Levin AFC striker Tahana Perigo gains selection for tournament team

Promising Levin footballer Tahana Perigo attracts the attention of a Wellington Phoenix Academy player at Donnelly Park earlier this season.

Promising Levin football player Tahana Perigo capped off a brilliant season with selection for the Lotto National U19 Satellite Tournament Team at the end of a New Zealand age grade tournament in Napier last week.

The 17-year-old, who had been in good form for the premier Levin AFC senior men's club side all season, impressed enough to break through into what was a very select tournament squad.

There were 60 teams that competed at the tournament.

It was just reward for a good work ethic for Perigo and a credit to him, as he was renowned for his discipline and putting in the hard work off the pitch.

His was a popular selection, too. When Levin AFC posted it on social media there was a stream of well-wishers adding comments of support.

Tahana Perigo.

Perigo, who plays striker, scored four goals as the Levin U19 team finished with a two win-three loss tournament record in what was a tough pool.

Levin did manage to bookend the tournament with wins against Albany United (2-0) first up, and then Waiuku (3-1) in their last game. Other players to find the net for Levin during the week were Ollie James and Troy Saussey.

The team was coached by Rob Easton and Steve James and was made up mostly of young players aged 15 and 16 who would still be eligible for the team next season.

Tahana Perigo.

Easton said the age gap was quite noticeable compared with some of the other sides.

"Some had beards," he said.