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RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Battle over how much cash Auckland City players will get from Club World Cup
Players from Auckland City FC celebrate after their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game against CA Boca Juniors. Photo: ALEX GRIMM / AFP They earned $6 million as a participation fee as the Oceania representative, and then picked up a further $1.6 million for their draw with Argentinean side Boca Juniors in their last group game. But Auckland City general manager Gordon Watson said the exact breakdown of the prize money was yet to be determined. "We are in mediation with New Zealand Football over the destiny of the prize money," Watson told RNZ. New Zealand Football said in a statement "while the exact amounts are commercially sensitive, a portion of the FIFA Club World Cup prize money goes to Auckland City FC and an amount is also allocated to support the sustainability of clubs in our National League system." Watson indicated to RNZ that he felt the players should receive some form of payout. However, he said there are strict regulations around payments to National League players who can only receive expenses. The Auckland squad is made up players with regular jobs including teachers, community coaches, sales reps and warehouse workers. The club qualified for the tournament as Oceania Champions League winners. From 2026, the new Oceania Pro-League will decide the qualifier. The clubs are yet to be finalised but Watson said Auckland City hasn't applied. Auckland City are the Club World Cup tournament's record appearance holders with 13 appearances. The prize money ballooned this year when the tournament expanded to 32 teams and had a total prize pool of $1.6 billion. Previously, Auckland City has used some of their prize money to develop the game in the community including a coaching programme and facilities at nearby Mt Roskill Intermediate School. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The National
7 days ago
- The National
New bus service for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park launches
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority have announced that The Trossachs Explorer will return next month, giving passengers the opportunity to explore some of the best parts of the region. The service will run from July 7 to October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that welcomed more than 5000 passengers. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE: Oasis reveals fan shop location and opening times ahead of Edinburgh show The service will also co-ordinate timetables linking existing bus routes to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. Gordon Watson, chief executive at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, welcomed the service as he said it will help tackle the number of cars that visit the area every day. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) He said: 'Following the success of last year's service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer – helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. 'The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. 'Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership.' All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets will cost £16 for up to five people, and passengers can also purchase a seven-journey saver ticket for £25 and under 22s and over 60s can travel for free with a National Entitlement Card. The service will be operated by McColls and is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) Councillor Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. 'There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. 'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.'
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Popular bus service returns to National Park this summer
LLTNPA said this year's expanded service draws on extensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, when 91% of surveyed passengers said they would use the shuttle bus again. New improvements include an extension to the route, now starting from Drymen, better connections to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses, LLTNPA added. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE The service features improved connectivity with coordinated timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. The service, operated this year by local company McColls, will trial further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of ongoing efforts by the National Park Authority to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures and help visitors and residents connect and protect the National Park's special environment. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park.' The Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus (Image: LLTTNP) Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. 'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.' Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, said: 'We're proud to be operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, helping connect communities and visitors across one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes. This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. 'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network. It's great to see growing momentum behind sustainable rural transport, and we're delighted to be part of that story in the Trossachs.' The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund. More information about The Trossachs Explorer, including timetables, prices and route details, is available on the National Park Authority website at
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Daily Record
Sustainable bus service to resume in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer
