FANZ: Issue 5 (2016)

ISSN 2422–8710

WINNER NZ’S FOOTBALL PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE Issue Five, January 2016

Winston Reid:

Happy Hammer TRIBUTES TO ALL WHITE LEGENDS SUMNER & TURNER 1

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OFFANZ: FOOTBALL NZ

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL NZ

s t n e t n o C THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

Issue 5, January 2016

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Legends honoured

26 Celebration of Excellence

Steve Sumner and Brian Turner are Photo galleries from our dinner. honoured by their peers.

STORY 6 FEATURE The Happy Hammer

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Sigmund to Bow Out

Ben Sigmund’s retirement.

All White captain Winston Reid is making an impression on both Football Dad sides of the world.

In search of a young goalkeeper.

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Footballer of the Year

33 International Diary

The NZ Footballer of the Year trophy is re–united with past News about our national sides. winners.

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34 Around the Country

More honours

News from the regions.

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Auckland City FC and an Auckland Oceania News club veteran are recognised by their sport.

Historic coaching course underway.

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Hanging Out with Messi

36 Upcoming events

Sam Malcolmson returns to Spain Don’t miss our next Golf Day. and rubs shoulders with the Friends of Football current game’s greatest player.

What our group is all about, who we are and how you can join.

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Media award winners

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PO Box 9076 Newmarket Auckland 1149 Editor: Josh Easby email: josh@hurricane–press.co.nz www.friendsoffootballnz.com The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the group’s membership.

All contents published in this issue remain the property of the appropriate copyright owner and may not be reproduced or copied in any form, print or digital, without the prior permission of the copyright holder.

ISSN 2422–8710

WINNER NZ’S FOOTBALL PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

THE FRIENDS’ DIARY Upcoming Friends of Football events include: 2nd ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY Thursday April 28, 2016

Get Off The Grass

Coverage of the football media Andrew Dewhurst’s final word. awards.

PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ISSUE Unless otherwise stated, all the photographs in this magazine are the work of Phototek’s Shane Wenzlick, the Official Photographer to Friends of Football.

We are grateful to Shane for giving us access to his photographic library.

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FANZ: The Football Magazine is published by Friends of Football Inc.

A round of golf with your football friends at Auckland’s Akarana Golf Day. See page 36 for more information. www.friendsoffootballnz.com FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

FROM OUR EDITOR

Innovation is key to drawing crowds Josh Easby HORSERACING has faced its share of challenges over the past few decades, with declining crowds and increased competition for sponsorship.

It’s a familiar story for those trying to draw people to watch live sport, whether it’s football, cricket or even the country’s national sport, rugby.

But we should all take inspiration from a horseracing event that took place in the lead–up to Christmas.

The Southland Racing Club was forced to surrender its planned raceday at Invercargill’s Ascot Park because of drainage issues at the track. The club decided to transfer the races to Winton, about 30km away.

Interestingly, the club decided to still go ahead with its meeting at Ascot Park.

It would have seven bands performing, a fashion parade, lots of fun activities and big television screens to watch the races beamed to them live from Winton.

Officials dubbed the event a “phantom race meeting” — all the action you would normally associate with a meeting but just no horses.

About 5,500 turned up to enjoy an outstanding day, sparking discussions in the industry that more “phantom” meetings might provide a boon to the industry.

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So what’s the relevance for football?

I believe the success of the “phantom” meeting demonstrates that drawing crowds isn’t just about the core product — a horse race or a game of football — it’s about providing an experience that satisfies the social needs of customers.

Football is starting to develop a television audience, thanks to continued coverage of the Hyundai A–League and SKY’s first go at broadcasting ASB Premiership games.

While this is potentially good for promoting the game, and attracting sponsorship, dwindling crowds are likely to be the side effect. That seems to be evident from the first few rounds of the ASB Premiership.

It would be easy to surrender the fight for live attendances, arguing they have been replaced by armchair supporters.

But that would be short–sighted and football needs to keep looking for innovative ways to draw fans to games.

If horseracing can attract 5,500 to a race meeting that has no horses, surely our sport can find clever ways to get people along?

The U–20 FIFA World Cup proved tens of thousands of football fans are willing to go to matches if they are promoted well, have atmosphere and provide entertainment over and above the 90 minutes of football.

New Zealand Football and the Wellington Phoenix are clearly aware of the issues and both are working hard to find ways to grow attendances.

As commentator Andrew Dewhurst points out in his column on page 44, venues play a major part.

But the answers will also require imagination and innovation, as horseracing has found.

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RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

All White legends receive medals

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Brian Turner (left) presents Ron Hobbs with a signed All Whites shirt. Photograph: Dave Mackay.

DESPITE featuring in five World Cup campaigns as a player or member of the All Whites coaching staff, a Northern League game in Hamilton remains firm in Brian Turner’s memories of his career.

He was 15 and already showing promise as a junior at Auckland club Eden. Early in the 1964 season, the team was heading south for a game against Hamilton FC and coach Ron Hobbs decided it was time for Turner to make his senior debut.

A senior player in the side, and a hero of the young Turner, was Mark Burgess who would go on to represent New Zealand at both football and cricket.

Leading the tributes to Turner at the Celebration of Excellence dinner, Burgess explained the game provided a tricky challenge for Turner, with a Waikato referee frustrating the visitors with some decisions.

Burgess chased a through ball into the box and was beaten to it by the ‘keeper, who he vaulted without making physical contact.

“The ref came straight over and sent me off,” Burgess told the 120 guests at the dinner. “Young Brian didn’t think this was fair so he came over and decided to share his opinion with the ref. That’s how we both found ourselves walking off the pitch together ...”

In his acceptance speech, Turner said he had never forgotten the faith showed in him by his first coach and he called Hobbs forward to receive an emotional hug and a signed All Whites shirt.

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wo All White legends are the latest recipients of the Friends of Football Medals of Excellence, awarded for outstanding services to the game.

Steve Sumner, captain of the 1982 All Whites, and World Cup veteran Brian Turner became the third and fourth recipients of the medal after former national coach John Adshead (2013) and long–serving All White Ivan Vicelich (2014).

They received their medals at the annual Celebration of Excellence dinner held at the Auckland Grammar Old Boys’ Pavilion.

Sumner (60) played more than 100 times for his adopted country, scoring 22 times in 58 A–level international fixtures.

This included a record six–goal tally in a World Cup qualifier against Fiji, on the way to the 1982 finals in Spain (where he became the first All White to score at a finals tournament).

Turner (66) took part in five World Cup campaigns as a player and member of the coaching/ management team, and went to both the 1982 and 2010 finals tournaments.

He’s a three–time winner of the Player of the Year award.

Fellow internationals Mark Burgess and Bobby Almond led the tributes to the pair. * For more coverage of the Celebration of Excellence dinner, see page 32.

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Main photo: Brian Turner (left) and Steve Sumner display their Medals of Excellence.

Left: Previous recipients of the medal Ivan Vicelich (2014) and John Adshead (2013).

Photographs: Dave Mackay OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

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Steve Sumner New Zealand clubs Christchurch United Manurewa Gisborne City Australian clubs Newcastle Jets West Adelaide UK clubs Blackpool Preston North End

Top: Steve Sumner heads back to the centre spot after his Christchurch United side score in the 1975 Chatham Cup final at Auckland’s Newmarket Park. A forlorn Blockhouse Bay goalkeeper John Morris (left) recovered sufficiently to help present Sumner with his medal.

Middle: Sumner shared his evening with son Carl (left) and coach John Adshead.

