Wellington Phoenix F C Nelson Rugby
On the manicured grass of rugby's Trafalgar Park, more than 100 young footballers from across the top of the south got a taste of the professional game.
Coaches from the Wellington Phoenix held a two-day camp at the ground as part of a new partnership with FC Nelson that is hoped to see the establishment of a development centre in Nelson for New Zealand's sole professional football club.
The main aim of the centre, and others being developed around the country, is to expand New Zealand's young player base.
“If we can increase the base, the cream will also rise,” said the head of the Phoenix pre-academy Jesse Rawlings.
“We will be beneficiaries in the long term, but the clubs will benefit too. Across the country we want to break down barriers to be part of the Wellington Phoenix. You shouldn't have to come to Wellington to be part of the bigger picture.”
Rawlings said the turnout of 102 players had exceeded expectations for the camp. The $195 a head event was open to all 9 to 14-year-olds and drew youngsters from Picton, Blenheim, Queenstown and a number of Nelson clubs.
The sessions were based on small-sided games, rather than skill drills, because the emphasis was on enjoyment. There were also sessions on sports science and nutrition.
Rawlings said it was hoped to have the Nelson development centre up and running in the second school term this year.
It was envisaged the centre would stage weekly training sessions for players, and would also provide coach education opportunities for top of the south clubs.
Rawlings said FC Nelson had done a great job organising the camp, and the excellent playing surface at Trafalgar Park had been a big asset.
