chairman’s corner
Well, we come to the end of another season, which due to the weather will not be remembered as one of the best. Apart from the Men’s 1st and Women’s 1st teams, who collectively achieved their best league finishes for many years, and the Men’s 2nd Team, none of the other 75 teams in the club managed to finish their seasons. The juniors in the age group from 12-16 can feel particularly frustrated as they share grounds with the seniors and as a result some only played 10 competition games! I guess we can only hope for better weather next season, and I must admit the past winter seems the wettest one I can recall.
On a positive note, our U 19 season is now in full swing and we are looking like having one of the strongest squads for some years. The season finishes with the annual National Tournament at Napier over Labour Weekend, but first we have the Upper Hutt City tournament which runs over 11/12 October. We have received entries from right across the lower North Island and this promises to be a great weekend of football, so get along to either Harcourt Park or Awakarangi Park and watch some of the best up and coming talent in New Zealand, and of course support the mighty orange and blacks!
Another date to mark in your calendars is the 4th of December, which is the date for the club’s AGM. This will be held at the clubrooms starting at 7pm. At this AGM we plan to ratify a new Club Constitution and Strategic Plan, which is currently under development by the Executive Committee. These documents will be available on our web site in advance of the AGM to allow all members to consider the content prior to the meeting.
To help us to develop the strategic plan, we have setup an online survey on our web site to let all our members have their say. We will include results of this survey in a future newsletter. All entries go into the draw to win a Phoenix Shirt, so please give us some feedback via the website www.upperhuttcitysoccer.org.nz
The AGM is also the opportunity for club members to get involved in the running of our great club. We are always on the lookout for more volunteer’s right across the board in areas from junior coaches/managers, through to sponsorship, facilities and equipment. Our club is growing and is now the largest sports club in Upper Hutt, and we will need more people to help fill the committee positions, or just to help out around the place.
To close, now that the Premier League is back into full swing, a special mention to all those Man United supporters out there, Liverpool is back!!!
Peter Thomas
Chairperson
president’s piece
What you all need to know about our National Body, Football New Zealand
On the 25th August 2008 the Club was invited to attend a meeting at Capital Football where NZ Football would present their Strategic Plan for 2009 and beyond.
For those that don’t know, NZ Football had once again run up a major debt and this time to the tune of 1.5 million dollars. This meant that at the end of 2007 NZ Football was technically insolvent. Meaning they had no ability at all to meet their upcoming bills or liabilities.
This left Football NZ with 2 options. Wind up or re-capitalise. Winding up would have meant that a number of Sponsors and Creditors that have been loyal to the Game and National Body over many years, such as Air New Zealand would have been left out of pocket. Not to mention what other problems and implications would have arisen in the loss of a National Football Body and probably a National Team. Imagine the Federations taking over this role – no thanks.
So the decision was made to look at options to re-capitalise and this involved finding someone prepared to lend Football NZ funds to finance their debt (tough ask on the back of such a loss and such a very poor administration record) and then to look at some way of financing a loan.
Well the upshot of this is that Football NZ has found the funding thanks to a grant from SPARC and a loan from Kiwi Bank, but the implications of this however will be felt by everyone playing the sport.
To finance the loan Football NZ in association with the Federations (e.g. Capital Football) needed a payment plan so will from 2009 levy every registered player. The calculations are complicated but in summary the levy could be $8 to $10 per player.
How the Club implements this is yet to be worked through as we have only just increased the Junior Subscription due to increased costs from Capital Football and now we are faced with having this put on us for next season - in which by the way we have no choice.
So there’s a heads for you all. We are all to become part of a rescue package. Once we have worked through how we best manage this it will be communicated to all.
Football NZ also presented an overview on their financial forecasts and budgets and gave us all present an undertaking that the situation will not be repeated. Well we hope not and we have of course heard all this before. Time will tell.
Chris Waite
President
Andy Le Prou hustles ith a Wharfie!
men’s club captain
The last 1st team game of the season was an emphatic win over Island Bay, and after a couple of weeks waiting for other league games to be played we ended up finishing a creditable 5th in a very tight and competitive season. Congratulations to Wairarapa winning the league and the right to playoff to gain a Central league position.
Obvious highlights of the season were the appointment of 1st team and Director of Coaching Ian Porteous along with the American imports Andy and Brian, also the emergence of our own junior players to the 1st team ranks.
It was great to see the youngsters getting their chance and doing well in the 1st team, even more pleasing is the fact that these boys have come through the junior ranks of the club.
Our under19s tournament is only a couple of weeks away and gives Ian another opportunity to have a look at junior players within the club before naming a squad of 18 players to represent the club at the Napier under 19s national tournament.
Other highlights of the season were a return to some great social nights at the clubrooms and an end of season prize giving that turned into a great night despite the no show of our guest speaker (Congratulations to Waitey and Tom Jones filling in at the last minute)
Finally to all the players, coaches and managers in the club thank for your efforts on and off the field, your input is what makes the club.