The Trossachs Explorer bus service is set to return to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer - and will be bigger and better than ever A popular eco-friendly bus service is set to make a comeback in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for the bustling summer period. The Trossachs Explorer service will run from Monday, July 7, until Sunday, October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that saw over 5,000 passengers use the bus. This year's enhanced service builds upon comprehensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, with 91% of surveyed passengers expressing their intent to use the shuttle bus again. New imnprovements include an extended route, now commencing from Drymen, improved links to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses. Two modern, low-emission buses will operate seven-days-a-week between Drymen and Callander, making stops at popular tourist spots such as Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). The service boasts improved connectivity with synchronised timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets are priced at £16 for up to five individuals and passengers can also opt for a seven-journey saver ticket for £25. Those under 22 and over 60 can travel free with a National Entitlement Card. The Trossachs Explorer service, operated this year by local travel firm McColls, is set to undergo further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of the National Park Authority's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable travel options. The aim is to reduce congestion, alleviate parking pressures, and facilitate connections between visitors, residents, and the National Park's unique environment. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park." Climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Less Waste Laura has praised the return of The Trossachs Explorer service, adding: "I used the service last year, and being able to make my way entirely via public transport from my home in Dundee to enjoy a stunning hike up Ben A'an before hopping on the bus again to enjoy a much-needed coffee in Brig O'Turk, and then making my way home again via Callander was fantastic! "The Trossachs Explorer is such a strong example of the vital importance of well-connected, sustainable transport in rural areas. Reducing carbon emissions, congestion on roads, car parks and air pollution, while increasing the opportunities for everyone to connect with beauty spots across the National Park – I'm already looking forward to getting back on board this summer." Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, stated: "The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. "Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities." Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, expressed his pride in operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, adding: " This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. "Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network." The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Auckland City FC: `We're the underdog of underdogs of underdogs' in Club World Cup
Looking for an underdog team to root for during the Club World Cup? Look no further than Auckland City FC, a New Zealand semi-pro team whose roster includes a schoolteacher, real estate agent, forklift driver, soft drink salesman, and roof cleaner. They took monthlong leaves from their day jobs to participate in the tournament and they play their opening match Sunday at noon against German giant Bayern Munich at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Bayern is expected to sit some of its starters, as several will have just arrived in the United States from national team duty in the past few days. 'For us, it's an adventure,' Auckland's general manager Gordon Watson said during a pre-tournament visit to Miami. 'We're normal people doing a very extraordinary thing at an event that's going to be epic.' Watson feels the New Zealand club will resonate with middle America, and particularly in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Auckland City chose to have its home base camp during the tournament. 'We're the underdog of underdogs of underdogs,' he said. 'We've got players on our team who are real estate agents, they sell soft drinks, we have schoolteachers, all these types of vocations. They make a lot of sacrifices to play three games a week for months on end.' The club plans to use much of the prize money it earns to help fund a community initiative with the Mount Roskill Intermediate School. The mission is to build state-of-the-art sports facilities for the community with the aim of developing young players on and off the field. 'The most important thing for our football club is to be sustainable in the long term, so being part of a competition like this can only help raise awareness of what it is that we do and what we stand for in our community,' Watson said. 'Hopefully, one day we can establish an all-weather playing surface, which for our club is a very ambitious project. Compared to the other 31 clubs here, this sounds like a very small, small project, but not for us.' This is Auckland's 12th Club World Cup appearance. The team qualified as the top Oceania Champions League winners over a four-year ranking and is the only Club World Cup team that is not a full-time professional team. They landed in a difficult Club World Cup group and will be heavy underdogs against Bayern Munich, Portugal's Benfica, and Argentina's Boca Juniors. 'It's something that's been on our minds since the start of the year,' forward Harris Zeb said about facing Bayern. 'We're counting down the days now. Playing against guys like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala – that's the dream. As a kid, these are the players you watch. Now we're preparing to face them.' Forward Ryan De Vries added: 'Bayern Munich is a massive team, we've seen them in Champions League, seen them dominate their league, so to play our first game against them is something special. We've got to enjoy every minute because it comes along once in a lifetime.' As for their team's expectation, DeVries said, 'Look, football is a funny game. Football gives you so many opportunities to achieve a lot of things that, maybe, you think as a team or as a player you couldn't. So, it's really about what we do with the situation. I mean, it's already a massive opportunity for us, we get to represent our country and our region. So, I mean, the world is our oyster, really.' All the Auckland players have 9-to-5 jobs, train four nights a week and play matches on weekends. 'It's a big challenge for a lot of us,' De Vries said. 'Some of the boys have kids, so you don't get to see your kids as often, because you see them in the morning, and then you get home 9:30 or 10, and then you've got to do it all over again. But, it's a sacrifice that we make as players. We're grateful and honored to be a part of this Club World Cup. And, yes, being the only amateur team is difficult, but it's also a ride that we're used to, and we'll enjoy every step of it.'
