9th Eagles - AFF Youth Grade 9 Division 3 Town
Coach: Nigel Frost Manager: Nigel Lowe
Team Members: Alexander Horwood, Dylan Harkins, Hannah Wise, Jacob Baker, Lucas Hedley, Riley Lowe, Riley Young, Taylor Frost, Toby Hancock, Troy O’Leary, Vaughn Thirwall (GK)
Awards: Player of the Year Riley Lowe Most Improved Player Hannah Wise Sportsperson of the Year Taylor Frost Players Player of the Year Vaughn Thirwall Golden Boot Riley Lowe (24 goals, 49%)
Team Stats (Competition Round): 6 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss Goals: 29 for 11 against 18 Goal Difference
Team Report
2015 bought a whole new team in the 9th grade for Nigel Frost to coach and Nigel Lowe to manage. We had 3 players (Hannah Wise, Taylor Frost and Riley Lowe) all 8th grade players playing in the 9th Grade competition. From an early stage in the season, we realised that we had a special little team with a lot of skill and they all seemed to have the ‘never say die’ attitude.
We had a fun day competition at Drury and the 9th Grade Eagles went through undefeated to take the title. It was a fun day and a chance for all teams to try different combinations before the start of the Competition round. The day saw some great team work amongst the players and lots of passing and even some tactical play put in place.
All the players looked forward to the match days, with the anticipated Player of the Day, Captain’s and Parents choice award trophies to look forward to. After the matches we had a swarm of excited young players trying to see who was going to receive the awards. A lot of the time it was a very difficult choice for all who had to make the calls.
It has been an enjoyable season for Nigel F and Nigel L watching these fine young players, watching their skills develop, with all players improving week to week.
Lastly the coach and manager would like to thank all the parents that have turned up week after week to trainings and games for their support and commitment throughout the season. It has been a pleasure to have you all there helping, supporting and cheering for not only 9th grade eagles but fair play for the opposition. If it was not for you, our job would be made a lot more difficult.
Nigel and Nigel look forward to seeing you all back in 2016
Nigel Frost (Coach) & Nigel Lowe (Manager)
Photos from last match against Papatoetoe Stormers:
9th Falcons - AFF Youth Grade 9 Division 2 South
Coach: Alex Michaelides & Greg Matthews Manager: Rachel Remkes
Team Members: Corey Doidge, Brayton Spemann, Cody Matthews, Connor Sweatmen, Evan Hutchings, Hayden Manak, Isabel Parker, Jack Remkes, James Michaelides, Michelle Oostdam, Rhys Johnstone, Ryan Elliott
Awards: Player of the Year James Michaelides Most Improved Player Rhys Johnstone Sportsperson of the Year Ryan Elliott
Team Report
This was a very challenging year in more ways than one for the Falcons. We had all come from Small Whites Football, playing on very small pitches, with very small goals, and very few rules.
It was almost like starting Football all over again in some ways. Most of the players could not pass the ball properly, and were not use to this concept, as Small Whites is about getting involved and running with the ball, and basically trying to find yourself within the Football arena.
We went back to basics, and it was a steep learning curve for both players and Coaches alike. Some of the players took the change from Small Whites to Junior football in their stride, while others took a while to understand the changes and their roles within the team structure
It was not long before players became self-aware of the positions they were comfortable playing for the team, and were developing their own style of play. Goalkeeping another completely new concept, as in Small White there are no goalkeepers. Again a challenge for these boys and girls of which most were very willing to explore.
Grading was progressive and I could see us improving and growing with confidence. Winning a few and losing a few, but learning by our losses.
There were two games that stood out to me as a coach. The 1st was in Grading we had played about six or seven games and were getting use to one another. We played Papaptoetoe and lost 5 v 2. I was a very proud coach that day, as they tried their hardest and tried to pass the ball with some purpose, and scored two really good team goals.
The second would have been our last game against Beachlands Maraitai. The players stuck to their positions, passed the ball and even though losing at one stage kept competing and having belief that they could still win and they did (great way to end the season).
I am a passionate coach, and do try to get my passion to rub off on the players. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I have learnt as much this year from the players and Greg, and Dirk (my voice of reason) as I hope the players have learnt from this experience.