Thanks to all the people and supporters that put in that little bit extra, you are what makes the club a good place to be.
Look forward to seeing you all next season.
Tony.
women’s club captain
The women’s 1st and 2nd teams finished 3rd and 7th respectively this year.
It was largely a rebuilding year for the 2nd team with a new coach and the luxury at last of having 2-3 first team players available for them each week to develop those fringe players that need to aspire to play at 1st team level, something that has been lacking in the past for several reasons and both coaches have helped to develop a smaller gap between teams for the benefit of women’s soccer at the club thriving for several years to come.
For the first team they showed signs of what could be achieved if they were able to put their strongest team on the park week in week out, narrowly losing the Kelly Cup Final 2-3 to Seatoun, after strutting their stuff on the dance floor at prize giving the night before. Having one of the biggest games the night after prize giving just shows the commitment and dedication the women put in having to play on Sundays, as the 1st team still managed the biggest team turnout at prize giving!!
I am looking forward to seeing all the girls and coaches back again next season and welcome any new players as we look to also possibly field a Masters women’s 3rd team!!
Finally make sure you get down to the stadium in Oct/Nov to catch the NZ Women’s U17’s in action in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, and help cheer on Hannah Wall who played for the club last season.
Shar
Half time against Seatoun Upper Hutt going down 3-2
under 19 quiz fundraiser
Our Under 19 Boys need your help in getting to Napier
Quiz master may not be Selwyn but Nod will do just as good a job!!
We need to raise funds to contribute towards the cost in getting this year’s Under 19 squad to the Napier Tournament this coming Labour weekend and we need your help.
Teams of 4 $20 per team
Friday 17th October 7.30pm
Clubrooms
Call Noddy for tickets and to enter your team
0274413236
director of coaching
I think we can be fairly happy with the way our 1st team performed this season. Our aim for the season was not to be involved in any relegation battle and this is what we achieved.
It was a very strange league, from Wairarapa who won our league to Marist who finished last, there was no great difference. In fact Marist was a very good foot balling side that were very unlucky to be relegated. If we had a bit more self belief I think we could have finished with a lot more points. Some of the games in which we dropped points really disappointed me. Four games in particular where we failed to pick up full points were Miramar away, Marist and Kapiti at home and also Lower Hutt at home. If we had won each of these games we would have pushed Wairarapa for the title.
A number of players can be pleased at how they performed throughout the season. I was very pleased with the number of under 19s who put their hand up and showed me that they really wanted to play for the 1st team. Joel Marshall, Haemanea Puna, and Dan McCartney were great for the whole season. They still have a big way to go but the three of them have a great chance of going on to bigger things.
As for next season, I think the Club has got to push for finishing in the top three. To do that we will need to recruit a bigger squad and this has to start as soon as possible. We have got to show a real ambition to be the best and not settle for second best.
The Club went down a different road this season getting Andy and Brian over from the States. This proved to be a successful venture. Both players were a credit to themselves. It was a big step for the Club to take but I think everyone can be pleased at how it went.
We are now well into our Under 19 season. We are on track for what I think will be a successful campaign again. The most important ingredient I have to instil is a winning mentality. The guys have got to believe that they are as good as anyone they come up against. The best example I can think of in believing that any team can compete and beat is when I was playing for Aberdeen when they won the European Cup Winners in 1983. Aberdeen was a team of Scotsmen who had played together for a number of years going out against the biggest Club in Europe. We won the game by going out and having a real go and believing we were better than them. Self belief is half the battle in any sport so the sooner our young players at Upper Hutt start the better.
Regards Ian
Winter in Norbert street
Focus on our sponsors
As the season has drawn to a close we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and supporters of the Tararua Sport Club for the past season. As you know our club just simply cannot function without the support that we receive and for that we are extremely grateful. We look forward to a close association with you all again next season. Please if you get the opportunity please support those in our community that support you
* RIMUTAKA LICENSING TRUST * ANGUS &BURRELL MOTOR COMPANY
* SHARP * DZINE SIGNS
* BETTER PLASTERERS * SELECT ELECTRICAL
* YOUTHTOWN CHARITABLE TRUST * BEDPOST
* CREST FINANCIAL BROKERS/KIWISAVER * SILICON
* WESTPAC * SAVE2LEARN
* UPPER HUTT COSSIE CLUB * MAIDSTONE SPORTS
* MORTGAGE LINK * CARTRIDGE WORLD
* RYOS WELLINGTON * B & P ENGINEERING
* UNITED WATER * T BARR PLUMBING
* UPPER HUTT CAR SALES * VALLEY DIRECT DECORATORS
* TELFER YOUNG VALUERS * STEVE MCNABB ELECTRICAL
* PARAPINE * NZ COMMUNITY TRUST
* NEWBOLDS * ADVKIT
sponsors news
Another season has come and gone and it has to be said that it was one of the worst, weather wise, for some years.
With the season end comes a lot of planning for the next season including getting funding for strips, equipment for trainings and improvements to our facilities.
