Soccer: Talent scout spots youth

A young Kaitaia footballer identified at a training camp at the start of the year has won a place in the Coerver NZ Performance Academy team for 2013.

After seeing 11-year-old Cameron Hansford in action during the camp at Kaitaia earlier this year, academy head coach Phillip Parker invited the Pompallier School youngster to trial at Mt Smart Stadium recently with many other hopefuls.

Cameron was successful in gaining a place and has since been enjoying the challenge and soaking up the advice provided by professional coaches.

He's required to travel to Auckland every Friday to take part in the academy team training (which often means he has to take the day off school while mum drives there and back).

The Tu Kaha FC training - held weekly at Kaitaia Intermediate - was instrumental in preparing Cameron for the trial, while its affiliation with the Auckland-based association has enabled local players to experience top-level football by participating in tournaments in Whangarei, Auckland and elsewhere outside the district which would otherwise be out of reach.

Other Tu Kaha products who have gone on to play at higher levels include Vinnie Hutchinson, selected for a youth Coerver NZ team which played in Canberra earlier in the year, and 10-year-old Aleeshia Ujdur, who also made the academy team alongside Hansford.

Parker, meanwhile, wants to work closely with local footballers with the intention of getting some into the team he's taking to the Kanga Cup in Canberra next year. The first training camp will be held over the July school holidays.

For information, contact Melanie Dalzell (021) 415-665.