Moulding young talent

Bruce McGhie (left) and Matt Kilsby get in some practice at Wembley Park, which is to host training programmes. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO240913WCSMCENTRAL - FOOTBALL1

A passion for football is a major tool newly appointed development officer Matt Kilsby will employ to grow the game from the grassroots in Wanganui.

English-born Kilsby was headhunted from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region by Central Football to act as game development officer for Wanganui specifically.

Central Football deputy chairman Bruce McGhie said in the past development officer duties had been stretched to cover far larger portions of the organisation's catchment area.

While Kilsby had played "a little" back in his homeland, he had learned his coaching craft in New Zealand since arriving seven years ago. His latest posting was coach of Waikato-Bay of Plenty.

"We headhunted Matt from Waikato-Bay of Plenty and his job will be to concentrate solely on Wanganui grassroots football through the schools and clubs," McGhie said. "Wanganui is a sleeping giant for talent and Matt's job will be to expose that talent and guide it through the grades." Kilsby will alternate between hosting training programmes on school grounds and the Wembley Park football complex. "Wanganui has some excellent sporting venues and I've seen many other football complexes around the country, but none compare with what you have available at Wembley Park," Kilsby said.

"The Wanganui District Council has done a great job to provide a venue that guarantees the future of the game here in the city.

"My job will be to host the First Kicks programme for 6 to 7-year-olds and Fun Football for 7 and 8-year-olds.

"Next year we plan to roll out the Mini Football programme driven by the New Zealand Football Federation.

"I just love this game and it's neat to work with the youngsters, many of whom are also passionate about the game," Kilsby said.

In the meantime, the school holiday programme will begin on Monday at Rutherford Junior High School.

"The holiday programme will run from Monday through to Thursday next week and they will be six-hour days catering for anyone interested in football between the ages of 7 and 12. Individuals are welcome. You don't have to be affiliated with a school or club team to register. The days will run from 9am until 3pm," Kilsby said.