For those kids deciding that football is the sport for them, Drury looks forward to seeing you next season, as we watch you all grow to become better players and amazing Individuals.
I would also like to thank firstly all the kids for putting up with me, and for all the support of the parents, and especially Greg and Dirk.
Alex Michaelides (Coach)
9th Hawks - AFF Youth Grade 9 Division 4
Coach: Erik Yorston Manager: Michelle Jagiello
Team Members: Anthony Catley, Arya Gower, Charlie Harper, Eloise-Rose Williams, Emily Williams, Jamaal Waja, Joshua Boxall, Jovin Bains, Lachlan Carroll, Ryan Jagiello, Samuel White-Spence
Awards: Player of the Year Lachlan Carroll Most Improved Player Emily Williams Sportsperson of the Year Arya Gower
Team Report
Well, what a season! It has been a tough one for the kids, but with adversity often comes reward and there have been a great number of positives for every child. The whole team has come a long way (including the coach).
The Hawks are a diverse group with a unique set of coaching challenges. We had some children starting the season off extremely timid, almost scared, with almost no ball skills, to those full of opinions and not shy to let you know how good they thought they were. The one thing they all seemed to have in common was a limited understanding of what they were supposed to be doing on the football field!!
By the end of the season, all had significantly increased in their understanding, their skills on the ball, communication and most importantly, their teamwork. That really was the highlight of the season; in the face of some tough defeats, the Hawks really pulled together and fought hard for each other... they became a real team and enjoyment came with that.
Erik Yorston (Coach)
10th Vipers - AFF Youth Grade 9 Division 2 South
Coach: Aaron Van Uden Co-Coach: Jason Yearbury Manager: Cushla Ross
Team Members: Caleb Duinkerke, Caleb Van Der Gulik, David Grey, Jayden Dcunha, Joseph Van Uden, Luke Bridgeman, Matias Young, Pierre Maui, Thomas Ross, Ryker Yearbury
Awards: Player of the Year David Grey Most Improved Player Luke Bridgeman Sportsperson of the Year Ryker Yearbury
10th Cobras - AFF Youth Grade 9 Division 4 South
Coach: Martin Hedley Manager: Kumud Gupta
Team Members: Aaryan Gupta, Archibald Camp, Deepak Sharma, Dylan Hedley, Ethan Coles, Ethan Unsworth, Harry Coles, Isaac Grant, Logan Gregory, Luis Coimbra Pinto, Samial Thapa
Awards: Player of the Year Archibald Camp Most Improved Player Deepak Sharma Sportsperson of the Year Ethan Unsworth
11th Rockets - AFF Youth 11th Grade Premier Division
Coach: David Pivott Ass.Coach: Braedon Makgill Manager: Stacey Gaskill
Team Members: Aneel Bola, Benjamin Clark, Benjamin Pivott, Ella Findlay, Ethan D’cunha, Evan Gadd, Jaymis Grubjesic, Kevin Kedde, Konrad Vlassoff, Korbyn Makgill, Rikesh Patel, Ryan Gaskill
Awards: Player of the Year Ella Findlay Most Improved Player Jaymis Grubjesic Sportsperson of the Year Benjamin Clark
Team Report
First off, thank you all to the parents and supporters for being there during what proved to be a tough season for the Rockets. We would also like to acknowledge Simon and Eric for their help and input at trainings along with Gavin for his regular refereeing duties. This help has been much appreciated.
We started the year with a few new players being drafted into the Rockets after losing a couple at the end of last year, and going up from 7 aside to 9 aside. The combined skills that we had along with the results from last year, we trialled in what would have been classed as Div 1.
We started off with a hiss and a roar with a good win and a hard fought draw. From here the results started to wain as we pushed the team to change their style of play. We tried to move from ‘parking the bus in front of the goal’ to playing a game that involved more passing and using the space.
Thanks to a couple of wins at the end of the grading round we were ‘fortunate’ to be promoted into the Premier grade. With the exception of a magic strike on a long punted volley to chip over the keeper against Three Kings, and a great goal in the horizontal rain against Eastern suburbs, we just couldn’t seem to buy a goal, no matter what we did.