As we move toward a new season the hunt begins for new sponsors for the club, and this should not just be contained within the sponsorship committee. Any assistance that people can provide toward getting new sponsors for next season can be directed to me or any other member on the sponsorship committee (John Blaikie, Jamie Wood, Brian Wood and Stuart Pearce).
There are plenty of junior and senior teams that need sponsors and we have a number of packages available at varying values so please do not hesitate in contacting anyone of us for a contribution.
As this is the end of the season I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Tararua Sports Club - Upper Hutt City Soccer, to thank all of our sponsors for their assistance this year and we hope to see you all again next year.
Many Thanks
Ali James
Sponsorship Manager
Dan the man
Senior men’s talk
Men’s 2nd team
The end of the season saw us finish up in the 2nd relegation spot. A lot of hard work and good performances in the second half of the season had had us in with a real shot of ending mid table. This would have been a good result after a run of 10 straight losses earlier in the year. The guys really competed and played some good footy in the end we were a little unfortunate that teams just above us dropped players from higher grades to ensure they stayed in the league, but at the end of the day it was the early season that killed us.
Having the 2nd team and 3rd team dropping grades next year is very unfortunate for the club. The idea of the 2nd team should not only be to be competitive, but also to get the young players ready to step up to the 1st team. The gap between us is now too great. A huge effort is needed to get both 2nd's and 3rd's promoted next year. This needs to happen for the future of the club. And not just an effort from the players, but the club as a whole. There are a lot of people at the club that know the game much better than I, and these resources need to used
I'd like to thank the squad. It has been an enjoyable year mostly, although a frustrating one. I have learnt a lot and look forward to using this year in future years. Also thanks to Tony Gorman and Brian Wood for their support all year. Ian Porteous was great to work with too. His professionalism and enthusiasm is a great asset to the club. Last, and certainly not least, I want to thank the team manager Joelle Bruere. People who know me would know I’m not the most organised person in world, and without her the game days would have been a real shambles.
At the end of every season I say I can't wait for the next one to start. That goes double this year. Hopefully we can right the wrongs of this season and get back where we belong.
Cheers
Homer
senior women’s talk
women’s 1st team
With a somewhat up and down season, the Central League Women’s Team finished on a high with a narrow loss to League Winners Seatoun 3-2 in the Women’s Kelly Cup Final. While it only took the team 5 months to peak they outplayed their opposition in every aspect of the game, except the score line, in a thrilling encounter on the 7th September. Considering the team had carved up on the dance floor the previous evening at the end of season function, it was a fantastic display. The 2 goals scored by Wendi Henderson were top class and something even Shane Smeltz would have been proud of.
With the grounds being closed for a number of weeks the team trained twice in the last 9 weeks of the season, which was reflected in the inconsistent results the team displayed. At times we were brilliant, beating our bogey team Massey away 7-0, and seeing the return in form of Ciara Slattery, who pulled out moves that even Ronaldinho would have been proud of. And then there were the other games. The team had the opportunity to finish second in the league by beating Marist at home in our final league game. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of a 4-1 score line, and down our key central midfielder for the Kelly Cup semi-final due to the linesman seeing an “incident” that wasn’t seen by anyone, including the referee.
All in all the team finished the season in 3rd place with a tally of 8 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses, 2 red cards and 5 yellows. We were also runners up in the Kelly Cup. Player of the Year went to Nicola Ingham, making a comeback from injuries and time out to have children…not sure which is worse ha-ha Players Player went to Ellen Stirling and Young Player of the Year to Maria Papp. Both these teenagers had outstanding seasons and contributed immensely every game. Best and Fairest this year was Nadine Dawson whose positive attitude and never ending work on the field kept the team going and Most Improved went to Lucy Sneddon who made a huge comeback from having a baby to play as our starting striker for most of the season, resulting in the our NZ striker having to move positions.
Big thanks to the club for all their support this year, especially the men that came down and put up the nets for our home games. Also big thanks to Wendi and Gibby for coaching throughout the season and to Shar for her Attitude for Women and representing us on the Committee.
Hope to see all the players back next year for yet another season.
Bria Sargent
end of season prize giving
Saturday the 6th of September was the night for the Tararua Sports Club Upper Hutt City Soccer end of season prize giving. This was a great night (despite the no show from mystery Miles) held at the Te Marua Golf Club with loads of new faces in attendance which was fantastic to see. Our thanks to those teams and club members that made an effort to support this event and to Nod for bringing the night together
prize giving awards
Upper Hutt City Soccer player of the year Men’s 1st
RICHARD HENDERSON
Women’s 2nd Team
POTY Janet Hauiti
Most Improved Gemma Blaikie
Best & Fairest Katherine Higham
Women’s 1st Team
POTY Nicola Ingham
PPOTY Ellen Stirling
Most Improved Lucy Sneddon
Young POTY Maria Papp
Best & Fairest Nadine Dawson
Ellen Stirling receives her Players Player award
Maria Papp ‘young player of the year”
Well Done Girls
Gibby & Wendi with their haul for Attitude to Women’s football
Shar’s effort for Contribution to Women’s football
Toni claims her silverware for the night!!
