Rylan Kumar: A Young Footballer’s Journey to the New Zealand Under-16 National Team

In this episode, we hear directly from 15-year-old Rylan Kumar, who shares his inspiring football journey and the remarkable path that has taken him to representing New Zealand at Under-16 level.

With strong Indo-Fijian roots, Rylan speaks about his early love for football, which began when he was just five years old, and the dedication, hard work and passion that have shaped his journey.

Rylan’s football résumé is already impressive. He currently plays for Auckland United and is part of the Auckland FC Development Squad, after developing his skills at Fencibles United. He also represents St Kentigern College First XI, which remains unbeaten this season.

His journey has also been closely connected to the Fiji and Sangam communities. Rylan has captained Ba to Under-14 and Under-16 championship titles at the NZFFI youth tournament and has been part of back-to-back Sangam Convention football championship-winning teams.

In the podcast, Rylan reflects on the moment he found out he had been selected for the New Zealand Under-16 squad, what it means to represent his country, the influence of his coaches and mentors, and the people who have supported him along the way.

He also talks about his football inspiration, Zinedine Zidane, his ambitions for the future and his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Rylan’s story is one of determination, family, culture and a genuine love for the beautiful game. His journey is an inspiration to young footballers across New Zealand and Fiji—and a proud moment for the Indo-Fijian community.

Rylan Kumar: A Young Footballer&rsquo;s Journey to the New Zealand Under-16 National Team
In this episode, we hear directly from 15-year-old Rylan Kumar, who shares his inspiring football journey and the remarkable path that has taken him to representing New Zealand at Under-16 level.
With strong Indo-Fijian roots, Rylan speaks about his early love for football, which began when he was just five years old, and the dedication, hard work and passion that have shaped his journey.
Rylan&rsquo;s football r&eacute;sum&eacute; is already impressive. He currently plays for Auckland United and is part of the Auckland FC Development Squad, after developing his skills at Fencibles United. He also represents St Kentigern College First XI, which remains unbeaten this season.
His journey has also been closely connected to the Fiji and Sangam communities. Rylan has captained Ba to Under-14 and Under-16 championship titles at the NZFFI youth tournament and has been part of back-to-back Sangam Convention football championship-winning teams.
In the podcast, Rylan reflects on the moment he found out he had been selected for the New Zealand Under-16 squad, what it means to represent his country, the influence of his coaches and mentors, and the people who have supported him along the way.
He also talks about his football inspiration, Zinedine Zidane, his ambitions for the future and his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Rylan&rsquo;s story is one of determination, family, culture and a genuine love for the beautiful game. His journey is an inspiration to young footballers across New Zealand and Fiji&mdash;and a proud moment for the Indo-Fijian community.

Gen Z Stars, hosted by Sonal Sharma, is a podcast created to shine a spotlight on the incredible young people making their mark across New Zealand.

From sports and music to arts, culture, education, entrepreneurship and other fields of expertise, the podcast gives Gen Z talent an opportunity to share their journey, achievements, challenges and dreams.

There are so many talented young people living in New Zealand whose stories are inspiring, motivating and worth celebrating. Yet, many of these young achievers rarely receive attention because their journeys don’t always make it into mainstream news.

That’s where Gen Z Stars comes in.

Through this podcast, Tarana will connect with young New Zealanders who are doing remarkable things — giving them a platform to tell their own stories, share their experiences and inspire others from their generation.

Hosted by Sonal Sharma, each episode will go beyond the achievements to discover the person behind the talent — their passion, determination, struggles, successes and what motivates them to keep chasing their goals.

Whether they are rising stars in sport, creative artists, performers, young entrepreneurs, academic achievers or simply young people making a positive difference in their communities, Gen Z Stars is about celebrating their voices and showing that extraordinary talent can be found everywhere.

Because every young person has a story — and Tarana wants to help share those stories with New Zealand.

 Gen Z Stars with Sonal Sharma — celebrating the next generation of talent, one inspiring story at a time.

Gen Z Stars, hosted by&nbsp;Sonal Sharma, is a podcast created to shine a spotlight on the incredible young people making their mark across New Zealand.
From&nbsp;sports and music to arts, culture, education, entrepreneurship and other fields of expertise, the podcast gives Gen Z talent an opportunity to share their journey, achievements, challenges and dreams.
There are so many talented young people living in New Zealand whose stories are inspiring, motivating and worth celebrating. Yet, many of these young achievers rarely receive attention because their journeys don&rsquo;t always make it into mainstream news.
That&rsquo;s where&nbsp;Gen Z Stars&nbsp;comes in.
Through this podcast,&nbsp;Tarana&nbsp;will connect with young New Zealanders who are doing remarkable things &mdash; giving them a platform to tell their own stories, share their experiences and inspire others from their generation.
Hosted by Sonal Sharma, each episode will go beyond the achievements to discover the&nbsp;person behind the talent&nbsp;&mdash; their passion, determination, struggles, successes and what motivates them to keep chasing their goals.
Whether they are rising stars in sport, creative artists, performers, young entrepreneurs, academic achievers or simply young people making a positive difference in their communities,&nbsp;Gen Z Stars&nbsp;is about celebrating their voices and showing that extraordinary talent can be found everywhere.
Because every young person has a story &mdash; and&nbsp;Tarana wants to help share those stories with New Zealand.
&nbsp;Gen Z Stars with Sonal Sharma &mdash; celebrating the next generation of talent, one inspiring story at a time.