We have seen the players grow through the season with some great football being played. One of our key strengths that the kids have developed is the ability to force most of the other teams off side on multiple occasions within a game, which has helped to disrupt the flow of the other teams. We are also seeing a lot more passing happening and some practiced moves starting to pay off, although a bit late in the season.
As a team we are looking forward to next season where we can continue to develop the foundations that have been laid this year. Dave Pivott, Braedon Makgill, Stacey Gaskill
Grading Round - 11/1 P W D L For Agst GD PTS
1 Eastern Suburbs AFC 11P White 7 7 0 0 27 5 22 21
2 Western Springs AFC 11P Bullets 7 6 0 1 38 6 32 18
3 Three Kings Utd 11P Fairweather 7 4 0 3 20 7 13 12
4 Bucklands Beach AFC 11P The Saints 7 3 1 3 30 13 17 10
5 Drury 11P Rockets 7 3 1 3 12 11 1 10
6 Fencibles Utd AFC 11/1A Christiansen 7 3 0 4 13 18 -5 9
7 Three Kings Utd 11/1A Martin 7 0 1 6 4 39 -35 1
8 Papakura City FC 11/1A CELTIC 7 0 1 6 7 52 -45 1
Championship Round - 11 Premier P W D L For Agst GD PTS 1 Western Springs AFC 11P Bullets 9 8 1 0 30 8 22 25 2 Eastern Suburbs AFC 11P White 9 7 1 1 28 11 17 22 3 Fencibles Utd AFC 11P Brown 9 5 3 1 25 12 13 18 4 Eastern Suburbs AFC 11P Lilywhites 9 6 0 3 21 13 8 18 5 Three Kings Utd 11P Clarke 9 4 2 3 20 16 4 14 6 Bay Olympic 11P Lions 9 3 2 4 15 16 -1 11 7 Ellerslie AFC 11P Red 9 2 3 4 10 20 -10 9 8 Bucklands Beach AFC 11P The Saints 9 2 2 5 18 17 1 8 9 Three Kings Utd 11P Fairweather 9 1 0 8 13 36 -23 3 10 Drury 11P Rockets 9 0 0 9 2 33 -31 0
11th Firestars - AFF Youth 11th Grade Girls Div 2
Coaches: Brenna & Hakan Yuksel Manager: Angela Yuksel
Team Members: Abbey Chalmers, Alysha Sayers, Carys Henson, Drew Bishop, Isabella Atkisnon, Jacqueline Turner, Jamiee Maharaj, Katie Bertling, Natalie O’Leary, Olivia Yuksel, Sophia Campbell
Awards: Player of the Year Drew Bishop Most Improved Player Jamiee Maharaj Sportsperson of the Year Isabella Atkinson
Team Report
The Firestars nearly didn’t happen as during pre-season training, we only 7 girls and it didn’t look like we’d get the numbers to be viable. Then in the two weeks before the first match, we picked up 4 more players and suddenly could field a full team plus subs! None of these 10-12 year old girls had played 7 a-side format recently – Drew, Alysha & Olivia played a few years ago, Carys & Jacqueline had played Small Whites and the rest were all new to football. This was Brenna’s first time coaching so it was great she had experienced coach Hakan to assist, and when his job change meant he could no longer make Thursday training, we were fortunate to have Mark Atkinson step in.
The season started off quite shaky in Division 3 as the girls’ inexperience really showed - there were a lot of mis-kicks, balls passed to the opposition and tackling of each other, but thanks to their hard work at training, the girls rapidly improved and learnt to spread out, mark players, support each other, look before passing and pass/receive with reasonable control. Both Hakan & Mark commented that the girls were very different to coach than boys as they listened attentively and did as they were asked, which helped them develop quickly. Their swift improvement saw the team finish 2nd in the Grading round and they were promoted to Division 2 for the Competition round.