Special Awards for Women’s football
Shar James 200 games, Nicky West 400 games, Jo Gorman 300 Games
Saints
POTY San Vng
PPOTY Corey Elder
Slayers
POTY David Lean
Most Improved Simon Parton
Upper Hutt United
POTY Deng Philips
Most Improved Girchinn April
Hilders Marauders
The Boss hands out her awards for the year!!
POTY Scott Whalen
Most improved Willie Mangin
The RJs
POTY Paul Olsthoorn
PPOTY Jamie Wood
Jamie Wood Phil Gorman & Ali James
Players player of year Attitude for men
Men’s 3rd Team
POTY Sam Rausch
Most Improved Chris Mooney
Chris Mooney with his stash... Most improved for both 3rds & 2nds
Men’s 2nd Team
POTY Tristan Elder
PPOTY Trevor Weaver
Most Improved Chris Mooney
Training & Attitude Bass Jeffrey
Men’s 1st Team
POTY Richard Henderson
PPOTY Richard Henderson
Most Improved Joel Marshall
Best Back Joel Marshall
Best Trainer – Anvil Joel Marshall
Joel do you need a truck to take them all home? Well Done!!
Highest Goal scorer Neville Philp
Tararua Sports Club Social Award RJ’s
Thomas Howard Memorial Cup (U19's) 2007 Joel Marshall
Greatest Contribution to Women's Soccer Wendy Henderson Lisa Gibson
Martindale Cup for Attitude for Women Sharleen James
Martindale Cup for Attitude for Men Alastair James
Phil Gorman
Harcourt Cup Peter Thomas
under 19s update
Well it’s that time of the year when the future of the club is on show in the club’s own Under 19 tournament, held locally Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October and the National under 19 tournament held in Napier on labour weekend.
This season the squad looks strong (on paper and in practises so far) and expectations from those in the know are high. Senior first team coach, Ian Porteous will be coaching the squad with help from the club Academy co-ordinators, John Blaikie and Kevin Blair and the evergreen senior 1st team manager, John Milroy.
From the group of 29 that have been attending practises, 14 have been through the club’s academy, 20 have been playing 1st or 2nd team for Upper Hutt College in the last couple of years and 18 have been playing either 1st, 2nd or 3rd team senior football for the club this season. There are also 5-6 that have been playing 1st or 2nd team for St. Pats in the last couple of years. So it’s a very strong, very talented, very local squad with many having played with each other for a good number of years.
The club did not put a team into the end of season Ivan England under 19 league this season as many of the players were still playing senior or college football. So although the squad has not yet had much game-time, 2-a-week practises for the last couple of months run under Ian’s strong guidance has seen good competition for the 18 places available for the Napier Tournament.
The club will be fielding 2 sides in our own under 19 tournament, with the 2nd side being made largely from 13-15 year old players from the club’s Academy not yet old enough to play at Napier plus the backup goalkeeper from the Napier squad and some from the Napier side that would benefit from playing full games rather than being on the bench for the number 1 side.
So expectations are high, both for the tournaments and for many of these guys pushing for 1st team positions next season, to join the likes of Joel Marshall (regular starter), Dan McCartney, Sam Keats, Phil Pennell and the Puna twins who have all made appearances for the senior 1sts this season.
We have had a good response from teams participating in our own under 19 tournament for the 11th and 12th October, despite a number of teams unable to enter due to their own circumstances. We are looking at a good size pool of approx 17 teams. This is shaping up to be another successful weekend here in Upper Hutt and we look forward to seeing you at the park. For the group and official draw details go to www.upperhuttcitysoccer.org.nz
Kev Blair
Matt Bennett on the run
Win phoenix tickets
Come on guys and get out there and support YOUR team The Wellington Phoenix!! We haven’t had the best of starts to the much anticipated second season for the Wellington Phoenix But its early days yet.. Here is a piece of what Durante has had to say of the last few days
WELLINGTON Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante is making no excuses for his team’s disappointing performances to date in the Hyundai A-League and is adamant things can be turned around
Five matches without a win and stung by a 1-0 away loss to Perth Glory at the weekend, the Phoenix are still seeking a breakthrough victory to breathe life into their campaign.
“ Ricki has complete support of the team and we back him 100 per cent. If anyone is going to turn things around its Ricki. We need to stay close as a unit and be positive.” “And we need the best from the fans, too. We know we haven’t done enough to repay the faith the fans have shown in us so far but we need their support now more than ever. If we’re united we’ll get the results.”
Support your team, send in any one of the following, a photo, hand drawn picture, coloring in , poem, whatever you like showing your support of The Phoenix to Phil@ryos.co.nz and go into the draw to win Two tickets to The Phoenix VS Queensland 26th October .
Entries will be printed off and placed in the Clubrooms for viewing
our young american’s
Dear Upper Hutt Soccer family,
This is Brian and Coop.....