Bottom: Alan Jarmandie, an orderly who is helping with Sumner’s treatment at Canterbury Hospital, flew to Auckland to see him receive his honour.

Cup final photo: Dave Barker Dinner photographs by: Dave Mackay.

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International career (1976–1988) 105 games for NZ (incl. 58 full internationals, scoring 22 goals) Awards NZ Player of the Year (1983) NZ Football Hall of Fame (1991) FIFA Centennial Award (2004) FIFA Order of Merit (2010) Medal of Excellence (2015)

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Brian Turner New Zealand clubs Ponsonby Eden Mt Wellington Gisborne City Papatoetoe Blockhouse Bay Australian clubs Blacktown City Wollongong Wolves UK clubs Chelsea Portsmouth Brentford International career (1967–2013) 102 games for NZ (incl. 59 full internationals, scoring 21 goals).

Three World Cup campaigns as a player, two as a member of the coaching/management team.

Awards NZ Player of the Year (1974, 1979, 1980).

NZ Football Hall of Fame (1995) Medal of Excellence (2015)

Above: While Turner’s achievements as an All White received the most attention during the celebration of his career, he was also a long–time member of Auckland’s representative squad and played against international sides such as Indonesia at Newmarket Park.

Photograph: Dave Barker

Left: Turner’s Mount Wellington and New Zealand teammate Dave Taylor enjoyed recounting what happened when the pair travelled to Vietnam in 1967 as the youngest members of an international squad coached by Juan Schwanner.

Photograph: Dave Mackay.

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RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

Happy Hammer FANZ editor JOSH EASBY profiles All Whites skipper Winston Reid, named NZ Footballer of the Year at the Friends of Football’s Celebration of Excellence dinner.

FULL NAME Winston Wiremu Reid DATE OF BIRTH 3 July 1988 PLACE OF BIRTH North Shore, Auckland JUNIOR TEAMS Takapuna AFC Milford School YOUTH TEAMS SUB Sønderborg Midtjylland SENIOR CLUBS Midtjylland West Ham United INTERNATIONALS Denmark U–19 Denmark U–20 Denmark U–21 New Zealand HONOURS Hammer of the Year 2013 NZ Footballer of the Year

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IN LITTLE more than five years, Winston Reid has gone from the ranks of world football’s unknowns to become one of New Zealand’s most successful proponents of the game.

He’s the latest to join the list of players who have won the NZ Footballer of the Year trophy, recognition for his achievements not only as the current captain of the All Whites but for his emergence as one of the hottest stars in the English Premier League.

But despite his soaring profile, his acceptance speech (via Skype) at the Friends of Football’s Celebration of Excellence dinner showed he remains grounded, with family a key part of his motivation.

Reid said the speculation about a potential move from West Ham United, where he’s the club skipper, had been settled by a desire to not uproot his family because his partner and two children were happy in London.

This was no PR-polished statement designed to divert attention from the factors that usually drive transfer speculation — money, agents and contract terms. Check just about any interview with Reid since he found glory with the 2010 All Whites, and you’ll see he’s far more comfortable talking family, his roots and about the need to encourage the next generation of players.

No doubt this stems from Reid’s own upbringing, when kicking balls around as a toddler with his father Lyle in the back garden of their home on Auckland’s North Shore.

Reid’s mum, Prue, encouraged his enthusiasm for the game and when he was four, she pleaded with Takapuna AFC’s junior coach Joe Boyle to let him play alongside five year olds.

The slender Reid, still at kindergarten, was able to match the older, bigger boys and he learned the basic techniques of football while having fun. ”She (Prue) was down at the pitch every week to watch Winston,’ Joe recalled to New Idea magazine.

“She wasn’t one of the mums who drop their kids off – she stayed at the training and she never missed a game.”

When he started school, the youngster combined playing for Milford School and continuing at his Takapuna club.

After the break-up of his parents’ marriage, Reid’s mum remarried and at the age of 10, Winston found himself moving to Denmark with Prue and his stepfather, Jens Bjerregaard, who also supported his passion for football.

“Denmark opened my eyes,” Reid told FIFA.com. “I’d always enjoyed football, but the difference there is that football is the number one sport by a distance. And being new to the country, wanting to make friends, it was the perfect way for me to integrate.

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Winston Reid, All Whites captain.

Photograph: Shane Wenzlick OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

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“By the time I was 13 or 14, I knew that being a footballer was what I really wanted to do. I started playing in [regional] representative teams in Denmark and then at 15 I was scouted and signed by Midtjylland.

When I joined their academy at 16, I was set on really giving it a go and seeing how far it would take me.”

In 2005, he signed a professional contract with Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland. At 17, he made his debut against Norwegian side Vålerenga and his reputation as a defender with a high work rate and an ability to score the odd goal brought him to the attention of national selectors.

Not New Zealand selectors, Danish selectors. In 2006, Reid sought, and received, his Danish citizenship.

He represented Denmark at U-19, U-20 and U-21 level. His achievements went virtually unnoticed in his New Zealand homeland, but his heart remained in the South Pacific.

Reid was acutely aware of his New Zealand ancestry. His father Lyle was a member of the Tanui iwi while his mother’s roots were with the Te Rarawa iwi from the Far North.

“I’ve always felt a strong connection with New Zealand and my Maori ancestry,” Reid told New Idea.

That sense of belonging made it easy for Reid when the then-All Whites coach, Ricki Herbert, asked him to choose New Zealand ahead of Denmark. Herbert had first approached Reid in 2006 but four years later, wanted him to fight for a place in the World Cup squad.

“It was the hardest decision of my life, but in the end I am a New Zealander and a Maori,” Reid said.

In March 2010, Reid decided he wanted to play for New Zealand and in May, Herbert named the 190cm defender in his squad to go to the FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa, despite not having seen him play in the flesh.

Reid made his full international debut against Australia and then starred in New Zealand’s surprise 1-0 win against Serbia, in a warmup match for the finals.

Whatever gamble the critics might have thought Herbert was taking on this youngster from Scandanavia, it was paying off.

Then, in South Africa, and as part of the New Zealand team that went undefeated through its group, Reid performed a moment of magic that has already become an iconic moment in the country’s sporting folklore.

Trailing Slovakia 1-0 in the opening game of the finals, New Zealand threw everyone forward as the match entered stoppage time.

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Top, humble and direct, Reid is getting used to dealing with the demands of the media.

Lower, Reid performs a hongi with a spectator at QBE Stadium while on international duty.

Photograph: Shane Wenzlick.

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A proud moment for Winston Reid as he leads his West Ham United side onto Eden Park, in his home town of Auckland, to play Wellington Phoenix. Photograph: Shane Wenzlick.

Fullback Tony Lochead made an unselfish run down the left, drawing a defender away from forward Shane Smeltz. Sensing the chance to turn, Smeltz swivelled and sent a swirling cross into the Slovakian penalty box.

Reid headed it into the net and delightedly turned to the television cameras.

His dad Lyle, watching the television, said his “foot nearly went through the floor and head nearly went through the ceiling”.

The rest of the nation joined Lyle in celebration.

Within a day, Reid stopped being “Winston Who?” and became the latest football hero.

Post-World Cup and with glowing references from the national coaching staff, Reid was targeted

by Avram Grant, the manager of EPL side West Ham United. He saw the 22-year-old Reid as a potential saviour for a Hammers outfit battling to avoid the drop from the top division.

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Grant was so keen to get Reid aboard, he gave him a three-year contract and put him straight into the starting line-up at right back.

“I’d never played right-back in my life,” Reid said later. “What could I do? I’d only just come into the club so I couldn’t really say anything.”

