With the Kaitaia United AFC junior football season about to commence, many followers of the weekly winter competition will be hoping to see the improvement in the quality of play which has been evident over the past two seasons continue.
There's no doubt much can be put down to the
work which has been done by the Tu Kaha Academy and its collaboration with the Auckland-based Coerver Coaching Academy, where young hopefuls are encouraged to think more laterally on the field of play.
Tu Kaha spokesperson Lawna Kani said the collaboration began around three years ago when Tu Kaha - then known as Tu Maia Footballing Academy - brought in Coerver's Philip Parker who, as well as being a strong exponent of Maori football (which made him both a popular and practical figure in the Far North), provided a new approach towards playing the beautiful game.
"It is all about a certain style of play. Movement off the ball, first touch," said Lawna. "Players end up gaining invaluable playing skills and tips on how to read the game," she said, adding that the concept also allowed a character development to take place naturally. The partnership between the two organisations has also created pathways previously not available.
"This all about looking at ways to promote local talent and get them to a higher level of football ... give them the opportunity to play in tournaments outside Kaitaia, even overseas. We have been taking some of our students to Auckland for various tournaments over the past few years and it takes them out of their comfort zone. They end up realising they are often big fish in a small pond up here. Down there our teenagers see kids aged 10 with all the skills they have got and more."