We are currently back in school and wishing we were still out in the NZ with all of you. School has been no fun to say the least and we would even accept your rainy weather over our current schedules. It’s nice to be drinking good beers again at low prices and eating plenty of barbeque.
We really wanted to say thanks one last time for letting us into your Upper Hutt family! We had a wonderful time that we will never forget and we still talk about it constantly. We miss the beautiful scenery, fish and chips (ha-ha), Holden’s, rugby, but most of all, we miss the people and close friends that we have made.
Good luck to each and every one of you in everything you pursue. We hope to see some of you in our great country! Ha-ha
Your friends
Brian and Coop
Bri, Mayor Wayne Guppy and Andy
message from the junior chair
This season will be remembered for its bad weather and continual cancellations for senior and junior teams alike. Still amongst the doom and gloom there are still positives to take out of the last 6 months
On the field we’ve achieved the following:
· 3 girl’s teams represent the club at the annual girl’s tournament. We were very credible runners up in the 12th Grade with a team made up almost entirely of 10th and 11th Grade Players.
· We had an 8th Grade and 9th Grade team in the J789 Tournament. Our 8th Grade team made the final.
· 2 Promo teams and 1 JPL team made the super 6 finals. With the 2 Promo teams winning their final and the JPL team losing by 1 goal.
· Our 10th Grade Federation team was placed 4th in the Wellington region after the round robin. Unfortunately with no semi’s they couldn’t improve on that position. They can be very proud of the fact that they drew twice with the eventual winner, Miramar.
· Our 13th Grade JPL team was placed 3rd or 4th in the Wellington region (no 3rd 4th play-off). They made the super 6 cup semis
· Teams from 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades represented the club with distinction at the Cityfittness Tournament in Whitby. 10th Grade won the round robin but lost the final 1 – 0.
· Sam von Hartitzsch winning the golden boot for 10th grade and Daniel Blaikie the juggling competition for 10th grade.
· Tables and points are used from 10th grade. We have 2 teams which have remained unbeaten this season. 10th Grade Totara Park and 11th Grade United Water
· Congratulations to the following players who have been selected as Hutt Valley Reps
· 12th Grade Caitlin Foster, Cameron McLachlan, Sam Dewer
· 13th Grade Madeline Ahern, Sam Bone, Nejat Cam, Etienne de Hann, Matt Grenfell, Jarrod MacDonald, Stephen Thomas, Jordan Valentic-Holden, Kasey Ward
· 14th Grade Rebecca Jefferies, Jason van der Vegt, Joshua Blaikie
I’d like to thank Kevin Blair and Ian Porteous for their hard work throughout the 20+ weeks of running the Soccer Academy. Ian has also started working with a large Under 19 squad and has made himself available to many junior teams throughout the season.
As we move towards 2009 we have asked for feedback from every JPL and Promo coach in an attempt to provide them with what they need and not just what we think they need. I’d also appreciate any feedback from other coaches within the club. Enjoy the summer break and I look forward to seeing everyone back next year for a longer and brighter season.
John Blaikie
Junior Chairman
the reason we do it
Pictures kindly supplied by Liz Stewart
junior focus
10th Grade
Well this season the 10th grade fielded 10 teams, all of which did very well. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and minimal games were actually played, a big disappointment for the kids naturally.
A couple of teams this year lost their coaches fairly early on in the season as well, but through share dedication and the effort from parents they worked their way through the season, a fantastic effort by all.
I would like to thank all Coaches, Managers, Parents and kids for their efforts this year and look forward to a better season (weather wise) next year.
Silverstream Rangers
What can one say - a season of ifs, buts and raindrops!
The SS Rangers had mixed results on the park but never the less enjoyed awesome camaraderie and had a lot of fun. The team displayed great passion and certainly contained talent and tenacity alike. The players grew from strength to strength and persevered with such determination and enthusiasm. The coach and manageress with the help of dedicated parents (thank you very much!) had a great time teaching, helping, organising, hoping and having fun with what is a fine bunch of young footballers
Upper Hutt Maidstone Sports 10th Grade Section A
We had a great season winning our grade. The team only lost one game which unfortunately was played on the worst day of the year, where the ground resembled a swimming pool rather than a soccer field.
The team thoroughly enjoyed their season, and each team member developed their ball skills and positional play nicely. They showed each other great team support and were a highly committed bunch of players.
Team members are: Kristian Rowley, Connor Burrows, Liam Weaver, Josh Bamber, Jack Baillie, Carolyn O’Reilly,
Rory McLachlan, Harry Saunders, Jack Partridge, Aedan Coddington.
Upper Hutt All Saints
Great bunch of kids to be involved with, only a couple of losses and draws for the year and we moved up from grade D to C. Achieved all our basic goals of winning games, improving skills as individuals and working together as a team and most importantly having fun so they can come back next year and do it all over again.
