ZEALAND – Māori Football Aotearoa acknowledges the achievement of 14-year-old goalkeeper Benjamin Darrin Orchard (Ngāti Rangiwewehi), who has been formally accepted into the Wellington Phoenix Academy for 2026.
This is a significant milestone for a young Māori footballer and highlights the growing presence of Māori athletes entering elite development pathways in Aotearoa.
For Benji, football has always been about more than performance. It is identity, whakapapa and whānau.
“When I wear the Māori shirt, I’m not just representing myself. I’m representing my whānau and my tūpuna,” he says. “Everyone plays for their whakapapa, and the mana on the field is stronger.”
Benji’s journey began at age three, driven first by his father Darrin and sharpened by backyard battles with his older brother Cam. He later discovered his calling in goal.
“I enjoyed the pressure of being in goal,” he says. “Trying to save my brother’s shots made me want to keep improving.”
His club pathway includes development at Fencibles, Eastern Suburbs, Central United and Auckland City FC, along with international youth exposure in China, Melbourne and South Korea.
Benji’s introduction to Māori Football Aotearoa came through whānau. His father coached and his brother played in national age-group sides.
His own debut came at the Pacific Cup in Ōtāhuhu with the Māori U-15s, finishing second in a tournament defined by cultural pride and competitive intensity. He also scored a memorable free-kick that caught the eye of supporters in attendance.
Entry into the Wellington Phoenix Academy now positions Benji among a small cohort of New Zealand youth players entering a genuine professional development pipeline. The academy serves as the bridge between amateur youth football and the professional game in the A-League and abroad.
“This is the beginning of my dream to become a professional footballer,” he says. “I want to represent my country and my culture on the international stage.”
His whānau are proud of both the achievement and the sacrifice it demands.
“I’m proud of him for taking the opportunities available now to chase his football dreams,” says father Darrin Orchard.
Mother Jacqui adds, “I am super proud of Benji starting his journey to becoming the best version of himself.”
His brother Cam notes, “He’s representing his whakapapa and showing what it means to be Māori.”
Benji recognises that with achievement comes sacrifices.
“My whānau is proud to see me chasing my dream, but it’s also emotional for them because I’ll be moving away to another city at a young age. Even so, they support me 100%.
Coaches have also endorsed his potential.
“Coaching Benji has been a pleasure,” says Reon Werahiko. “He works hard, sets high standards and has big aspirations.
“This opportunity is a product of his commitment but its important to remember that he is only just getting started and there is a lot of hard work in front of him.”
Māori Football Aotearoa board member and Auckland City FC general manager Gordon Watson says Benji’s progression is something Māori in football should be proud of.
“Making the breakthrough into the Wellington Phoenix Academy is a good achievement for Benji and he should be proud of himself.
“Everyone at Auckland City FC should also be proud that one of our youngsters has shown qualities that have lifted him to another level.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead of Benji and I’m sure he’ll grasp his opportunity and continue to do himself, his whānau, his tupuna proud.”
Benji credits not only football coaching, but mental preparation. Performance coach David Niethe encouraged him to sharpen his goals:
“Be as specific as possible when you’re setting your goal. The clearer your language and vision, the more likely you are to achieve it.”
His message to younger Māori footballers is simple:
“Believe in yourself. If you want something, chase it with everything you have.”
For Māori Football Aotearoa, Benji’s achievement reinforces an emerging pattern: more Māori players are gaining recognition, high-performance access and elite pathway opportunities in the sport.
With talent, identity and whānau behind him, Benji now has the platform to pursue his dream — and to carry Māori representation into the highest levels of football.
Ends
Story as told by Reon Werahiko to MFA Media
Image courtesy New Zealand Football