Reid did not have the happiest of debuts as Ashley Young and Stewart Downing tormented him and opponents Aston Villa won 3-0.

Grant lost his job as West Ham dropped into the Championship.

But tough times bring out the best in leaders and Reid quickly earned the respect of fellow players and helped the club return to Premiership status.

Sam Allardyce, Reid’s manager at West Ham until 2015, rated him highly enough to name him in his all-time best XI of all the players he’s managed at Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Newcastle United.

Allardyce named Reid alongside another New Zealand, Ryan Nelsen

(who he managed at Blackburn), as the best central defenders he’d worked with.

In 2013, when Nelsen retired from international football, Reid became his natural successor and the modest lad from Auckland’s North Shore was now his country’s national skipper, as well as the club captain at Upton Park, London.

That year, Reid became the Hammer Player of the Year, one of only three non-English players to take the title.

As his star shone, the end of his three-year contract at West Ham was starting to approach. Fearing he would become a free agent, the club sought to get Reid to sign a new deal while they still had time on the contract. The newspapers linked Reid’s name to many of the Hammers’ rivals — Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool.

Even Allardyce thought Reid would take the money and run, preferring a move and the money that came with it. The manager FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

publicly stated that Reid would not be a Hammer going forward.

But in the way that only football can spin things around, it was Allardyce who left (he became manager at Sunderland) and Reid signed a deal that will keep him at Upton Park till 2021.

Whatever his deal, and neither party has come close to disclosing it, it puts Reid into the category of being New Zealand’s highest paid sports star – or at least close to it.

Even before the new contract, the NZ Herald speculated in October 2014 that Reid was earning the equivalent of $12 million a year, putting him second (behind yachting’s Russell Coutts on $13 million) on a sporting rich list.

Whatever his earnings, Reid comes across as someone who is grounded enough to not blow it on an extravagant lifestyle, or to forget his roots.

He’s established a $25,000 a year scholarship to help New Zealand youngsters a year by attending the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy at Scots College in Wellington.

“I’ve been very privileged in life that I’ve had the opportunity to do this, so for me personally it’s the least I can do,” Reid said when the Phoenix academy unveiled Aucklanders Sarpreet Singh (16) and Max Mata (15) as the first recipients of the scholarship.

“I hope there’s a lot more young players (from New Zealand) in the next generation who will come over here and succeed and hopefully do better than I’ve done and maybe even push on to a higher level.”

Reid retains a desire to specifically help players with a similar background to his own.

“If I can help other young Maori players to start off in soccer, that could be good,” he told an interviewer.

Above: Reid rises high to win the ball for the All Whites against Honduras at QBE Stadium, North Harbour.

Right: The captain challenges for everything — Reid sticks up for the Hammers at Eden Park.

Photograph: Shane Wenzlick.

Family remains important.

Speaking to guests at the Friends of Football dinner via Skype, Reid told interviewer Andrew Dewhurst that his family’s happiness was paramount and he enjoyed being at a club he truly believed in.

West Ham’s imminent move to a new stadium and the quality of its playing squad gave him belief he was in the right place.

Reid now follows the likes of Ryan Nelsen and Simon Elliott as All Whites who have proven they can play in the world’s most competitive domestic league.

His life has changed so much in five years; and who knows how much more lies ahead?

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‘My aim is always to give the younger generations something to look up to and strive for, so hopefully they can do even better.’

— Winston Reid receiving his award

Finalists in the NZ Footballer of the Year award

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2nd

3rd

Ivan Vicelich

Ryan Thomas

4th Abby Erceg

5th

6th

Chris Wood

Bill Tuiloma

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NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

Past winners 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 16

Mick Seed Ron Armstrong Ian Ormond Maurice Tillotson Brian Turner Roy Drinkwater Keith Nelson Alf Stamp Tony Sibley Brian Turner Brian Turner Grant Turner Keith Nelson Steve Sumner Colin Walker Kevin Hagan Grant Turner Ceri Evans Michael McGarry Noel Barkley Noel Barkley Michael McGarry Noel Barkley Paul Halford Darren McLennan Chris Jackson Batrum Suri Jason Batty Fred de Jong Kris Bouckenhooge Fred de Jong Graham Little Graham Little Andy Boyens No award Grant Young Grant Young Ben Sigmund Ben Sigmund Roy Krishna Aaron Clapham Allan Pearce Chris Bale

An historic line–up ... past winners of the NZ Footballer of the Year award pose with the trophy. From left, Noel Barkley (1989, 1990 and 1992), Ron Armstrong (1971), Fred de Jong (1998 and 2000), Maurice Tillotson (1973), Brian Turner (1974, 1979 and 1980), and Steve Sumner (1983). Photograph: Dave Mackay.

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he Player of the Year trophy has graced shelves belonging to some of this country’s greatest players.

The New Zealand Soccer Writers’ Association, as it was in 1970, commissioned the trophy to coincide with the inaugural Rothmans Soccer League and its first recipient was Mick Seed, a key player for that year’s champion club, Blockhouse Bay. In the early years, the trophy winner was announced at dinners on the eve of the annual Chatham Cup final.

Three–time winners have been Brian Turner and Noel Barkley, while dual winners have included Keith Nelson, Grant Turner, Graham Little, Michael McGarry, Fred de Jong and Ben Sigmund.

All White great Steve Sumner received the award in 1983, the year after he led the national team’s campaign at the World Cup finals in Spain.

In the early 2000s, the re–named NZ Football Media Association

merged its awards with those administered by the national body.

The Player of the Year was last awarded in 2012 (to Chris Bale) but it has since been dormant.

The trophy has been missing since 2004 (when it was not presented) but was rediscovered by the NZFMA and Friends of Football and re–launched at the Celebration of Excellence dinner.

Event MC Andrew Dewhurst joked that no one had held the trophy longer than Andy Boyens, recipient of the trophy in 2003.

NZFMA chair Simon Kay said criteria for judging the award had been refreshed and members could vote for the winner on a 3–2–1 points basis, including male and female players who had played domestically or overseas.

Trailing winner Winston Reid were runner–up Ivan Vicelich and Ryan Thomas in third. Rounding out the top six (in order) were Ferns captain Abby Erceg, All White Chris Wood and New Zealand U–20 captain Bill Tuiloma.

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JIM MCMULLAN MEMORIAL AWARD

Sport honours those who have made a difference ...

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aving started as an award for football’s Personality of the Year in the 1970s, the award was renamed and relaunched to honour legendary coach Jim McMullan .

The Jim McMullan Memorial Award is now presented by the NZ Football Media Association to those whose services to the game deserve to be honoured.

McMullan died in 2011, aged 90, after devoting more than half a century to coaching kids in Wellington.

He was legendary for turning up, no matter what the conditions, to help develop any child, regardless of their technical ability.

Many of his proteges went on to play top level football, the most

famous being Oceania Player of the Millenium and All White striker Wynton Rufer.

Irishman McMullan was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal.

Past winners 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2010 2011

Bill Fleming Alf Stamp Wally Hughes John Adshead Kevin Fallon John Adshead John Adshead Don Jones Kevin Fallon Don Jones Grant Turner Ian Marshall Ian Marshall John Cameron Ian Marshall Kevin Fallon Wynton Rufer Vic Deverill & Colin Stone Iain Ormond Bobby Clark Charlie Dempsey Wynton Rufer Kevin Fallon Chris Turner U–17 World Cup squad Warwick Gendall Barry Smith Les Coffman Gavin Roberts John Cameron Iain Gillies Dave Maisey

THE LATEST RECIPIENT of the Jim McMullan Memorial Award for services to football is long–time Onehunga Sports identity Bill Raffles (left) who received his award from executive member of the NZFMA Jeremy Ruane at the Celebration of Excellence. Raffles joined the club (known as Cornwall then) as a junior in 1960, but has since held many administration and coaching roles. Raffles is stepping down from his roles next year.

