Wairarapa United's appointment of a full-time development coach is paying huge dividends for football in the region.
Miroslav Tvaroh, a regular member of the club's premier side that captured national sporting headlines with their memorable Chatham Cup final success in 2011, has been given the task of building interestin the game at junior level through a wide-ranging coaching programme and the response has exceeded expectations.
Tvaroh, who doubles as player-coach of Wairarapa United seconds, the pacesetters in the Capital third division, is putting 20 selected players aged from 14 to 20 and of both sexes through their paces at an academy that operates through the winter and summer. The aim is to develop their skills to the point where national selection could beckon.
Primary schools throughout Wairarapa are being visited by Tvaroh for less involved coaching sessions on a regular basis and he is often accompanied by the high-profile overseas players brought into Wairarapa United's Central League squad, such as Frenchmen Alssney Cissoko and Charles Mallman and Vanuatu international Brian Kalteck. Rural schools Tuturumuri, Kahutara, Tinui, Whareama and Pirinoa have experienced the benefits of their expertise. Likewise most colleges in Wairarapa, where the coaching is more intensive.
Aiding the cause of Tvaroh and his coaching assistants is the willingness of Wellington-based Capital Football to work alongside them, a move labelled as "big news" by Wairarapa United Central League coach Phil Keinzley, as it would mean even more resources being available for the development of the region's age group players.
"This is not only about Wairarapa United, it's also about Wairarapa as a whole. The interest in football here is growing all the time and we have to make sure we make the most of it. A well-organised coaching regime will obviously be a big help in that respect."
