Junior coach wins award

'KIDS ARE AWESOME': Onerahi FC's Grant Short with some of the junior footballers he has taken charge of.

The Northern Football Federation (NFF) has rewarded a club stalwart for his excellent work moulding young players.

Onerahi Football Club's Grant Short has been named NFF's junior coach of the year.

The award recognises volunteer coaches who provide a positive environment for children starting out in football.

The award blindsided Short, who said it was quite a cool accolade.

"You don't do it for the recognition, while it's a great compliment personally, it's also awesome for the club who are really focused on the juniors," he said.

He received a staggering nine nominations for the award, highlighting the scope of his influence.

Short has run the "First Kicks" and "Fun Football" programmes since they began at the club five years ago.

There are over 80 children from Onerahi and nearby Bay Tigers who have been involved in the programmes this year. "I enjoy it because the little kids are awesome," he said.

One of his nominators noted the rapport he developed with the children.

Short says when he is in town, he often has children running up to him calling him "Coach".

As part of his win, he receives a coaching equipment pack.

As well as the juniors, Short has been with the 17th grade team for 12 years, coaching them since they were 5 years old. He also coaches the women's team which plays on a Sunday.

NFF football development officer Dave Alabaster says Short is definitely deserving of the award.

"He's done a great deal of good work for the Onerahi club especially in the under-5 to under-8 space," he said. Alabaster describes him as an "all-round good guy" who does a really good job.

Onerahi Football Club held a celebration on August 19. Short says around 40 members gathered to toast their success.

Short was shortlisted alongside Waitemata FC's Peter Elbourne and Hibiscus Coast AFC's Sam Turner.

He is up against the regional winners from the country's six other federations to be named overall coach of the year.

The winner is announced on Friday and will win a trip for two to the Club World Cup in Japan in December.