Hawke's Bay United youth soccer coach Jamie Dunning. Photo/file
The Hawke's Bay United soccer squad for the 2017-18 National Youth League features 20 of the most promising young players from six different clubs in the region.
Jamie Dunning, who will be coaching the side for the third year, says the team comprises mainly returning players, some with Lotto Central League experience under their belts, alongside some new faces.
"The majority are from last year, they know what it's all about. We have a few of the younger boys that have come in but the majority are another year older really, which is good for us. It gives us a bit of stability," says Dunning.
The Englishman says as well as contending in the youth league, his priority is to develop the players and propel them through to the Thirsty Whale Hawke's Bay United side for the ISPS Handa Premiership.
"Obviously my job is to try to push these boys through to Brett [Angell], as fast as I can, and just try to develop them.
"Hopefully we'll win some games but that's not the be-all and end-all, and I think people get lost in that," Dunning said.
"Last year we pushed Jorge [Akers] through, the year before Ross [Willox], and he played every single game last year, and that's what it's all about. Obviously, we still want to win games as well."
Dunning says youngsters' experience will boost the side.
"I don't want to single anyone out, they're all good enough to go on. But the Central League boys will give us a bit more experience as well."
Luke Palfreyman and Taylor Monk have been playing Central League for Palmerston North Marist, while Jorge Akers, Karan Mandair, Ethan Ladd and Daniel Robinson all featured in the Conroy Removals Napier City Rovers side, with Bradley Perks also included in the wider squad.
Also, some of the young players named, including Vinnie Mackirdy, Josh Murphy, Ben Lack, Dylan Barron, Campbell Hantler, Jackson Durrington, Harry Mason, Kaeden Atkins and Wilson McCullough, figured in the Napier Marist side who claimed the Computer Care Premiership title earlier this month.
Other members include Jackson Ralph, who was with the squad last season, part of the Havelock North Wanderers' Lotto Federation League winning side, Josh Bowie and Jayson Gerbes from the Port Hill Premier side and Sam Murphy from the Eskview United Premiers.
"It just shows how good the clubs are doing. They're bringing these players on," says Dunning.
"Havelock are lucky enough to have CG [Chris Greatholder], and they benefit from him, and obviously there's Bill [Robertson] at Rovers, and hopefully myself at Marist. Then you have the two boys from Manawatu who are playing Central League.
"It's great we've got talent from across the region, and hopefully we can put all that together and give a team the Bay can be proud of."
Dunning adds that the players have the chance to advance to the National League side if they impress Bay boss Angell.
"I know Brett is going to take a few for training the whole time. I won't name names yet, but I'll probably lose four or five of the training squad, but then they come back to me match days, so that's a great opportunity for them. We want them playing in the top league in the region and hopefully, we'll be able to push a few more through and they can go on.
"Obviously the way things are at the moment if they train well and play well they could push for a place, I don't see why not."
"The more opportunity they get the better it is for the club and for the region, and people see that there is a process that we're going through; that there is a development pathway, and there's a pathway from FTC, or from club football, and then into the Hawke's Bay team, on to the youth team and into the national team.
"In the national league you are playing against the best players in the country, so that's the league you want to play. At the end of the day, it is the top league in the country. All the best players play in it."
Dunning is excited about his third term as the Hawke's Bay United Youth coach and helping cultivate the regional young talent.
"I'm really looking forward to it. Really going to enjoy developing these young boys into better players, giving them some good life skills to go on, and hopefully they can progress in their football career after they've left me.
"It's all about them really. I'm very proud to be able to coach again this year. It's a great thing for me. Hopefully, I can lead by example and we can go on and win a few games and develop the boys."
The youth league kicks off on the weekend of October 14-15. They will play their home matches at Bluewater Stadium, Park Island.
-Squad: Vinnie Mackirdy, Josh Murphy, Ben Lack, Dylan Barron, Campbell Hantler, Jackson Durrington, Wilson McCullough, Harry Mason, Kaeden Atkins (Napier Marist), Jorge Akers, Ethan Ladd, Karan Mandair, Daniel Robinson, Bradley Perks (Napier City Rovers), Jackson Ralph (Havelock North Wanderers), Josh Bowie, Jayson Gerbes (Port Hill United FC), Sam Murphy (Eskview United), Luke Palfreyman and Taylor Monk (Palmerston North Marist).
Coach: Jamie Dunning.
Asst coach: Mark Henderson.