How do you celebrate having a historic debut season as a football club? If you’re Auckland FC, you do so by creating a very special limited-edition LP.
Announced today (May 22nd), Record Season is an LP capturing eight (amongst many) of the most defining moments from the nascent club’s inaugural A-League season – from six consecutive wins and a 532-minute defensive streak to the roar of the home crowd at Go Media Stadium.
The special vinyl was pressed at local spot Holiday Records, and only 150 hand-numbered copies are available – a limited-edition gift from founding sponsor ANZ Bank to the fans that rallied behind them in huge numbers this season.
According to a press release, “this isn’t just merch – it’s a moment.”
“By immortalising football highlights on wax, ANZ is spotlighting the grassroots energy, emerging culture, and deep pride Auckland FC has sparked in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s a tribute to a new era in football fandom – one where music, sport, and community intersect,” the description adds.
Record Season marks another record in Auckland FC’s incredible inaugural season: it’s the first vinyl release celebrating a football club’s debut season in New Zealand.
“AFC have given this city a much-needed boost of energy, fostering a sense of pride and community, and we’re really proud to have supported them since day one,” says Antonia Watson, CEO at ANZ.
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AFC CEO Nick Becker adds: “This season has been about more than football; it’s been about building something our city can believe in.
“From the roar of the crowd to those spine-tingling moments on the pitch, Record Season captures the heartbeat of our debut year. ANZ has been with us every step of the way, and we’re delighted with ANZ’s tribute.”
If you’re not one of the lucky 150 that get their hands on the vinyl, Record Season is also available to stream via Spotify and Rova, bringing Auckland FC’s debut season to fans across Aotearoa and the rest of the world.
But enough about the music – what about the actual football?
Tāmaki Makaurau has quickly fallen in love with its new club as it’s cantered to the A-League semi-finals. After becoming Premier champions at the first time of asking, Auckland FC will face Melbourne Victory for a second time this Saturday (May 24th) after securing a tough 1-0 away win in Australia in the first leg.
If they see off Victory, the club will compete in the Grand Final on Saturday, May 31st, with the chance at completing an unprecedented debut season on the line.
Expect Saturday’s semi-final second leg to be a feisty encounter, though, following Victory player Daniel Arzani’s comments on Auckland FC’s playing style.
“[Auckland are] a little bit, in my opinion, one dimensional with their play,” he said after the first leg. “If we can overcome that first hurdle of getting on the ball higher up on the pitch in 1v1 situations we can give it a good crack this weekend.”
As per 1News, AFC CEO Nick Becker was having none of Arzani’s sour words.
“We were the fastest team to score 50 goals and broke a few other records this season, I think ‘one dimensional’ is a bit unfair,” he said.
“When you’re on the wrong side of a 1-nil loss at home in front of your home fans you’re going to be a bit upset and come out and say a few silly things. Hopefully those words come back and bite him in the proverbial.”
