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- By Gareth Rossiter
Football is often built on passion, community, and the people willing to give their time to the next generation. This season, one such figure bringing both experience and insight to the sidelines is Adam Bryce, former Counties Manukau representative and coach of the Fencibles United 13th grade NRF team.
His football journey began humbly, like many young players, simply wanting to join his friends.
“My first ever club was Eden Football Club,” Bryce recalls. “I didn’t come from a football family. I just enjoyed playing with my mates.”
What followed, however, was anything but ordinary.
After moving to Manurewa AFC as a youngster, Bryce found himself surrounded by strong role models, including members of the famous 1982 All Whites’ World Cup squad.
It was an environment that not only shaped his development but also gave him a glimpse of what was possible.
A goalkeeper from the outset, Bryce’s natural athleticism and dedication saw him rise quickly through the ranks, representing Counties Manukau before earning a professional opportunity with Middlesbrough FC.
“Signing for Boro has to be the biggest achievement,” he says. “It was a successful club at the time, and I was fortunate to train with the first team from quite a young age.”
During his time in England, Bryce was exposed to elite-level talent, including Brazilian star Juninho Paulista, whose quality left a lasting impression.
Bryce also recalls seeing glimpses of greatness from figures such as ex-England captain Bryan Robson, reinforcing the high standards required at that level.
He also represented New Zealand at youth level, an honour he describes as “an amazing feeling, being recognised as one of the best in your country.”
But life at the top level was not without its challenges.
“If I’m honest, it was really hard,” Bryce admits. “You’re very young, living on the other side of the world, and it’s a ruthless environment. There’s a lot more to it than just football.”
Injuries ultimately cut his playing career short, including multiple stress fractures that brought an abrupt end to his time in England.
Like for many athletes, the transition away from playing was not easy.
“My whole identity was built around football. The hardest part was figuring out who I was without it.”
Yet football continued to shape his path in unexpected ways.
Even during his playing days, Bryce had already begun coaching, first as a youngster helping at holiday programmes at Manurewa.
It was an opportunity that came about through the support of the local football community during a challenging period in his family life.
Later, after returning to New Zealand, another key moment helped shape his coaching journey.
His brother was selected for the New Zealand under-17 squad, coached by Wynton Rufer.
Through this connection, Bryce built a close relationship with Rufer and his family, eventually being invited to assist with coaching the national side and work within Rufer’s academy, WYNRS. It proved to be a significant step.
“I ended up doing a lot of coaching through WYNRS, Auckland Football Federation and Central United,” he says.
“It always seemed to go quite well. I could tell I was good at it.”
Despite early success in coaching, Bryce initially chose a different path, building a successful career in marketing and the creative industries.
He remained connected to sport during this time through his work with Nike. However, football was never far away.
“As my son got involved in football, I could see how motivated he was. But I also started to notice some real issues in youth development here in New Zealand.”
That realisation prompted a major decision.
“I felt like I still had something to give, so I packed everything in and went all in on football and coaching again.”
Now leading the Fencibles United 13th grade NRF side, Bryce has a clear vision for what young players need.
“This is my favourite age group. They’re old enough to understand they need to work hard, but young enough to improve rapidly. You can see massive growth if they’re motivated.”
His philosophy centres strongly around technical ability, something he believes has become overlooked.
“Without a foundation of technical skill, being fast or strong will not help you. That’s something we need to focus on more.”
Equally important to Bryce is creating the right environment for players to grow.
“One thing I cannot stand is players having a go at each other for mistakes. As coaches, we need to create a space where players feel comfortable to learn.”
When it comes to confidence, Bryce keeps things grounded.
“Confidence comes from preparation. The better prepared you are, technically, tactically, physically and mentally, the more confident you will be.”
His message to young footballers is equally straightforward and refreshingly honest.
“There are no shortcuts. If you want to improve, you need more time on the ball.”
He also speaks candidly about the realities of chasing the professional dream.
“It takes massive sacrifice. You cannot afford to take days off if you want to reach that level.”
Despite his own experiences at the top of the game, Bryce remains measured in how he views success.
“As a coach, you can help, but you cannot make someone a professional. There are too many variables.”
And while his playing days included elite environments and international pathways, some of his most memorable moments came closer to home.
“I remember playing school matches for St Peter’s College against Auckland Grammar in front of thousands. At the time, that felt bigger than anything.”
These days, his focus is firmly on the next generation, helping players not just improve, but understand the game and themselves.
As for his footballing inspirations, Bryce points to players who embodied leadership and quality, naming former England captain and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as his favourite of all time, someone whose influence extended well beyond the pitch.
And Bryce’s coaching style? “Tough but fair.”
Judging by the experience he brings, and the clarity of his vision, the Fencibles United 13th grade NRF team is in very capable hands.
