The Wellington Phoenix have promoted another pair of players from the academy.
Luke Mitchell and Dylan Gardiner, both 20, have both been rewarded with their maiden pro contracts.
Midfielder Mitchell has signed a three-year deal, with the first two years on scholarship terms, while Gardiner has penned a one-year scholarship contract.
16 of the 24-strong men’s squad are now player who have progressed from the Phoenix academy.
Head coach Chris Greenacre believes the deals are richly deserved.
“In pre-season, all teams are looking at academy players and they’ve both not looked out of place,” he said.
“Over a couple of years, both players have shown a lot of consistency in how they’ve played.
“Both come from really good families and are a privilege to work with.
“They’ve also had time in Ricki Herbert’s academy, and we thank both him and all their other previous clubs.
“The Nix have the best pathway in this part of the world and they’re just the next two cabs off the rank.”
Mitchell joined the Nix academy in 2025 after spells with Cambridge FC, Hamilton Wanderers, and Eastern Suburbs.
He has already got A-League gametime, being thrown into the starting XI against Melbourne Victory and impressing.
“It was up there with one of the best debuts I’ve ever seen throughout my career.
He never looked out of place, and he’s had a really strong pre-season, scored a lot of goals and really couldn’t do any more.
“We tried to sign him probably a year or so before he actually signed in the academy. He decided to stay back and do his schoolwork, which is really important.
“As soon as I knew he was available we had to get him here, and he’s improved no end.”
Dylan Gardiner joined the academy three years ago via Taupō FC, Cambridge FC, and Hamilton Wanderers.
He has been on the bench for the first two A-League Men games, and Greenacre has high praise for him too.
“Dylan’s a really steady centre-back, good defender.
“He’s comfortable on the ball, capable of playing on the left and right hand side. Having adaptable attributes is great.
“Most importantly, he’s really coachable. He takes everything really seriously, he’s analysing clips of his games and performances every week, he’s asking questions.
“He’s consistent with his work off the pitch and has a professional’s mentality without having been a pro. They’re the type of characters you want in the building.”
Luke Mitchell is rapt to step into the professional ranks.
“It’s a dream come true since I was a kid,” he said. “I’ve been working towards this my whole life.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs. At one point I was almost going to quit playing football, so it’s been a long time coming but I’m glad it’s done. The hard work starts now.
“It [the debut] was probably the best day of my life. Seeing the Yellow Fever out there, how loud they were, and getting the win, it was surreal. I’m still soaking it all up.
“I’ve learnt so much during my time in the academy and I only have good things to say about it.”
Dylan Gardiner can’t wait to get stuck into his work.
He joins a collection of academy graduate centre-backs in the first team, including Isaac Hughes, Lukas Kelly-Heald and Jayden Smith.
“It’s awesome. I’m glad it’s done now and I can really focus on the football,” he said.
“I know them [first team defenders] quite well, I’ve spent time up at NZCIS so I’m always learning off them and asking them questions.
“We’re all testing each other and making each other better footballers at the end of the day.
“You never know what’s round the corner. It’s never smooth sailing but you’ve just got to keep working hard and opportunities will come.
“My debut would be awesome, but I’m just trying to help the team, get the results and have a good season.”
The Wellington Phoenix now have 24 players contracted for the 2026-27 A-League Men season, which continues against Newcastle Jets away on Saturday afternoon.