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AUCKLAND CITY’S achievements at the FIFA Club World Cup and winning the ASB Premiership in 2015 prompted Friends of Football to present club chairman Ivan Vuksich (left) and captain Ivan Vicelich with a momento at the Celebration of Excellence dinner in Auckland. Photo: Dave Mackay.

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‘82 ALL WHITE SAM MALCOLMSON RETURNS TO SPAIN AND CATCHES UP WITH THE GAME’S GREATEST PLAYER

Photo: Stefano Stabile

Hanging out with Messi

HE IS TO World Soccer what Nelson Mandela was to World Peace. When he plays, the world watches in anticipation of the next piece of magic he will produce; that lesser mortals, stars in their own right, can only dream about.

Of course, I am talking about the Barcelona Superstar, Lionel Messi aka ‘Leo’.

A love of football, a degree of persistence and a series of lucky breaks conjured a memorable day for me, in the company of the man considered to be the current candidate for the title of the world’s greatest football.

My Messi adventure began four years ago when I had a hankering to visit Spain again, a country I had not thought much about since the halcyon days of 1982 when I was a member of the legendary All White team that made New Zealand’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals there.

I went to Barcelona, undoubtedly drawn by the European success of the Catalonia side filled with

household names such as Inesta, Xavi and, of course, Messi.

Somehow, due to my appearance in the World Cup Finals, I was accredited to visit the Barcelona Academy.

There, I watched ‘wannabies’ and ‘will–he’s’ from all cultures and all walks of life, aged from seven to 17, at the club’s famed Joan Camper training complex.

It boasted numerous pitches, some with synthetic surfaces and others with manicured grass, as well as two world–class gymnasiums where every team and age– group spends time performing strengthening, stretching and conditioning regimes.

There is even a hostel for selected school–age boys from early teens to adults, where they schoolwork

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By Sam Malcolmson SAM MALCOLMSON is a former All White and current member of Friends of Football’s executive committee. His love of football takes him all over the world.

Photo: Shane Wenzlick.

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Photo: Shai Pal

‘When we have the ball — we enjoy the game.

‘When we don’t have the ball — we run.

‘We want to have the ball back again.

‘We need all the team to want the ball — our attack and enjoyment begins with ball possession.’ — The Barca philosophy is undertaken in the morning and football played in the afternoon and evening, lured by dreams of a full–time professional career.

On that visit I met Ricard Segarra, now a good friend, who is Goalkeeping Coach for all teams from seven to 17 year olds (and has been in Barcelona since 2003). Ricard explained to me the methodology of the Barca Football Club from schoolkid to 1st team player. In simple terms it is: “When we have the ball — we enjoy the game.

“When we don’t have the ball — we run. We want to have the ball back again.

“We need all the team to want the ball — our attack and enjoyment begins with ball possession.”

I have no doubt this doctrine is the foundation of their continued success. On that trip I must have done something right or shone in someone’s eyes because I was

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invited to watch the fabled first team behind ‘closed doors’ with about 10 others.

The intensity, creativity and fun that the ‘superstars’ seemed to get from training and being in each other’s company really warmed my heart. It was clear why they are a great team and their approach was not dissimilar to the ’82 All Whites who also portrayed that belief and spine in overcoming all hurdles in their pursuit of history.

After that training session there was an opportunity to have a photo with the players, but I refused, satisfied with the opportunity and chance to see the players at work close hand.

In the ensuing years, Barcelona’s success has escalated and Messi’s star shines even brighter. The scale of his performance is even higher and the magic of Barca had become simply too magnetic to resist. In early 2015, I put plans in place to

return, to see Barcelona at their majestic Nou Camp and if possible meet ‘Leo’ in person. I’m in my seventh decade now but subscribe to the belief you are never too old to dream.

My Barca connections invited me to the home game with Levante. I was like a kid in a candy store. Nearly 80,000 fans packed the stadium on a magnificent warm evening for a game against an average La Liga outfit.

The Nike megastore attached to the ground must do a roaring trade, with what seemed almost 100% of Barcelona fans wearing some sort of supporter’s gear, whether it was a replica jersey (where Messi outnumbered all others at least 10 to 1), a cap, a scarf, a T–shirt or whatever. This was obviously a family affair with grandads, grandmas, mums, dads, boys and girls of all ages, with visitors drawn from Asia, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.

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And this solitary Scottish Kiwi who was mesmerised by it all.

The atmosphere was brilliant — warm, friendly, but extremely partisan. To make the evening perfect, Barca won 4–1, with Messi scoring twice. One goal was from the penalty spot but to show us all he was human, he missed another penalty by scooping the ball over the bar and nearly into the back row of the stadium.

My admiration for Messi was affirmed by two endearing stories.

Someone close to Lionel, who has known him since he was 14, told me he had not changed at all.

Despite his fame and wealth, he is still humble and religious. He just loves football. Money is not a factor in his decision–making (although his management may have another view!)

Apparently, when he was a teenager and still single, and during the La Liga close season, he would come back for International Duty with Argentina and was soon fed up he had no games to play. His solution was to phone his mates and arrange to meet at the local park where he would take part in kickabouts all day. With friends like Iniesta and Fabregas, to name just two, those park sessions must have really been something.

Another tale that emphasises his love for the game was when he was in his early teens. He played for Under–17s, Under–19s and Barcelona ‘B’ in the same season. If he was dropped to the Under–17s he would not complain or take it as a rejection; he just wanted to play and for whatever team that gave him a game.

My four–year Barca odyssey took another twist when I returned to Spain in late 2015.

I was lucky enough to be invited to closed door first team training on the Monday morning after the Levante game.

And then I struck the jackpot.

Through my friend Ricard I was invited to meet the man himself, one on one. I was awestruck, and

Messi enrolled at Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at 13. Photo: Maria Rosa Ferre.

struggled to find the words for such an occasion (which many of my friends will confirm is not like me).

For Messi’s part, he was just a decent human being who gave the impression he really cared about others and wasn’t in a hurry to get going.

My challenge was to leave him with a suitable memento, something to remind him of a brief meeting with an admirer from New Zealand.

But what do you give a man paid in

telephone numbers and who would break the world record transfer fee if Barcelona were stupid enough to sell him (and the fans ever allowed it to happen)?

Well, I gave him an authentic NZ– made Buzzy Bee to take home to his two children. Football is only part of what defines this great man …

SAM MALCOLMSON gets to meet his Barca heroes ... “like a kid in football’s candy store.”

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

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NZ Football Media A

N

ew Zealand’s best football writers, broadcasters and photographers received the sport’s premier awards at Friends of Football’s Celebration of Excellence dinner in Auckland.

It’s the second year that the dinner has incorporated the annual awards run by the New Zealand Football Media Association.

The NZFMA started life as the New Zealand Soccer Writers' Association and was set up primarily to help sports journalists cover the Rothmans League, founded in 1970 and notable as the country's first national league in any sport.

