Rangataua women's rugby team support Tauranga Community Foodbank appeal

Rangataua women's rugby team are collecting donations for Tauranga Community Foodbank, say Coach Paul Pou and Captain Kate Henwood. Photo / Andrew Warner

They're used to passing the ball between each other, but over the next three weeks, one local rugby team will be passing on a lot of goodwill to the Tauranga community.

The Rangataua women's rugby team are packing down to collect donations for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Coach Paul Pou said the idea came about after the team saw the foodbank was looking for support after experiencing a shortage of food.

The team meet twice a week at their home grounds of Te Ariki Park in Maungatapu and over the next three weeks will be collecting food donations at their trainings.

"The idea has been driven by the ladies, and as a coach, it's something I want to support," he said.

Pou said he hoped his team's efforts would inspire other sports teams to get behind community initiatives.

"If you look around our community there is a real need out there, and our girls are putting their hands up to help out," he said.

The spirit and camaraderie of the team is one aspect new player, Hawaiki Lardelli, loves about Rangataua.

"I joined a few months ago, and it's honestly one of the best things I've done," she said.

Lardelli said the team's drive to collect food for those less fortunate showed how well they could come together.

"A few of us have had hard times over the past few years so doing things for other people does make us feel happier ourselves."

The women's team was formed last year.

Makaylah Daysh is in her second season with the club.

"As a team, we require community support to keep us going so this is our way of giving back," she said.

Daysh said Rangataua was a family-oriented club where players looked out for each other.

"If someone is struggling, everyone in the team will get involved. We're the type of girls to help out," she said.

The team's donations will contribute to the Bay of Plenty Times' SOS appeal was launched this month to help restock the bare shelves at the Fraser St warehouse.

The SOS appeal to date has raised $8324 in cash donations, and 3921 food items have been donated.

Tauranga Community Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin said the Rangataua team were great role models by showing support to community groups such as the foodbank.

"I hope they win all their games this season," Goodwin said.

"We sure are grateful to see so many diverse groups showing support for other people who are having a tough time in life."