Learn new football tricks

Tauranga City United first team coach Duncan Lowry, Coerver managing director Stuart Greenaway and Tauranga City Untied vice presient Helen Webb. Photo/Stuart Whitaker

Stepovers, pull backs and Ronaldo flicks are pretty much essential parts of a footballer's armory these days.

They can bamboozle opponents and draw warm appreciation from the crowd.

Coerver is a coaching programme recognised around the world - and while part of the programme does involve learning tricks and moves, that is not the whole story.

There has been a Coerver Academy in the Western Bay for five years, run through Waipuna Football Club. But from this season, Coerver has teamed up with Tauranga City United.

This Saturday there is a free open day at the club's Links Ave grounds where there is the opportunity for young footballers - boys and girls - to see what it's all about.

"Local players who have been through the Waipuna Academy will be there to give an exhibition and there will be challenges, fun and participation," says Coerver Coaching New Zealand managing director Stu Greenaway.

He stresses that while teaming up with Tauranga City offers player pathways to senior football, at a junior level players are expected to take the skills they learn back to their own clubs.

"We are in a prime position for continuous growth and are confident that now is the time to realise the programme's true potential within the Bay of Plenty."

What is also now possible is the development of a performance academy to cater for the top 10 per cent of players, which will hopefully lead to the retention of more players at under 15 and under 17 level, says Stu.

Tauranga City United vice president and club administrator Helen Webb says the partnership represents the fulfilment of a long-term target for the club.

"It has enabled one of our strategic goals to be achieved and it will also develop youth in football."

She says the ultimate goal is to get players progressing through to the first team, but that there are also potential benefits for the club's under 15 and under 17 teams that play at Federation level.

First team coach Duncan Lowry says it is important to develop players from grass roots, but that there will also be opportunities for Coerver coaches taking sessions with the first team.

The open day takes place between 11am and 1pm.