WRITER OF THE YEAR Winner Michael Burgess (Herald on Sunday) Other finalists Steven Holloway (Herald Online) Phillip Rollo (Nelson Mail) Recent Winners 2003 Simon Kay 2004 Terry Maddaford 2005 Michael Brown 2006 Michael Brown 2007 Michael Brown 2008 No award 2009 Michael Brown 2010 Michael Brown 2011 Tony Smith 2012 Michael Burgess 2013 Michael Burgess

REGIONAL/COMMUNITY WRITER OF THE YEAR Winner Phillip Rollo (Nelson Mail) Other finalists Anendra Singh (Hawke’s Bay Today) Andrew Voerman (Christchurch Star) Previous Winners 2011 Anendra Singh (Hawke’s Bay Today) 2012 Phillip Rollo (Waimea Weekly) 2013 Jeremy Ruane

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The group’s first media awards were held in 1980, with a Writer of the Year and Programme of the Year recognised. Further categories were added in photography in 1981 and broadcasting in 1986.

The awards have since evolved to incorporate publications and a regional/community/website writer category.

The NZFMA began collaborating with Friends of Football in 2014.

Association chair Simon Kay says his group is pleased to have the opportunity to continue the relationship this year.

Among the highlights of the latest awards were those made to broadcasters. Jason Pine won the audio section for the seventh successive year while Gordon Glen Watson was awarded the television award for the third time in four years.

Wellington photographer Hagen Hopkins won the Photographer of the Year award at the first attempt and also took the Best Photograph of the Year trophy.

Michael Burgess took the Writer of the Year for the third year in a row.

PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR Winner Friends of Football’s FANZ (Auckland City Club World Cup tribute issue), edited by Josh Easby.

Recent Winners 2001 — Stand Up If You Love The Kingz,

by Grant Stantiall and Michael Stephen 2002 — Sitter magazine, edited by Bruce Holloway 2003 — Canterbury Centenary, by John Small 2004 — Spikes History, Rangers FC 2005 — Soccer Talk magazine, edited by Glen Price 2006–08 No award 2009 — Ricki Herbert – A New Fire, by Russell Gray 2010 — Ryan Nelsen’s Road to the World Cup with Tony Smith 2011 — The Waikato Chronicles, by Bruce Holloway 2012 — Strength In Unity, edited by Jeremy Ruane 2013 — Soccer by the Silverstream – 100 Years of Soccer on the Taieri, by W. Cliff Anderson

Waitemata Nelson’s Phillip Rollo (left) collects his award from NZFMA chair Simon Kay. Rollo was a finalist in three categories at the awards and combines writing about football with photographing the sport (he was a finalist for the Photographer of the Year).

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wards

RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

AUDIO BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR Winner Jason Pine (NZME Radio) Other finalists Gordon Glen Watson (OFC) Yellow Fever — In The Zone (Dale Warburton, Guy Smith, Evald Subasic and David Cross) Recent winners 2006 Andrew Dewhurst 2007 Jason Pine 2008 No award 2009 Jason Pine 2010 Jason Pine 2011 Jason Pine 2012 Jason Pine 2013 Jason Pine

TV BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR Winner Gordon Glen Watson (Auckland City FC) Recent winners (TV and radio combined) 2003 Michelle Pickles 2004 Michelle Pickles 2005 Michelle Pickles

Recent winners (TV only) 2006 Andrew Gourdie 2007 Andrew Gourdie 2008 No award 2009 Andrew Gourdie 2010 Andrew Gourdie 2011 Gordon Glen Watson 2012 Gordon Glen Watson 2013 Andrew Gourdie

WINNERS — back, from left, Bill Raffles (Jim McMullan Award for Services to Football), Josh Easby (Publication of the Year), Mark Reid (Programme of the Year), Simon Kay (chairman, NZFMA). Front, from left, Jeremy Ruane (executive member of NZFMA), Hagen Hopkins (Photographer of the Year) and Phillip Rollo (Regional/Community Writer of the Year). Photo: Dave Mackay.

MATCH PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR Winner Waitemata, edited by Mark Reid (left)

Other finalists Hawke’s Bay United, edited by Matthew Hastings Papatoetoe, produced by Andrew Kirk and Dana Jenkins Recent Winners 2000 Otago FA 2001 Island Bay United 2002 Island Bay United 2003 Lower Hutt City 2004 Lower Hutt City 2005–9 No award 2010 Cambridge FC 2011 Napier City Rovers 2012 Petone 2013 WaiBOP United

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Waitemata Edited by Mark Reid

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PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Winner Hagen Hopkins

Other finalists Andrew Cornaga (Photosport) Phillip Rollo (Nelson Mail) Shane Wenzlick (Phototek)

WINNING PORTFOLIO — A series of images from Wellington Phoenix matches helped earn Hagen Hopkins the Photographer of the Year award ahead of an impressive field of finalists.

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Recent Winners 2003 Shane Wenzlick 2004 Shane Wenzlick 2005 Michael Bradley 2006 Andrew Cornaga 2007 Shane Wenzlick 2008 No award 2009 Hannah Johnston 2010 Andrew Cornaga 2011 Shane Wenzlick 2012 Andrew Cornaga 2013 Andrew Cornaga FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

FINALISTS’ WORK — Some of the outstanding photographs submitted by finalists in the Photographer of the Year category.

Above, Nelson’s Phillip Rollo captures a wry moment in a one–sided match in which Nelson Suburbs (sponsored

by AMI) suffer their worst defeat.

Left, Andrew Cornaga captures the very moment of. Rosie White’s goal from a diving header for the Football Ferns against Brazil at Mt Smart Stadium.

Below left, Shane Wenzlick perfectly captures the moment of joy and dejection with this goal.

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AN EVENING OF JOY AND LAUGHTER EVENT: Celebration of Excellence VENUE: Auckland Grammar Old Boys’ Pavilion, Epsom, Auckland

The Brian Turner fan club: Alison Turner (left), Nikki O’Donnell, wife Liz Turner and Anna Turner.

Photo: Dave Mackay.

Clockwise from above left. Steve Sumner (left) catches up with former internationals and Junior All White coaches Danny Hay and Chris Zorocich. Enjoying a pre–dinner drink, Jamie Dunning, NZ Football’s Alida Shanks and Hawke’s Bay Football’s Matt Hastings. Football couple Laura and Stu Jacobs on the balcony of the pavilion. Left, more than 120 guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal between formalities. Photo’s: Dave Mackay.

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FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP

O

ne of the many highlights of the Celebration of Excellence dinner was seeing members of the 1982 All Whites World Cup squad together

again.

When receiving his Medal of Excellence, skipper of the 1982 team Steve Sumner said even now, 33 years after the team’s heroics in getting to the finals in Spain, the players felt like “long lost brothers” to him.

Defender Bobby Almond led the tributes to Sumner and he said the friendship between players had grown since 1982, and his opinion of players like Sumner had evolved with time.

Without doubt, Sumner was the best possible captain for the team and was a great leader.

In response, Sumner said Almond had a huge heart, and he acknowledged the masterful job

by John Adshead in bringing such a group of players together.

An emotional Sam Malcolmson told guests that Sumner and his wife Jude had been critical in helping him get through the Canterbury earthquake which happened soon after he moved to Christchurch for work. “Wonderful people, wonderful friends,” he said.

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TOGETHER AGAIN — members of the 1982 New Zealand squad catch up at the Friends of Football dinner. Top left, Sam Malcolmson shares his thoughts, while Bobby Almond and Keith “Buzzer” Mackay recall fun times (top right). Above left, Brian Turner with Ken Cresswell who is with WaiBOP Football these days. Middle, former coach John Adshead relaxes during the tributes. Middle right, Almond with the 1982 team’s kit man, Arthur Egan. As well as medal recipient Steve Sumner, the other 1982 old boy to attend was goalkeeper and former NZ Football chair Frank van Hattum.

