Jayden Smith

DOB 4/7/07

Jayden Smith signed his maiden professional contract with the Wellington Phoenix a couple of weeks before the start of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League, after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training.

The young centre back stands 1.90m tall and graduated from the Phoenix academy, which he joined at the start of 2023, after playing his junior football for his hometown club FC Nelson.

Smith was converted into a centre back when he arrived at the academy, having been a midfielder in Nelson.

He featured in all three of the men’s pre-season friendlies against A-League opposition ahead of the 2024-25 season.

> 2023-24 season

Jayden Smith made two appearances off the bench in the 2023 National League after starting three matches at the end of the Central League season.

After three substitute appearances in the reserves’ first six matches to start the 2024 Central League, Smith established in their starting XI.

He started 11 of their final 12 matches, including the team’s 2-0 win over Miramar Rangers, before joining the first team for the start of pre-season training.

Signing with the Nix is the realisation of a childhood dream for Jayden Smith.

“Since I started playing football my goal has been to play professionally,” Smith said. “And I’m lucky I got the opportunity at the start of last year to join the Phoenix academy and from there I’ve worked as hard as I can to climb the ranks.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity the Phoenix have given to me and I’m really surprised how quickly it has come, but I try and stay in the present moment and work as hard as I can.

“I’ve just tried to be myself on and off the pitch and show what I’m capable of doing.

“A big thank you to the academy, Chris Greenacre especially, and everyone that has helped me get this far.”