Stevie Rogerson throws down a pitch for Western Springs College in their softball game against Green Bay High School at the War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Stevie Rogerson throws down a pitch for Western Springs College in their softball game against Green Bay High School at the War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Auckland schools celebrated the 21st year of ASB College Sport in style on and off the field.

On it, there were a host of national senior titles while off it Auckland schools continued to boast an overall participation rate around 15 per cent higher than the national level.

At the recent ASB Young Sportsperson of the Year awards dinner at Eden Park, College Sport chief executive Manoj Daji thanked guests Hugh Richards, Murray Wilton and Dawn Jones, who were members of the inception board, and inaugural chief executive Rob Boston for their foresight in setting up the body which controls Auckland secondary school sports.

With 40 sports now under the umbrella of the Pt Chevalier-based organisation there is plenty of variety for the thousands of young sportsmen and women at the 102-member schools.

With a huge demand on resources there is often the feeling of "we could do better" but that in no way dampens the enthusiasm of Daji and his staff.

Daji says it is not all plain sailing in striving to meet the demands of such a big sporting population.

"Transportation problems, rising costs, access and the lack of facilities for some codes, the shortage of volunteer coaches and the drop-off post-school of student athletes are challenges we in the sporting sector constantly face," said Daji.

He looks ahead with some enthusiasm, especially with the soon-to-be-announced involvement with Sparc and Sir John Walker's Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation which will benefit five schools in Manukau.

"I am also pleased to report that following strong advocacy and lobbying by ASB College Sport, Auckland schools can expect a more even playing field nationally from 2011 as the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council's 'new to school' rules will come more into line with our rules."

In looking ahead to next year, Daji said there are plans to launch a Hall of Fame for young sportsperson of the year winners who go on to become world champions.

He is also hoping to introduce a membership benefits scheme aimed at reducing costs for students and families; the exploration of expanding College Sport to bring in inter-school competition for intermediate schools and the further promotion of a fair play initiative aimed at supporters.

Auckland schools won senior titles in a wide variety of sports this year.