Lyn Hills
hutt valley boys 13th grade reps
I would like to congratulate the successful Upper Hutt City FC trialists for the Hutt Valley Boys 13th Grade Reps team. The club boast's no less than 8 players in the 20 player squad. It is a new challenge for myself as a first time "REP'' coach but one I am looking forward to. A special mention of thanks to the committee for allowing the squad to hold training and friendly’s at Harcourt Park facilities as we build up to the tournament in October.
The players are progressing well and putting in the effort at training. We have had two friendlies with the Hutt Valley 14th Reps and on the 14th September we had a good victory against Wairarapa 13th reps. 4-0 with goals from Sam Bone (3) and Matt Geenfell (1), Both Upper Hutt players.
With a good mixture of players from other teams being represented in the squad, it is pleasing to be able to show off our clubs facilities and willingness of support.
We train on Wednesday’s 4.30pm Harcourt Park, and welcome you to come down and watch the players going through their paces.
The tournament starts on the 4th October 2008 through to the 7th October 2008 at Petone Memorial Grounds, Petone Wellington. It would be great to get your support and I’m sure ALL the players would appreciate it. So if you can make it to any of the fixtures, we look forward to your support.
Hutt Valley 13th Grade Reps Squad 2008
Carlin Nisbet, Brody Lloyd - Sanders, Matt Austin, Jordon Valentic – Holden, Nejat Cam ,Stephen Thomas, Shaun Melrose, Cory Van de Coolwijk, Jarrod MacDonald, Matt Grenfell, Hayden Stuthridge, Henrik Waiker, Sam Pietras, Chris Sutton, Etienne de Hann, Sam Bone, Kasey Ward, Shaun Baxter, Liam Sarich, Zac Comrie
Ian Mawdesley
oh what a night
the beautiful game
Thank you to Hilary Burrows for this contribution, Hilary’s mum wrote this poem for the Upper Hutt poetry competition. This year’s theme was sport. Although she didn't win, she did have it published in the competition booklet.” I thought it summed up many people's homes on a Saturday morning quite nicely”
The house is a shambles; it’s noisy as well,
Soccer Day’s come, boys think it’s just swell.
Uniforms are ready and soccer boots too
Excitement is rising, there’s quite a “to do."
Mum and Dad, bleary - and yawning - they’re tired
Saturday morning’s not like they’ve desired.
A nice sleep-in would suit them just fine
But boys are excited and must be on time,
To get down to the park and onto the pitch
The game is soon starting - there’s mud in the ditch.
All that mud! So much mud! Mum sighs a big sigh
Why did she agree? Wash piles will be high.
Three boys are a handful when it comes to sport
Their strip takes a beating, though it’s just newly bought.
The boys move around their games with abandon
Will they ever improve their ball handling?
They run and they kick, and slide and they fall,
A goal is the aim whether short or tall.
Winning or losing, there’s no one to blame -
Enjoying the contest is the point of the game.
To see all three in their moment of fame
Dad moves along to another game,
Mum does the rounds too; it would never be right
To see just one. It could cause them to fight. -
And...really...it’s fun to be part of it all;
Thinks she, "I wouldn’t mind a kick at that ball."
Too soon it’s all over; the lads have done well,
The whistle has blown and it’s time to tell;
Their Coach will announce, in his own unique way
Who has earned Player of the Day
total football show comment andrew Dewhurst
Hi to everyone down at my ‘second home’ in Upper Hutt. Well done to the club on what appears to have been a successful season, something to build on certainly for next year.
I hope you all enjoyed a good night the other week at the club dinner and prize giving, sorry I couldn’t be there with you all but maybe next year I can time a trip down that way to see my mother in law and pay a visit!
Well as the winter season ends so the Phoenix are off and away in the Hyundai A-League, but not to the start we were all expecting or hoping for. Let me preface this column by saying I am crossing fingers and toes that they can turn things around and quickly get on the play off pace.
But, at the risk of looking like I am wise after the event, I must share some thoughts with you that I have aired on my show for some time already, before a ball was kicked in the league proper. They are best described as ‘concerns’ about how the Phoenix might go this season. I will follow this with the good news!
Squad depth
I am worried about depth in the squad. If they can field their first eleven every week of the Hyundai A-League they should be competitive but they won’t, no team will go a season without injury and suspension. Already the Phoenix has lost Vince Lia for the year.
Who will score the goals?
My concerns are over support up front for Shane Smeltz. Simply I don’t think we have any. Vaughan Coveny is being used almost exclusively as a sub and the goals have dried up in recent years for one of our greatest. Where is the next genuine striker? Kwasnik is an attacking midfielder for me, Leo Bertos doesn’t score goals and young Barbarouses is just that, too young (for now).
Who is our midfield maestro?
The player to control a game and adjust the tempo to suit. Daniel is too flighty and drifts in and out of games and does not have the physical presence. Lei Lei Gao should be used out wide, he too is not strong enough for the middle of the park. Ferrante is a runner at best and Tim Brown has yet to prove himself at this level – he has not convinced me he can control a Hyundai A-League match.
Include Jonno!
