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Peter Smith Football Development Officer WaiBOP Football |
With the regular season coming to a close shortly we look back with satisfaction at what has been a very successful year so far for Football.
With another increase in participation and coach education numbers the development of our talented youngsters is evident for all to see.
The young footballers in the Bay would obviously been inspired by the talent on show at the recent U20 FIFA World Cup.
Our most talented players are continuing to work in the Federation Talent Centres (FTC) – these centres provide the pathway to the New Zealand Football National Talent Centre from which the national Age Group Squads are selected. The FTCs run for our most talented U12 , U13 ,U14 and U15 Boys and Girls.
Congratulations also to Otumoetai Football Club, Mount Maunganui Junior Football Club and Papamoa Football Club who have been awarded the New Zealand Football Quality Club Mark (QCM) this season. This is an initiative by New Zealand Football to ensure the best Clubs in New Zealand are recognised by achieving a comprehensive set of required criteria both on and off the pitch.
With summer just round the corner the focus turns to the ASB Premiership with local franchise WaiBOP United competing once again. WaiBOP United will be looking to build on their 5th place in the league last season and the disappointment of missing the play offs by a couple of points. WaiBOP United will also have a squad competing in the ASB National Youth League. The Premiership commences on 15th November whilst the Youth League commences on 3rd October. Both Squads will have Bay of Plenty based players involved.
We are pleased to confirm the United in the Community Development programme will be running in the Tauranga / Mt Maunganui area once again. This was a huge success last year with the programme being delivered by first team players. Please look out for further details on the Federation website www.waibop.co.nz or for further information contact Peter Smith peter.s@waibop.co.nz .
Liam Higgins who was coaching on the Programme last season– has just been called up to the All Whites Squad – so hope fully we can have the same impact on the players we bring in. The mantra of the United in the Community Programme is 'The Stars of Today creating the Stars of Tomorrow”, We look forward to your support of the programme.