Football: City United can ease exodus

Tauranga City United players celebrate after beating Mangere United 4-0 and securing promotion to the Northern Premier League. Photo / File

Belvedere Tauranga City United's promotion to the Northern League Premier league opens up opportunities for the best young talent to stay put in the Western Bay.

For many years the drain on football talent heading over the Kaimai Range and up to Auckland to join clubs playing in the Premier league has depleted playing standards.

But club chairman Mark Bougen hopes that will stop now as local players can perform on the highest club stage from their home base at Mount Maunganui's Links Avenue.

"Any up-and-coming player must see this as a chance to play at a level which hasn't been available for some years. The standard of the Premier League is very good indeed and is an ideal stepping stone to National League or possibly overseas competitions," Bougen said.

However, with promotion comes the daunting financial reality of what lies ahead.

Bougen says the club now need to operate on a more professional basis and for that reason he will not be standing for re-election at the upcoming annual meeting.

His will be difficult shoes to fill, but Bougen wants business leaders to get involved who can look to the future in a strategic and planned manner.

"Tauranga City United has a great future in store but we need the right people in place to ensure it happens," Bougen said.

"We would love the chance to discuss with potential sponsors, how they can play a part in providing top-level football for the area.

"The public exposure of the Premier League is far greater than that of the league Tauranga has been promoted from. Promotion has not come without cost. Resources required to mount a successful campaign are considerable and this is where the Tauranga club is asking the region's business groups to become involved."

Bougen says the re-introduction of a National League from 2017 is something the club must consider playing a part in. But the cost factors are much greater and the club would need a solid buy-in from the commercial sector.

"The league details are soon to be announced by New Zealand Football, however it is understood that not only will it have a senior men's competition, but running in conjunction will be a women's league, a men's development league and a Futsal league.

"This as a great idea as it provides national competition for players right across the spectrum. The best male and female players might be able to play locally on a national stage without having to leave home, or having the burden of travelling considerable distance each week to train."

•Expressions of interest: Bob Ricketts on mobile 022 0430 862 or at gtayton16@gmail.com.