Richard Johnson must be given the defensive midfield role for me and so far he has not. He is too often left out and then when he starts, he often gets subbed. I like Johnson as a leader and as a player who constantly demands high standards of all around him.
McCain and Durante are too similar.
Maybe I am clutching at straws here but I am not sure we can play both together at the back. Neither are a giant and both like to play a bit on the way out of the defensive third. I believe this is why Ricki Herbert has chosen Karl Dodd in midfield – to make up for the lack of a 6”3’ centre back to win ball in the air and tackle the lights out.
No back up coaching
Given Herbert is All Whites coach and will have spells away from the team (he was away for 10 days after the first three games when the team was desperately in need of work), I’m not sure the Phoenix has the backup required. My sources suggest that Wayne O’Sullivan is primarily a video review guy and has little influence over tactics and sessions. His job title is ‘Sports Analyst’ with no one listed as assistant coach. Herbert is inexperienced at this level as a full time club manager, I think he needs better support.
Now to the good news:
· Smeltz has started the year like he left off and will be a great asset to the club.
· The arrival of Dave Mulligan should be a fillip for the team – provided he doesn’t party too hard with his good mate Jeremy Christie! (Head down and work hard Mully!)
· New signings Andrew Durante and Jon McKain look good players – just might have to consider Durante in a deep midfield role ahead of McKain.
· Gao if fit will trouble defenders but play him out wide please!
· The club continues to do well off the park. Their infrastructure appears good and the quality of people appears sound.
Andrew Dewhurst
player profile
NAME: Joel Marshall
Nickname: Joel Fish
Age: 19
Position: defender/left back
Club supported: Liverpool
Current club: Upper Hutt Men’s 1sts
Previous clubs: UHC 1st XI
Honours: Uh best defender, best trainer, under19s player of the year 2007, most improved (anything you’re not best at??) Ed.
Employment: student
Upper Hutt Debut: vs. Tawa, 1st game of the season 2008
Biggest joker: (The person who picks end of season awards for prize giving) Ed.
Worst dressed:
Best memory in football: under 19 tournament 2007
Ambition: trial overseas
Favourite goal:
What would you change in football
Favourite pitch: Harcourt
Best place to go for a drink in town: Establishment Top Floor!!!
Favourite film/music: Hip/Hop and R'n'B
Favourite drink: Lift plus
Favourite food: Homemade pizza
Top three dinner guests: Andrew Johns/Lil Wayne the Game
Favourite holiday destination: Canada
Favourite website: Fantasy NRL or Premier league
Herald hooligan
A tumultuous year is coming to an end.
The Committee gained a new president, chairman, treasurer and bar manager at the last AGM and lost the first three in February. After a series of special meetings, some of the divisions were healed and fires doused after Chris and big Pete filled the first two but we still are still in desperate need of a treasurer. If you have any ability in that area?? …
The biggest achievement of the ‘tight five’ was to persuade the committee to take a bigger punt with the first team and hire a full-time coach and offer some player incentives..Their abrupt resignation just as things began to happen, meant a frantic effort to unravel and pick up the threads of their activities at the same time as reorganizing, trying to get all the usual preseason tasks (as well as the ongoing ones) done, and keep things on an even keel for coaches, players and the federation. Hopefully, most hardly noticed but it will show in the balance sheet at the AGM.
On the playing side, we had a strong first team squad and Ian also brought some youngsters through. From the search for a coach, also came the contact with Missouri State whence came US Brian and Andy. The first team is in fifth place after playing some good football but could be overtaken by Lower Hutt’s Central League team. They have one left according to the Cap Fed site, against Wharfies, and could finish a point above us.
Homer’s seconds struggled and finished second-last. As Wairarapa will go into Central League, however, they will not be relegated. Tony, Woodsy and/or Steve Nicholas struggled to cobble together a third team mainly from schools and juniors who played at home. Thanks Tina. Many of these players were great to watch, but football is a team sport and the lack of continuity showed in their bottom finish.
Crap weather has compensations for some. The RJs were 7th after 14 games but were fourth at the end of the first round, which becomes their official position. The (Div 8) Spackos’ leaky defence though, had them second-last after 14 but they were last at the end of the first round.
The Marauders (Div 10) developed an addiction to draws, lost the lead to a team which lost two more but won two more than them, and came second. In Div 11, United scored over a goal a game but conceded over 4 per. Similar figures left the Slayers second-last in Div 14a.
14b got an even rougher deal than most with only 12 games but the Saints (last year’s seconds) scored 5.6 and conceded 1 per game to win the league with the Army 16 points behind but in third. If the Saints confirm they will be staying at it next year, we will need to get into the Federation’s ear to let them know we have a team that needs a higher league.
Extra Central League fees, plus liberal fines, don’t seem to buy any priority for matches the team played well but Seatoun was a class above and Marist proved to have the consistency edge on us. Ta Wendi & Lisa.
The women’s seconds, a new team, improved with time and came fourth-to last after 14 games but were, and are, third to last at the end of the first round.
