We sat down for a chat with Jake Woolford who is swapping the colours of Bay Olympic for the newly formed Auckland FC Reserves in 2025.
About Jake
Jake started playing football at Bay Olympic when he was 5 years old, and other than an 18-month period over 2016/17 when his family moved to the US, he has enjoyed an uninterrupted career with the Bay. Jake made his debut for the Men’s Premier team as a 16-year-old against Birkenhead and scored his first goal in the Northern Premier League a week later against Manukau. Despite some misfortune with injuries Jake made x appearances in League and Cup games over the past three seasons.
What were the highs and lows of your time at Bay Olympic?
The high was last season when we beat Auckland City for the first time – I felt like that was my best game in senior football. Injuries in 2024 were the low points – unfortunately in the same game when I pulled my hamstring which put me out of football for a period and then later in the season, I dislocated my shoulder.
Best footballing advice?
I remember listening to Elliott Dye interviewing Pritch (James Pritchett) as after my debut game. Pritch talked about players being coachable and willing to work hard, because lots of players have talent but not all are willing to work hard on and off the pitch, nor adjust to what coaches want and need.
How are you enjoying Auckland FC?
I am really enjoying it – we train four mornings per week – it is an early start 6am at Riverhills in Pakuranga! There is great energy and intensity, excellent coaches and as you would expect it is very well organised and resourced.
Work and Study?
I am currently working for Pritch as a coach for Playball, which teaches young children sports and movement. I will be stopping this soon to commence a Business Degree at University of Auckland.
What are your football goals for 2025 and beyond?
I want to play as many minutes as possible in 2025, and make them good minutes, with goals and assists. I know competition is going to be tough as we have a strong squad, and the first team scholarship players will also come into the setup.
I would love to play in the A League and would like to go as far in the game as possible to make a career as a player and later as a coach. I have been involved with coaching kids at the Bay and also working with kids working for Pritch at Playball and really enjoy that.
What are you missing about the Bay?
We had a great group last year, so I miss the players and the coaching staff. Rudy (Mozr), Peter (Smith) and Pritch were not only my senior coaches for the past few seasons but also involved with coaching me at youth level for the Bay and at MAGS.
Good Luck
Good luck Jake, we love the fact you have been a committed Bay boy for so long and wish you every success with this opportunity to chase and realise your footballing ambitions.
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