Photographs: Dave Mackay.

1982 All Whites with Turner (3rd left, middle row) and Sumner (3rd left, front).

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NZ Football chief executive Andy Martin (left) with All Whites coach Anthony Hudson, Friends of Football secretary Cathleen Bias and Rachel Crook.

A Waikato table with Jason Morgan (left), WaiBOP Football’s Ken Cresswell and Cambridge FC president Peter Martens.

National league pioneers John Batty (Blockhouse Bay) and John Staines (Eastern Suburbs) with former All Whites coach Allan Jones.

Stuart Hogg with Sonia Lovemore and former Football Fern Julie Hogg.

Friends of Football thanks New Zealand Football for its promotion and support of the Celebration of Excellence function.

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FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP

Dale Webster (left), Doug White and Warwick McCarthy.

Guests at the Auckland City table were Scott Wilson (left), Mitch Herceg and Colin Cook.

Auckland City’s general manager Terry Kennelly (left) with club chairman Ivan Vuksich.

Auckland Football’s John McLeod with former Football Fern goalkeeper and long–time administrator Carol Waller.

Left: Professional comedian, women’s coach and football enthusiast Andrew Clay opened proceedings with a stand–up routine that had everyone laughing.

Above: The room rises as one to applaud the presentation of medals to Steve Sumner and Brian Turner.

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FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP

The Manurewa connection — from left, Ian Masson, Lee Stickland and former All White goalkeeper and NZ Football chair Frank van Hattum.

Two great strikers ... Fred de Jong (left) catches up with Harry Ngata.

More from Auckland City ... Arthur Egan (left) with Steven Vuksich and Rob Hayter.

New Zealand Football’s commercial director Steve Brebner (left) enjoying the company of Mark Graham.

Broadcaster and commentator Andrew Dewhurst was a fine Master of Ceremonies for the night.

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Former international player and coach Maurice Tillotson with Chris Ruffells from ASB Chatham Cup holders Eastern Suburbs.

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RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

Sigmund signals end to career WELLINGTON PHOENIX stalwart Ben Sigmund, who played 32 times for his country, will retire at the end of the current Hyundai A–League season.

He says he is determined to overcome injury and get back on the pitch before season’s end, but then will call quits on an impressive career.

“It is a wrench when you decide it is time to hang up the boots,” Sigmund said.

“I just know the end of the season is the right time because I’m not just struggling physically; I am mentally tired as well.

“I look at the kids and want to take them swimming or to the beach at weekends. Now I will have that chance and the thought of it will keep me going for the rest of the season.

“I’ve tried to give 120 per cent every time I’ve taken the field and that won’t change.

“I am determined to get fully fit and get back into the side at some point.”

Sigmund, 34, has prepared well for the next part of his life and is keen to mentor players at the Phoenix and help advise on careers when they finish.

“I have spent the last three or four years up skilling myself, including doing a life coaching course,” he says.

“I’ve gone to different sporting bodies, including the rugby union, finding out what is needed and I am just about ready to set up a business at the end of the season.

“I have loved every moment of my sporting career and will have no regrets when it is over.”

— Story courtesy Wellington Phoenix.

All White Ben Sigmund gets up to the ball ahead of Japan’s Keisuke Honda in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2014, at the National Olympic Stadium Tokyo.

Photo: Shane Wenzlick.

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Football Dad A slow starter

The Youngest One did not possess all of the Eldest One’s gifts.

The Youngest One did not possess all of the Eldest One’s gifts.

For starters, not really the right body shape. A bit short and rather rounded – not fat, mind. Just cuddly.

Bloody good cuddler.

But not naturally athletic.

She stalled a bit before she committed to following in her older sibling’s footsteps. Where the fleetof-foot child has made the decision as a 5-year-old, the younger one had stalled.

And stalled…

Shown an interest! A few kickarounds in the yard, tried on some little boots even. Kicked the Eldest One in the shins with them, even And stalled…

And then finally, The Youngest One announced one late March afternoon, aged 7: “Okay, I think I am ready to join a football team this year. What position will I play?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” screamed the Eldest One, bouncing from couch to couch. “She’s gonna play football like me!”

“Cool,” said Football Dad, immediately concerned by the challenges of the family split in half on a Saturday morning. “To the shed.”

Outcome the always plentiful stash of old boots, socks and keeper’s gloves, some used barely half a season.

“Are these for goalkeepers?” asked the Youngest One, holding a tiny pair of hideous orange Lotto gloves.

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“They’re kinda bright,” she added, screwing up the cute little button nose.

“Special position, goalkeeping,” said Football Dad, a serious tone to his voice. “Loneliest job in the team.

Takes a special person to take that on.”

“I might be keen,” said the Youngest One, sounding interested.

“We’ll see what the club’s got,” Football Dad offered “C’mon over here and give me a cuddle.”

“Guess that’s kick-off,” he thought to himself, a happy little girl’s arms wrapped around him.

‘Special position, goalkeeping,’ said Football Dad, a serious tone to his voice. ‘Loneliest job in the team.

Takes a special person to take that on.’

“And you get to wear a different jersey too, eh? One you can choose yourself! Could I get pink?”

The Youngest One’s face lit up: “I’ll give my $3.70 in pocket money to you if you buy me a pink one to match these cute pink boots.”

A bat of the eyelashes.

FOOTBALL DAD A long–time writer, Football Dad’s identity is a well–kept secret in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty where he writes his regular column for the award–winning matchday magazine of WaiBOP United, The Range.

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INTERNATIONAL DIARY Getting behind our national teams THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE AT 16, AUCKLANDER Grace Jale might be one of the youngest players to debut for the Football Ferns but her approach to the game shows a maturity beyond her years.

After strong performances at the OFC U–20 Women’s Championship in Tonga, Ferns coach Tony Readings called Jale into the full senior squad for the two game series in Brazil that produced a win and a loss.

With an individual skillset suiting a role as an attacking midfielder — something which fits neatly with the team’s focus of attention in the attacking third — the Eastern Suburbs player was stunned at her inclusion for the tour initially.

“I asked Tony at a training after the squad was named, ‘why did you choose me? What am I doing that others aren’t?’ because some good players didn’t make it in and I was surprised.

“Firstly he said my height helps me and he said I’m able to play in different positions and I’ve got an X factor and I can turn on the ball and look forward to play in the strikers.

“I like that position and it’s good to have real quality midfielders around me to teach me so I can pass on that knowledge to the different age groups as well.”

After overcoming the early nerves which come with the territory the teenager his entered for the first time, Jale has adopted a mature outlook on her time in Brazil.

“Being in this environment

Grace Jale (left) clears for Eastern Suburbs against Rebecca O’Neill from Western Springs in a Northern League fixture. Photo: Shane Wenzlick. already teaches me heaps and not necessarily getting time — it doesn’t matter that much. I just need to put it in at training and get the most out of it that I can because I’m at a young age and I’ve got a lot of time left.”

Jale said the experienced players had welcomed her into the team.

“I’ve learned a lot already, football wise and about self-management.

I’m rooming with Jazz [Pereira], so it’s been good to room with someone I know. The players have been really good because they pass on their knowledge and everyone is just so nice!”

Jale said the major difference in the Ferns environment from others she has experienced was the level of individual professionalism on

NEW ZEALAND ALL WHITES THE ALL WHITES begin their qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia by playing in the OFC Nations Cup in Papua New Guinea. The top two sides from two groups will meet in semi–finals, with the tournament final played on June 11. Teams in the second group are Tahiti, New Caledonia, Samoa and hosts PNG. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

and off the field which ramps up several notches.