A Hooligan
the bar leaner
Well another season has been and gone and without the events that are run in the clubrooms we wouldn’t be able to provide a lot of the items that we do so thanks to all those that attended these functions. Your support is most appreciated. The Karaoke cocktail night returned after a few years absence but the singing has not improved oh well.
This year saw the club host its first ever round the world beer and wine evening which was hugely successful, watch out for this again next year as tickets will be limited so don't miss out.
The end of season prize giving held at Te Maura golf Club again was a great night despite our guest speaker failing to turn up.
Thanks to all those people who attended these events and to those who helped out over the season, especially John & Linda, Debbie and Phil.
Don't forget the clubrooms are still open every Thursday night between 8.00pm and 11.00pm so come up, have a chat and a few drinks.
Cheers Nod
Stu and Chris enjoy a giggle!!
player profile
Name: Brian Pasierb
Nickname: ha-ha how bout night hawk
Age: 23
Position: centre mid
Club supported: Liverpool
Current club: none
Previous clubs: Chicago Magic Soccer Club, Missouri State University
Honours: All State, All Conference, All Region
Employment: Graduate Assistant with Athletics at Missouri State
Upper Hutt Debut: May 24 2008 vs. Miramar
Biggest joker: Sharpe
Worst dressed: Trist
Best memory in football: Playing in a National Championship game, and winning back to back state championships when I was in high school.
Ambition: Be successful at whatever job I encounter
Favourite goal: scoring against western suburbs
What would you change in football? Refs.
Favourite pitch: Harcourt
Best place to go for a drink during your stay; The Establishment
Favourite film/music: so many favourite movies, let’s see right now is beer fest/ music I like everything
Favourite drink: Bud light (not less alcohol)
Favourite food: a good cheeseburger from anywhere
Top three dinner guests: Brian Urlacher (Chicago bears), Steven Gerrard, Paul Konerko (Chicago white sox)
Favourite holiday destination: don’t really have a favourite, but I guess San Diego California
Favourite website: Facebook.com
yellow fever
Contribution from founder of Yellow Fever Michael Greene, Below are some notes I found on the Yellow Fever site Re Michael Greene you may be interested Thanks for the contribution Greenie.
Cheers Phil
Mike Greene (aka Feverish)
The visionary. Greenie has only been sober for fleeting moments in the past decade. Fortunately for football, some higher power than he decided that just one of those precious moments might be used to do good in the world.
And so it was that a humble drunk was chosen to carry the monumental vision that would forever change sports and fan culture in this country - a supporters club for the Wellington Phoenix Football Club.
Greenie is the go to guy when it comes to Yellow Fever's operations. Merchandise, banners, away trips - all that is his gig. He also insisted I mention that he designed that cult favourite, the Retro Ricki t-shirt.
Like the rest of the Yellow Fever originals, he is a footballer himself and an institution at Waterside Karori. He is known throughout Wellington for his dummy cross, petulant on-field carry-on and red mist tendencies. We are also still waiting for his first pass. (ED)
Having the Phoenix in town has certainly sparked life into our football community. The buzz in the city on game weekend has been amazing, and better yet, everyone is talking FOOTBALL.
It's been awesome to be associated with Yellow Fever. It's been great to witness some of the passion that football brings out of people. Normally placid people firing up at the hint of a goal at the Ring of Fire, or letting rip with their opinion on a badly timed challenge by the opposition.
If you haven't joined Yellow Fever yet, then register at www.yellowfever.co.nz. You will then receive our newsletters to keep you up to date with all things Phoenix and NZ football. You can even jump on the forum and let everyone know what you think.
At YF we've been up to a few things recently. We've just held NZ's first ever Freestyle Football competition. We also have just recorded 'Phoenix Fever', the YF anthem.
Now that the honeymoon period of our inaugural year is now over, the fans will start to experience the ups and downs of being a football fan. When the chips are down you need to get behind your team and lift them. Join us in the Fever Zone at the Ring of Fire and make some noise for the lads. Come down the Backbencher beforehand to get in the mood by mixing with other YFers over a few fizzies. Let's enjoy ourselves and make sure we know how lucky we are to have NZs only professional football team.
Cheers Greenie
from the ed
Here we are at the end of yet another season, Congratulations to all of those players and club members that received awards at our successful prize giving two weeks ago. There were a lot of well deserved recipient’s
As I mentioned in an earlier newsletter this season has been a lot of fun to be a part of and I have enjoyed working within such a dedicated committee. My thanks to all the committee and in particular Peter Thomas club Chairman and Chris Waite President. You have both done a fantastic job throughout the year for the Tararua Sports Club and it has been a pleasure working alongside you.
A highlight for me amongst many things this year was the hugely successful “Round the World “evening that was held in late July .This was an amazing night and I wish to thank those club members for turning out to support the event. We look forward to producing it for you again next year.
As we look forward to next season you can be sure there will be behind the scenes work carried out by your committee members working towards making your club an even better place, we will keep in touch with you during the off season with further newsletters
Look forward to seeing you next season
Phil Gorman |