This was a bit concerning as the girls were still cementing basic skills and inconsistent, but in the end, they did remarkably well. First game of the round was a win on one of the most awful days for winter where it rained so hard the girls couldn’t see and the rain was stinging so badly the game was abandoned 10 minutes early – it was so cold the girls could hardly move but they showed grit and tried valiantly to play on. Apart from a pounding defeat from the division winners (who thumped everyone and should have been in Div 1), all our games were won or lost by only 1-3 goals and we were seldom dominated. Most of the teams in our division were from big clubs with a lot of girls who they can grade into teams, so for a team of ‘newbies’ who were pulled together at the last minute from whoever was available across 3 age groups, the Firestars did very well and can be super proud of their results.
All of the girls had positions of strength but played in a few positions over the season which proved they weren’t just one dimensional. Abbey was outstanding as goal keeper, absolutely fearless (footballs hurt a lot less than hockey sticks until they bend your fingers right back!) and willing to throw literally throw her body on the line to stop goals. Drew was our ‘golden boot’ striker and became very good at working out where to be to receive the ball & get a good shot on goal. Katie struck a couple of good goals as well, taking the opposition by surprise as she booted it through them. Jamiee & Jacqueline were our last line of defence, clearing numerous balls that were dangerously close to goal and thwarting opposition wannbe strikers; likewise Olivia & Carys could send the ball back up the field out of danger and play mid-field to feed the ball through to our strikers, or shoot for a goal themselves. Natalie & Sophia were both quick on their feet and out-ran the opposition to regain or intercept balls, and both scored a few goals of their own, and Sophia proved a worthy GK when Abbey was unavailable. Alysha was able to slot into the midfield and defence, wherever she was needed, and Isabella played forward, pulling off some impressive moves to outfox the opposition and showing great ball control which reflects her extra training at Coerver, and she scored a couple of goals as well.
The girls were very dedicated, turning up to training & games religiously and giving it their all every game. Based on what they have achieved this season in terms of development and gelling as a team, if they continue in this vein, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with next season!
We had a fantastic group of parents & grandparents supporting the team, all of whom showed excellent sportsmanship & encouragement throughout the season, and we’d like to thank them for their support & enthusiasm.
Angela Yuksel (Manager)
Grading Round - Girls 11/3 P W D L For Agst GD PTS
1 Eastern Suburbs AFC G11/1 Black 7 7 0 0 68 2 66 21
2 Drury G11/2 Firestars 7 4 0 3 18 13 5 12
3 Bucklands Beach AFC G11/2 Lionesses 7 4 0 3 14 13 1 12
4 Ellerslie AFC G11/3 Sapphires 6 3 1 2 26 25 1 10
5 Eastern Suburbs AFC G11/3 Blue 7 3 1 3 12 23 -11 10
6 Papakura City FC G11/3 7 3 0 4 26 13 13 9
7 Bucklands Beach AFC G11/3 Dolphins 6 3 0 3 23 17 6 9
8 Beachlands Maraetai AFC G11/4 Magic 6 2 1 3 5 16 -11 7
9 Fencibles Utd AFC G11/4 Fiona 3 0 1 2 2 11 -9 1
10 Fencibles Utd AFC G11/4 Ian 6 0 0 6 1 62 -61 0
Championship Round - Girls 11/2 P W D L For Agst GD PTS 1 Western Springs AFC G11/2 Emeralds 7 7 0 0 60 4 56 21 2 Eastern Suburbs AFC G11/2 Yellow 7 5 1 1 22 11 11 16 3 Bay Olympic G11/2 Sapphires 7 4 1 2 23 17 6 13 4 Onehunga Sports G11/2 Diamonds 7 3 2 2 18 25 -7 11 5 Western Springs AFC G11/2 Firebirds 7 2 1 4 20 26 -6 7 6 Drury G11/2 Firestars 7 2 0 5 15 32 -17 6 7 Bucklands Beach AFC G11/2 Lionesses 7 1 1 5 7 19 -12 4 8 Three Kings Utd G11/2 Sutton 7 1 0 6 8 39 -31 3
12th Dragons - AFF Youth 12th Grade Premier Division
Coach: Mark Atkinson Manager: Jodie Wallen
Team Members: Brooklyn Baker, Cooper Hart, Daniel Atkinson, Elijah Cathcart, Ethan Copeland, Jackson Mills, Joshua August, La’auli Blakelock, Luke Robb, Matthew Saxon, Sam Wallen, Vishay Reddy
Awards: Player of the Year La’auli Blakelock Most Improved Player Ethan Copeland Sportsperson of the Year Vishay Reddy
Team Report
The Dragons have had what I consider a breakthrough season in 2015. The players found the belief that they were able to match any opposition they play on most days. Even though the results didn't always give a clear indication of the effort and attitude, it was clear to myself as coach and many of their parents that progress is indeed being made in the right direction.
