Across the Coromandel Peninsula, football and futsal are growing in popularity, driven by dedicated local volunteers across mainly small communities connected by winding roads.

Amy Jane Todd and her husband Steve Hughes stepped into the roles of club administrators this year for Tairua FC, and they emphasise that it is a collective effort from the community. “Without the help of parents as coaches and managers, there is no club,” Amy says. 

Tairua, a community with a permanent population of around 1,600 on the East Coast, now has 65 Junior Footballers in it’s club.

Amy says that like many other clubs in the region, they do struggle with having enough gear, including correctly sized goals. They try to keep subs as low as possible to encourage participation - this year’s fees ranged from $35 – 65 (age dependant), so they mainly rely on grants and sponsorship to buy the more expensive equipment, such as goals.

WaiBOP Football were able to assist with the acquisition of correctly sized goals for the U10 and U12 teams. These new goals are moveable, which has given a flexibility and allowed collaboration with the Rugby Club – who have floodlights – and this year they’ve been able to schedule games for their U10 and U12 sides on some Friday nights, with a kickoff on dusk. Amy says the kids love the night games, as they are a different vibe, and with a sausage sizzle, and the rugby clubrooms open, there is a fun community atmosphere. 

The U10 and U12 squads have around 14 players in each group. These older teams compete locally in Whangamata, Whitianga, Whenuakite and Kuaotunu, and have occasional longer trips across the peninsula to Thames, Paeroa and Ngatea. 

The younger age groups – U6 and U8 – are based at Tairua Primary School on Saturday mornings. They also have some game days away, on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. They operate as a turn up and play, with new teams formed weekly.  The U6s typically play one game, while the U8s may play two or three, depending on numbers.

At the start of the season, the club held several physical sign-up afternoons, allowing kids and parents to engage, ask questions, and understand the commitment. The club has continued the community spirit with Friday social kick arounds, using the new goals, which are also held at the Tairua Rugby Club. These events see kids and parents from ages 6 to 50 participating in loosely ruled games. Amy says everyone loves these games and looks forward to more. 

WaiBOP Football Development Office Shane Comber is based in Whitianga. His part-time role sees him coordinating between clubs on the Eastern side of the Coromandel, sharing knowledge and resources. His role focuses on connecting and empowering the local football community. With decades of experience as a player, coach and volunteer, as well as a football parent, he uses his experience, skills and network to help enhance the local game. He assists clubs in things like organising coaching and referee courses and provides some mentoring of local coaches.

When a local club received a grant for new equipment, Shane was able to redistribute the second-hand gear to another club. 

Futsal is also on the rise, with schools like Te Puru (Thames Coast) and Whenuakite sending teams to AIMS Games this year. Shane's efforts are further expanding female participation in the sport. 

This July, he’s organising a girls-only fun day in Whangamata, aiming to inspire more girls to get involved in the beautiful game, as well as attract more female coaches.

GIRLS IN FOOTBALL FUN DAY - JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Join us in Whangamata!

Tuesday July 16, 2024.
Whangamata School.
9-13 years.
💲 FREE.
Register: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/296888
This event will go ahead rain or shine as an indoor facility is available if required.

Article added: Wednesday 10th July 2024