Football: Successful winter campaign in Kaitaia

Medal of honour recipients at Kaitaia United AFC prizegiving on Saturday were Watea Ashby, Hunter Milne, Bailey Milne, Callum Greenall, Danny Greenall, Aaron Hartnall, Rico Margison, Reuben Nemeroff and Brodie Dawson, shown here with KUAFC president Brendon Morrissey.

A contingent of young local players ranging in age from seven to their teens received Medals of Honour at the Kaitaia United AFC annual prizegiving at Kaitaia Primary School last Saturday.

KUAFC president Brendon Morrissey said the honour medals were acknowledgement for young players who had stood out during the 2017 season.

For some that might mean in the way they gave back to the game by coaching, reffing or managing.

For others it was for their outstanding performance on the field - including those who chose to step up to play in the U10 grade despite still being eligible for the U8 division, for example - as well as being good enough to earn rep selection.

In other presentations each of the 12 teams involved in this year's domestic competition team were presented with MVP, Sportsmanship and Most Improved awards, with medallions also presented to the players of the winning teams in league, knockout and five-a-side competitions.

As well, special acknowledgement was reserved for those who made the club's three rep teams (U9s, 10s and 11s) and/ or selection to the Northland Football Federation's Talent and Skill Centre.

Morrissey said every footballer received recognition in some form or another at the organisation's annual end-of-year prize giving, which meant every player left feeling like a champion.

He said a successful winter season in U8s, 10s, 12s and 13s divisions was made even better thanks to the hardworking efforts by the KUAFC committee to stamp out sideline abuse and belligerent behaviour off and on the pitch, which had paid off in spades.

The good sportsmanship on display towards opposition players, teams and particularly officials throughout the season had impressed many newcomers to the round-ball code, Morrissey said. "It's been a fantastic season, full of positives things from every single unit in our club. I look forward to seeing everyone next season."