Mark Atkinson (Coach)
Grading Round - 12 Premier P W D L For Agst GD PTS
1 Eastern Suburbs AFC 12/P Lilly Whites 7 6 1 0 32 4 28 19
2 Onehunga Sports 12P 7 6 1 0 31 4 27 19
3 Bay Olympic 12/P Bombers 7 4 0 3 14 9 5 12
4 Drury 12/P Dragons 6 4 0 2 15 12 3 12
5 Beachlands Maraetai 12/1A Thunder 7 2 0 5 13 31 -18 6
6 Three Kings Utd 12/1A Silver 7 2 0 5 8 26 -18 6
7 Western Springs AFC 12/1A Espanyol 7 1 1 5 7 18 -11 4
8 Manurewa AFC 12/1B Stealth 6 0 1 5 5 21 -16 1
Championship Round - 12 Premier P W D L For Agst GD PTS 1 Eastern Suburbs AFC 12/P Lilly Whites 8 7 0 1 53 4 49 21 2 Fencibles Utd AFC 12/P 8 6 1 1 19 8 11 19 3 Bay Olympic 12/P Bombers 8 5 0 3 11 17 -6 15 4 Onehunga Sports 12P 8 4 2 2 21 10 11 14 5 Eastern Suburbs AFC 12/P White 8 3 1 4 11 14 -3 10 6 Western Springs AFC 12/P Sonics 8 2 2 4 9 14 -5 8 7 Ellerslie AFC 12/P Red 8 1 2 5 11 23 -12 5 8 Drury 12/P Dragons 8 1 2 5 6 22 -16 5 9 Three Kings Utd 12P Derbashi 8 1 2 5 7 36 -29 5
12th Torpedoes - AFF Youth 12th Grade Div 1B
Coaches: Dave Copeland Manager: Deanna Penney
Team Members: Aiden Garey, Bayley Daniel, Bradley Morrison, Caleb Anderson, Caleb Tapp, Daniel Jones, Ethan Pope, Joel Collins, Jordan Thomas, Kaden Anderton, Levi Potter, Xander Lendrum, Xavier Rees
Awards: Player of the Year Bradley Morrison Most Improved Player Aiden Garey Sportsperson of the Year Levi Potter
Winners of the Junior Team of the Year Shield
Grading Round - 12/1B P W D L For Agst GD PTS
1 Onehunga Sports 12/1A 7 5 2 0 25 2 23 17
2 Eastern Suburbs AFC 12/1A Yellow 7 5 2 0 24 5 19 17
3 Fencibles Utd AFC 12/1A Red 7 4 2 1 20 4 16 14
4 Bucklands Beach AFC 12/1B Finnigan 7 3 2 2 13 13 0 11
5 Drury 12/1B Torpedoes 7 2 1 4 7 10 -3 7
6 Three Kings Utd 12/2NC Hunt 6 1 1 4 3 20 -17 4
7 Ellerslie AFC 12/2NC Black 6 1 0 5 6 25 -19 3
8 Bay Olympic 12/2NC Everests 7 0 2 5 0 19 -19 2
Championship Round - 12/1B P W D L For Agst GD PTS 1 Fencibles Utd AFC 12/1B Mankelow 9 7 2 0 25 4 21 23 2 Manurewa AFC 12/1B Stealth 9 7 1 1 18 3 15 22 3 Bucklands Beach AFC 12/1B Finnigan 9 4 3 2 16 14 2 15 4 Western Springs AFC 12/1B Venom 9 4 3 2 18 17 1 15 5 Fencibles Utd AFC 12/1B At'letico 9 3 2 4 14 14 0 11 6 Central Utd Seagulls 12/1B 9 3 1 5 12 19 -7 10 7 Eastern Suburbs AFC 12/1B Black 9 2 3 4 14 16 -2 9 8 Beachlands Maraetai AFC 12/1B Bullets 9 2 3 4 16 20 -4 9 9 Drury 12/1B Torpedoes 9 3 0 6 15 29 -14 9 10 Metro FC 12/1B City 9 0 2 7 5 17 -12 2
12th Turbos - AFF Youth 12th Grade Div 4 South
Coach: Jon Nuth Ass. Coach: Martin Mercer Manager: Justine Mercer
Team Members: Alexander Gilder, Ethan Frewin, Hugh Williams, Idris Sharif, Jaymian Bradley, Liam Roberts, Matthew Smith, Michael Land, Owen Nuth, Pulkit Bhakoo, Ryan Cole, Taushal Naidu, Tyler Mercer
Awards: Player of the Year Taushal Naidu Most Improved Player Alexander Gilder Sportsperson of the Year Ethan Frewin
Team Report
What a great season boys! Loads of hard work, mid table respectability and an extremely tough side to beat.
