Football: Boys among men impressing

Hamish Watt (left), 16, and Steffano Riley, 15, are heading for bigger things in football.

Two of Rotorua's top young footballers have been fast-tracked into the Rotorua United men's premier side this season - and are proving a handful for opposing teams.

Steffano Riley, 15, and Hamish Watt, 16, started in central midfield for Rotorua United's premier team last weekend, and helped them secure a 2-1 win over Katikati in the WaiBOP Premiership.

Steffano even scored the winning goal late in the second half.

United head coach Rich Barter said he was very impressed with the two youngsters this season, and they had proven they could foot it at that level.

"Steffano is a special talent. He played last year a bit from the bench, aged 14. We had no doubts about throwing him in this year and few players have had more starts and more game time," he said.

"Hamish has had to be patient, but now he's getting his reward. With young guys in a physical league, the danger is to overprotect them. But Saturday Hamish came out and played [very strongly]."

The pair attend John Paul College, starring for the 1st XI, and have been playing football together since they were 8.

The two good mates also represent Geyser Football and WaiBOP Federation age-group sides, and will try to crack New Zealand age-group teams this year.

Hamish said he was really enjoying the step up to men's football this year and it was improving his game.

"It is making me play quicker. So [I] look up and play rather than dally around on the ball," he said.

It had been quite a challenge at first getting used to playing against men - who possessed more strength and speed - but he was getting used to it.

Steffano said he was stoked to get his first goal in the men's grade last weekend, coming from a header.

"I've hit the crossbar and the post a few times so it has been eluding me but I finally managed to get one."

He said his aim playing in the higher grades was to become a better player and help his club United.

"I just want to improve as a footballer and I know for myself I want to go far in football, and maybe try and go professional."

He said there was plenty of mouthing-off in matches, which he was having to get used to in the men's grade.

"When they get angry, they get really angry and mouth off at you," he said with a laugh.

Fellow John Paul College student Dilan Nanayakkara is also part of the WaiBOP Federation under-16 team and is another top young talent to keep an eye on.