“From U–17s going to U–20s it was a big more freedom and coming here, you are with the team but you need to manage yourself properly because nobody is going to do it for you. This isn’t the U–17s now, I’m going into adulthood. “(On the pitch) the intensity is way higher. Everything is quick and fast and everyone’s touches are really good so you’ve got to work really hard. Other players around you keep you accountable for your mistakes and tell you what you did wrong to try and make sure you do it right next time or try something else.”

— Abridged story courtesy of NZFootball.com.

GROUP GAMES New Zealand v Fiji Sunday 29 May New Zealand v Vanuatu Wednesday 1 June New Zealand v Solomon Islands Sunday 5 June 33

AROUND THE COUNTRY News from football’s regions THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE

WAITEMATA FC , newly promoted to the Northern League, are forging links with English Championship club Birmingham City. The club’s Director of Football, Michael Mayne, and coach Andrew Campbell spent time at the Midlands club in December, learning from the professionals and looking for ways to provide opportunities for their young players. Waitemata goalkeeper Cameron Brown (16) trialled with Birmingham and had chance to work with the BCFC Academy in the U–16, U–18 and U–21 age groups.

AUCKLAND have been crowned NZF Futsal National League champions for the third time after a commanding 4–0 win over Futsal South in the final at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama.

The result never really looked in doubt from the moment Auckland’s Kareem Osman scored his 15th goal of the season, claiming the Golden Boot and laying to rest the ghosts of previous lost national league finals when skippering this year’s beaten semi-finalists Capital.

“I’ve played in five finals and continued to get a silver medal, so it’s a relief”, Osman said.

“We had a good game plan and we were mostly sticking to what we knew we could do, getting guys isolated who could take people one-v-one. We did that early and got some momentum.”

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WAIBOP FOOTBALL have announced the resignation of Peter Smith from his position as Western Bay of Plenty Football Development Officer.

He will take up a role at Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland. His last day with WaiBOP will be January 15, 2016.

Smith has been with WaiBOP Football for more than seven years and has been head coach of Loaded WaiBOP United for the three seasons that the franchise has competed in the ASB Premiership.

Smith will continue as head coach for the remainder of the 2015/16 ASB Premiership season.

CENTRAL FOOTBALL have hired Darren Mason for the new role of Federation Operations and Game Development Manager.

Mason has vast experience in team and project management, having been at a senior management level in customer and outcome focused businesses over the last 20 years including the banking sector and other commercial entities.

A former Central League player and Pacific Premiership coach, Darren coaches at Federation Talent Centre level and is the current Deputy Chair of the Hawke’s Bay United Football Franchise.

“It’s a great thrill for me to be appointed to this role” Darren said.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to work in a sport they love and I thank Central Football for this opportunity. “

CAPITAL FOOTBALL is looking for a full–time Futsal Development Officer. The position is based in Wellington and is a two year fixed term contract.

The role will focus on developing structures and systems around Capital Football’s Futsal leagues and improving player and coach development.

ANDREW CURRIE is replacingWanda Luinenburg as Mainland Football’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

Currie has extensive media experience and joins from Fish and Game New Zealand.

He is currently a board member at Waimak United.

FOOTBALL SOUTH is seeking applicants for an experienced full time Football Development Officer in the South Canterbury region to commence January/ early February 2016.

Based in Timaru the South Canterbury Football Development Officer will play a vital role in developing players, coaches and the game during the continued rollout of a national plan which aims to build further on the quality of the football experience throughout New Zealand.

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FURTHER AFIELD What’s happening in Oceania THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE

OFC MAKES PLANS FOR TOURNAMENTS KEY DECISIONS about upcoming tournaments have been made by the executive committee of the Oceania Football Confederation.

OFC was awarded two slots at all men’s FIFA U–20 and U–17 World Cups from 2017 by the FIFA Executive Committee at its meeting in March 2015.

With two berths available for Oceania nations at the FIFA U–20 World Cup Korea 2017, OFC have decided to make it compulsory for all OFC Member Associations to participate in the 2016 OFC U–20 Championship.

The tournament will involve two rounds, the first of which will be a preliminary competition contested

by American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga in a location yet to be determined.

The winner of the single round– robin competition will progress to the final competition where they will join Fiji, New Caledonia,

New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu.

The format will see the eight teams split into two groups where, following a round–robin, the top

two sides from each group will move through to the semi-finals.

Hosting rights for the tournament have been awarded to the Vanuatu Football Federation.

Fiji Football Association has been

confirmed as host of the 2016 OFC Futsal Championship after Tahiti withdrew. Six teams will compete for a berth at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 with the competition set to take place in Suva from February 2813, 016.

The OFC Executive Committee also approved the host for the 2017 OFC U–17 Championship during its meeting.

Fédération Tahitienne de Football will host the final competition which will feature Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu and the winner of the preliminary competition.

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga will play off in the round–robin preliminary, with the host yet to be determined.

Historic coaching course underway TWENTY FIVE coaches from the Oceania region created history when they attended the inaugural OFC/NZF A Licence course at the Millennium Institute in Auckland.

OFC Deputy General Secretary Sarai Bareman opened the 12day course, saying: “From 2011 to 2014, OFC had a strategy within our technical department to put in place a coach licensing system and since we launched it we’ve held over 250 courses across the Pacific and we’ve taught more than 5,000 coaches.”

The first A Licence course catered for 25 coaches from New Zealand,

New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga with a varying degree of coaching experience from coaching clubs to coaching national teams.

The course covered a number of concepts including management, team culture, vision, philosophy and match analysis.

Instructors included UEFA Technical Instructor Flemming Serritslev of Denmark, OFC Technical Director Patrick Jacquemet and Head of Coach Education Didier Chambaron as well as New Zealand Football National Football Department Technical Director Rob Sherman.

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

OFC’s Sarai Bareman.

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UPCOMING EVENT

Bruce Cullen (right) went closest to winning the $30,000 SsangYong Korando that was on offer for anyone who struck the perfect shot on hole 3 at our 2015 Golf Day. Photograph: Josh Easby

A ROUND OF GOLF WITH FRIENDS EVENT: Friends of Football’s Annual Charity Golf Day VENUE: Akarana Golf Club, Auckland DATE:

Thursday April 28, 2016

TIME:

Noon till 6pm

After the success of our inaugural Golf Day in 2015, the Friends of Football committee swiftly moved to book the next event at Auckland’’s Akarana Golf Club.

We plan to keep all the elements that made our first day so enjoyable — teams of four, lots of prizes and plenty of chance to talk football as well as golf.

But we’re also planning a few additional features which will be revealed in the lead–up to the 2016 event.

Don’t miss out. Check our website www.friendsoffootballnz.com for details as they are released, or email our secretary (secfof@gmail.com) to be added to our Golf Day mailing list.

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HERITAGE OF THE GAME

‘ ... our history is gathering dust in boxes stacked in spare bedrooms and garages ... ‘ NEW PROJECT IS LAUNCHED

F

riends of Football have launched a long–term project to build a digital archive to help preserve the history of the sport in New Zealand.

Called Project Heritage, the plan is to identify documents and images suitable for storing in a digital archive that can be accessed by future generations.

The project will have three key stages:  Finding historical documents (such as books, magazines, match programmes and critical sets of meeting minutes) that tell the story of football in New Zealand.  Providing training and resources to show clubs and enthusiasts how to digitise their own records for submitting for inclusion in the national archive.  Establishing a process for contemporary documents and publications to be added to the archive on an ongoing basis.

Friends of Football chair John Morris said the project was essential to capture the sport’s history before it was lost.

