From Oceania U-16 champion to professional football: Ben Trenberth signs Wellington Phoenix deal at 16

New Zealand youth international Ben Trenberth has taken an important step in his promising career after signing his first professional contract with Wellington Phoenix at just 16 years old. The attacking midfielder has agreed to a three-year deal with the A-League club, with the first two years on scholarship terms, becoming the first student from the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) to secure a professional contract with the Nix.

Trenberth joined the Wellington Phoenix academy from Petone FC at the beginning of 2024 and has progressed rapidly through the club’s youth development system. In 2025, he was named the most valuable player at the Christchurch International Cup, scoring seven goals as the Phoenix U-15 side won the tournament. Just over a year later, he has established himself as an important member of the club’s reserve squad while gaining experience training alongside senior professionals.

His development has also been evident on the international stage. Trenberth captained New Zealand during the 2026 OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea, helping the Junior All Whites claim another regional title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Fiji in the final. The midfielder scored three goals during the group stage, finding the net against Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu. His performances formed part of a successful campaign that also secured New Zealand qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The signing represents a significant early achievement for the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa, which opened in 2026 as a specialised sports school in Upper Hutt. The institution combines academic education with high-performance sporting development, allowing young athletes to pursue their studies while accessing professional training environments. Trenberth was among the school’s first intake of students, benefiting from a programme that accommodates his commitments with the Phoenix reserves and first team.

Wellington Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre described Trenberth as “a young player with a high ceiling”, highlighting the teenager’s ability to adapt to higher levels of competition. The coach also praised the development work undertaken by the academy and acknowledged the role of Petone FC in the player’s early football education.

For Trenberth, the opportunity represents the fulfilment of a childhood ambition. The young midfielder described signing his contract as “an unreal feeling” and acknowledged the support of his family, friends and coaches throughout his development. His immediate ambition is to make his A-League debut during the upcoming campaign, preferably in front of the Wellington supporters.

The teenager becomes the 22nd player contracted to the Wellington Phoenix men’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 A-League season, which begins on 18 October against Melbourne Victory at Hnry Stadium. Although his professional journey is only beginning, Trenberth’s progression from regional youth football to an A-League contract illustrates another pathway emerging for promising young footballers in New Zealand.