You could say that the 12th Drury Turbos are a team of youth and experience. We were made up of the ‘old, seasoned campaigners’ - 12th graders who had played a number of seasons, and the youth and enthusiasm of 11th graders, some who had never really played before, stepping up and punching well above their weight.
Expectation was high after a well-earned 2-0 victory in our first game against Waiuku. We had some great battles during the rest of the season, cheered on by our vociferous fans and families. During the season we became the draw specialists and the effort, commitment and teamwork was great to see.
The strong spine of our team - Taushal in goal, Ethan in defence and Matt up front - meant that we were always in the hunt against every team. With defenders Owen, Alex, Pulkit and Hugh, the opposition always had their work cut out. Our tenacious engine-room including Ryan, Idris, Jaymian and Tyler covered every blade of grass. Our attack spearheaded by Liam and Michael meant we always looked a threat.
Particular thanks must go to Justine Mercer for being a great manager and prolific texter. Also to Martin Mercer for his knowledge and energy, taking the team during my absence and refereeing home games. Thanks also to parents and extended family for their support and encouragement. At times it was like watching Brazil! Well, almost. Well done fellas, you did us proud!
Jon Nuth (Coach)
Grading Round - 12/4 South P W D L For Agst GD PTS
1 Papatoetoe Utd FC 12/3S The Falcons 6 6 0 0 20 3 17 18
2 Pukekohe AFC 12/3S Small 6 5 1 0 28 2 26 16
3 Fencibles Utd AFC 12/4 Dustin 7 3 1 3 12 10 2 10
4 Mangere United 12/4S Mangere Blasters 6 3 1 2 11 10 1 10
5 Tuakau Soccer Club 12/4S Tuataras 7 2 3 2 21 10 11 9
6 Manurewa AFC 12/4S Pumas 6 2 1 3 7 12 -5 7
7 Drury 12/4S Turbos 6 1 1 4 7 20 -13 4
8 Clendon Utd AFC 12/4S Royals 6 1 0 5 6 24 -18 3
9 Waiuku AFC 12/4S Tornadoes 6 1 0 5 3 24 -21 3
Championship Round 12/4 South P W D L For Agst GD PTS 1 Tuakau Soccer Club 12/4S Tuataras 7 5 2 0 26 5 21 17 2 Beachlands Maraetai AFC 12/4S Sharks 7 5 2 0 16 4 12 17 3 Manurewa AFC 12/4S Pumas 7 5 0 2 14 9 5 15 4 Papakura City FC 12/4S Blues 7 3 2 2 27 14 13 11 5 Drury 12/4S Turbos 7 2 3 2 12 11 1 9 6 Waiuku AFC 12/4S Tornadoes 7 1 1 5 6 22 -16 4 7 Clendon Utd AFC 12/4S Royals 7 1 0 6 8 26 -18 3 8 Mangere United 12/4S Mangere Blasters 7 1 0 6 4 22 -18 3