William Gillingham (footballer)

William Finbar Gillingham (born 7 October 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Cove Rangers.

Youth and college
Gillingham was born in London, England, but was raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He attended Sacred Heart College, Auckland, leading the Sharks to a National Championship in 2014 and 2016 and a runner-up finish in 2015. He also played with the Onehunga Sports U19 side.

In 2017, Gillingham moved to the United States to play college soccer at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In four seasons with the Gauchos, Gillingham went on to make 66 appearances, scoring one goal and tallying three assists, whilst captaining the side in their 2020–21 season.

Gillingham also competed in the USL League Two in 2021, playing twelve times for South Georgia Tormenta 2.

Central Valley Fuego
On 17 February 2022, Gillingham signed with USL League One expansion club Central Valley Fuego FC ahead of their inaugural season. He made his competitive debut for the club in its opening match of the season, appearing as an injury-time substitute during a 2–0 victory over the Greenville Triumph.

Scotland
Following his time in America, Gillingham moved to Scotland in pursuit of professional opportunities. He trained with Livingston prior to signing a two-year deal with Cove Rangers.

International
Gillingham was on the New Zealand U23 Olympic squad's long list in 2019.