Hobbs, the son of former All Whites great Keith, completed a football scholarship in the USA before embarking on a spell with Major League Soccer outfit the Portland Timbers.
Sadly for Hobbs his Oregon adventure was shortlived making just one appearance for the first team.
“I got in touch with the Timbers through All Whites keeper Jake Gleeson after I roomed with him during the U-23 Olympic Games campaign then I headed over to the States and asked if he could put me in touch with someone at the Timbers.
“Jake put me in touch with Gavin Wilkinson, a former All White who is coach there, then the general manager who is also a Kiwi.
“It was a good move for me, I really enjoyed it and I got to head over to Portland, Oregon and play in a summer league which eventuated in me playing for the Portland Timbers reserves then one game for the first team.
“That helped in my development and opened up new opportunities and overall it was a great experience and helped me get into that professional environment, so it was a move I would recommend to anyone,” he said.
The impression made on Hobbs by the US College set-up was deep and lasting with professional training, top class facilities and opportunities to secure a professional contract abundant.
But always at the back of Hobbs’ mind was his education.
“I didn’t really know what to expect on the football or the school side of things. First thing I saw were the facilities. They’ve got everything, all the facilities – money is put into the game at every level.
“Right from the coaching all the way up to the 20,000 seat stadiums at school. Its very different to what you find in New Zealand, it was a great experience.
“You train everyday, its very professional, but you’re taking classes everyday at school, which is good because there’s got to be life after football,” he said.
Support for Hobbs career choice has been solid and coming from a football family with a famous football dad, it doesn’t take long for the up-and-comer to hear all about his father’s exploits as a player in the old club National League.
Hobbs Junior is philosophical about the situation.
“It has both positives and negatives – I always hear from Arthur Egan about how nice dad was and how I should follow in his footsteps.
“I want to create my own pathway but its nice that people recognise our family name and remember how good dad was playing for North Shore, Mount Wellington and the All Whites.
“Playing for New Zealand is something I really want to strive for. Dad has had a huge influence on my career and its always nice to hear the things he achieved as a player,” he said.
One achievement already locked away for Hobbs was a debut bow in the OFC Champions League semifinal against FC Gaitcha in the colours of Auckland City FC last Tuesday.
In warm conditions against a side littered with New Caledonia international players, Hobbs found himself pitted against former OFC Player of the Year, Bertrand Kai – a tough assignment by any measure.
“For me it was really exciting making my debut for Auckland City FC, but it was a difficult game being a semifinal where its win or go home, so I was a little nervous.
“But I’ve played against Pacific teams before where you have to expect the unexpected and take a conservative approach and not go forward too much because you never know what they’re going to throw at you.
“It’s not a situation I was too unfamiliar with having played in Oceania before – the players are all quick, skilful. Its about being on your toes and not committing to things otherwise your opponent can skip right past you, its how all the Pacific teams play,” he said.
With Hobbs playing his part in getting the Navy Blues to their fifth consecutive OFC Champions League final, he says he’s revelling in the welcoming family atmosphere at a club targeting success.
“When I first heard Ramon was interested in having me for the OFC Champions League I was ecstatic because of how well Auckland City FC did in Morocco.
“My experience has been awesome at Auckland City FC – everyone has been very welcoming to me and they’ve had an awesome season obviously with the FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
“Its not like you just come in and just get familiar with the playing system – the players and management welcome you. Its a great group – you have the Spanish boys and other imports, but also the core group of Kiwis I’ve played with before,” he said.
Hobbs, like fellow Navy Blues newcomers Colin Murphy and Danyon Drake, had to bide his time before he could make a contribution on the pitch but he says now that milestone is reached he’s hungry for more opportunities, perhaps, at a FIFA Club World Cup.
“I feel a little bit more comfortable now I have a game under my belt and had some game time. If we can somehow win on Sunday and get back to the FIFA Club World Cup, you never know where your career can end up.
“But to achieve that we must focus on the here and now at the OFC Champions League when we face Team Wellington and see what happens after that,” he said.
The OFC Champions League final between Auckland City FC and Team Wellington is scheduled for Sunday 26 April, 2015, at 7pm NZST.
Courtesy ACFC Media
For more on Auckland City FC go to www.aucklandcityfc.com

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