YOUTH AND JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAMS

Under 17's

Kerikeri Football Club U17's have secured the first Championship of the Season to grace the Trophy Cabinet at Baysport Waipapa. The Team faced the only other Club that could catch them on Saturday in a long awaited clash against Tikipunga U17's in a game that the visitors from Tikipunga had to win if they stood any chance of beating Kerikeri to the title. Tikipunga had nothing to lose and really took it to the young Kerikeri side in the first twenty minutes, but the defence superbly marshalled by Haydn Juriscich and Jack Waller held firm. A break mid-way through the first half saw Daniel Field pounce on the opportunity to give Kerikeri a 1-0 half time lead.

A second goal shortly after half time knocked the wind out of the Tikipunga sails and from then on the Kerikeri Team played some superb Football adding a 3rd after 20 minutes of the second half, before Max Coleman calmly stepped up to the penalty spot and added the fourth goal.

Tikipunga also had their opportunities but a brilliant save from the Kerikeri keeper, Benji Vokes who managed to deflect a goal bound shot onto the crossbar before the defence cleared the ball to safety meant that this really was not going to be Tikipunga's day. The match was also a benefit to many of the Kerikeri players who make up the bulk of the Kerikeri High School Team, captained by Daniel Field.

The High School Team have gone through the Secondary Schools Competition undefeated this season and will contest the Final as Top Qualifiers in a two legged Final against Whangarei Boys High School. The first leg of the final will be played in Whangarei on Wednesday August 10th, with the return leg being played a week later on Wednesday, August 17th at the Kerikeri High School.

The boys who make up these two U17 Teams have enjoyed a superb season, playing some outstanding football and thoroughly deserve their success. As much support as possible would be appreciated by all concerned on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 17th.

Kerikeri Youth Teams

Kerikeri Football has a policy of level teams for 8th ,10th and 12th grades, as this creates an even competition for the players and exciting games for the supporters to watch. Team uniforms and training equipment are distributed at the beginning of the season.  All players that register are placed on a team and are given the chance to play football each week.

Playing ages are taken by the age a player turns during that year 1st January - 31st December.  i.e. a child turning 9 during the soccer year would be in 10th grade along with players turning 10 the same year.

Kerikeri Football Club also has pathways for gifted players.  From representative teams to soccer academies and scholarships. In 2008 the Kerikeri Football Club had 244 players playing the game of soccer in 26 junior teams. There were 36 players in the 5-6 yr old midgets, 54 x 7-8 yr olds in the 8th grade, 74 x 9-10 yr olds in the 10th grade, and 80 x 11-12 yr olds in the 12th grade.

That is girls and boys each week learning new physical, mental and social skills. The investments as parents we have all made were now bearing fruit. Our kids were out there having fun. Making and cementing friendships, finding mentors for the future. They participated in teams, representing our community and excelling at every step of the way.

The midgets have a whole new world open up to them and learn and play against fellow team members here at Baysports Waipapa. The 8th grade start to travel and play against teams from our district like Okaihau, Kaikohe, Paihia, Russell, Karetu.

The 10th grade also play in the local district competition, the KKFC Fishbone team won this grade. Some players were also selected on to the 9th and 10th grade development squads to play against opposition from Kaitaia to Auckland in the Northland cup. The girls team (The Dudes) also traveled away and played in an Auckland tournament. The 10th grade boys team went on to win the Northland Cup competition unbeaten. The 12th grade as well as the local derby represented Kerikeri in the prestigious Auckland Rose Bowl competition.

Youth Development Teams

At the May 30 2010 US1 Development Tournament held at Tikipunga Whangarei, Kerikeri FC sent 6 teams to compete in the 9th, 10th ,11th and 12th grades.

If results say anything then we had a great tournament retuning with the silverware for the 11th Grade Boys team, 3 x 2nd places for the 9th Grade, the 10th Grade Boys and 12th Grade Boys teams. The 10th Grade Girls team tied 3 of their 5 games and the 11th grade girls had a win and a draw in their battles.

What made the day a success? The smiles on the players faces is what did it for me. This is what sport should mean. Kids having fun competing at a sport they so obviously enjoy!