Local skills put to the test

Expect to see some international skills next time you watch the Stratford Football Club.

Stratfords senior keeper James Burroughs and youth keeper Andrew Buckley travelled to Wellington earlier this month to train with former All Whites and Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston.

Mark offered the training session through Trademe to fundraise money for Vanuatu, to help the nation recover from Cyclone Pam.

James and Andrew, both 16, were looking forward to meeting Mark, who played 36 games for New Zealand, and 72 with the Phoenix, before retiring in 2013.

Training at Newton Park, the Phoenix's training pitch, Mark took the boys through a number of drills showing them how to stop a range of different shots. He also gave them advice on perfecting their technique for catching, diving and kicking.

"It was a good experience for the boys," says Stratford president Nic Burroughs.

Nic praised Mark for giving up his time for the fundraiser. "It's pretty cool that's he's given us the opportunity to do this."

James was able to put his new skills to use when Stratford played Waitara at home on last Saturday and will need them again this weekend against New Plymouth Rangers, while Andrew is recovering from a knee injury.