“We have relied in the past on the passion and generosity of volunteers, some of whom (like Vic Deverill and Trevor Rouse) are no longer with us,” Morris said.

“Much of our history is gathering

dust in boxes stacked in spare bedrooms and garages. It’s vital we find the best way to preserve these items and make them available for future generations to read and enjoy.”

Project Heritage is currently being scoped by a sub–group of committee members, and has received support from New Zealand Football chief executive Andy Martin.

“This is a long–term project, probably three to five years of work, and will depend on us finding funds and sponsors to underwrite the costs of scanning documents and images,” Morris said.

PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ISSUE Unless otherwise stated, all the photographs in this magazine are the work of Phototek’s Shane Wenzlick, the Official Photographer to Friends of Football.

We are grateful to Shane for giving us access to his photographic library.

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

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FRIENDS Our aims & purpose FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL is an independent group of people with a common interest in sharing their love of the ‘beautiful game’ and its rich and proud history as the globe’s most popular team sport.

We’re passionate about protecting and promoting the positive aspects of the game to others — young and old — and the benefits it provides to the wider community.

Our Vision We’ll create opportunities for people to share their love of football without boundaries of age, colour/ ethnicity, gender or status.

Our Mission  To promote the positive aspects of football as widely as possible, particularly among young people.  To foster fellowship and a love for the game among friends spanning all spheres of football — playing, administering, officiating or supporting — from the cradle to the grave.

Our Goals/Objectives  To promote and enhance the profile of football through our membership.  To acknowledge and salute those who have made a significant contribution to NZ Football 38

 To encourage greater publicity and promotion for football at all levels and to support national men’s women’s and junior teams both at home and abroad  To foster social and business networking opportunities between members.  To generate the same passion and zeal for our national teams playing at home similar to cricket’s ‘Beige Brigade’ and the Phoenix ‘Yellow Fever.’  To develop a ‘home’ for football memorabilia which could, in time, become a showpiece for local and international visitors.  To provide a means to be able to offer talented juniors the opportunity to train and trial with a professional club in New Zealand or abroad.  To inspire talented young Kiwi male and female footballers through a connection with the game’s sporting icons.

Football’s Heritage We believe the heritage of our game should be nurtured and

HOW TO JOIN US It costs just $25 a year to be a member of Friends of Football.

To join, write to FoF Treasurer Barbara Cox, 38 Disraeli St, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024, or email details to b_cox@xtra.co.nz.

Send cheque made out to Friends of Football to Barbara (see address above), or you can pay by direct deposit (online or at any bank) to the Friends of Football bank account at the BNZ Dominion Rd branch: Account details: 02 0144 0285148 02 (please give your surname and initials as reference).

preserved, to recognise those who have contributed in the past and to inspire those in the future.

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OF FOOTBALL

The committee of Friends of Football. From left: Earle Thomas, Josh Easby, Armin Lindenberg, Sam Malcolmson, John Morris (chair), Brian Turner (founder), Barbara Cox (treasurer), Mark Burgess, Andrew Dewhurst. Photo: Shane Wenzlick.

Meet our committee John Morris, ONZM, Chair A member of the Blockhouse Bay side which won the National League–Chatham Cup double in 1970, goalkeeper Morris represented New Zealand from 1970–73 and was Auckland Player of the Year 1977.

He gained NZFA Regional and NZFA Staff Coach certification, coaching school, regional and National League teams. He was NZ Football chair (2002–08) and was a member of FIFA’s Technical Committee.

After 20 years as Headmaster at Auckland Grammar School, he now works as an education consultant here and overseas.

Cathleen Bias, Committee Having worked for New Zealand Football between 2006 and 2015, Cathleen brings to our committee a thorough knowledge of the processes that drive the game in this country. Her work for NZF

Cathleen Bias.

covered projects and events, and overseeing Goalnet, the sport’s player database. She has also worked as team manager for the NZ U–17 women’s team and follows other sports, including BMX. Dr Barbara Cox, MBE,Treasurer A former captain of both New Zealand and Auckland Football representative teams. She has coached and administrated football at all levels of the game and has written extensively on the history of the women’s game in New Zealand.

She is currently CEO of the Bill McKinlay Park Trust and chairperson of University–Mt Wellington AFC .

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Brian Turner, Founder Debuting as a 16–year–old, Turner played 102 times for New Zealand, including 59 full internationals, between 1967 and 1982, and in three World Cup campaigns. He played professionally for Chelsea, Portsmouth and Brentford and was three times NZ Year Player of the Year, and three times Auckland Player of the Year.

As an assistant coach or manager, he took part in two World Cup campaigns, and was coach Ricki Herbert's assistant with the undefeated All Whites squad at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

He was admitted to football's Hall of Fame in 1995.

Sam Malcolmson, Committee A member of the 1982 All Whites who qualified for theWorld Cup finals in Spain, Malcolmson continues his involvement in football through media work and coaching school football in Auckland.

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He’s coached at senior level and been an administrator, utilising business skills gained with sports companies such as Adidas, New Balance, Umbro and Starter.

Armin Lindenberg, Committee During 18 years as a newspaper journalist, Lindenberg covered the 1981–82 World Cup campaign and two Olympic Games, winning NZ Sports Writer and Sports Journalist of the Year awards.

The last 25 years, he has worked as a communications consultant, specialising in media relations, corporate and stakeholder communication.

He is a Life Member of Eastern Suburbs AFC and of the NZ Sports Journalists Association, and a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.

Mark Burgess, Committee A dual New Zealand international, Burgess played 50 cricket tests for his country and played once for the New Zealand football team (against Manchester United).

As a youngster, he was New Zealand Football Player of the Year in 1965, and represented the national U23 team.

In the 1990s, Burgess served on the national council of New Zealand Soccer (now NZF).

Andrew Dewhurst, Committee Andrew began broadcasting with The Radio Network in Wellington in the 1990’s before moving to Auckland as one of the original hosts on Radio Sport.

Now director of his own media and PR company Gracie Productions, Andrew splits his time between broadcasting with SKY Television as football and tennis commentator and managing sports clients such as the SKYCITY Breakers, Triathlon New Zealand, Basketball New Zealand and Badminton New Zealand.

He played National League (briefly) and Northern League football.

Earle Thomas, Committee Thomas played 49 times for New Zealand between 1967–80, scoring 19 goals, and he captained the All Whites 1975–76.

For his club Mt Wellington, he scored 99 goals in 187 games. He has held senior management roles with sportsgoods firms Spalding, Top Flite and Calloway.

He’s now a director of a sports importing business, and still coaches junior football.

Josh Easby, Committee Cambridge–based Easby has written about football for 40 years, editing books, match programmes, websites and since 1997, the daily email newsletter There’s Only One Arthur Bottom for fans of English League Two club York City (of which he is a former director).

He's on the committee at Cambridge FC where he coaches women’s football. He's the owner of book publishing company Hurricane Press and he’s deputy chair of Radio New Zealand.

Steve Laus

Steve Laus, Committee Laus played more than 300 games at top level for various northern clubs including Bay Olympic, Central United, East Coast Bays and Onehunga Sports. He’s the North Island manager for a national auto parts supply company, and brings his commercial expertise as well as his knowledge of football to our committee.

PHOTOGRAPHER Phototek’s Shane Wenzlick is the Official Photographer to Friends of Football. We are grateful to Shane for giving us access to his photographic library for use in our publications and at our events.

A REMINDER TO FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL MEMBERS ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS are due (from September 1) and we urge members to pay as soon as possible to get the full year benefit.

Our committee has decided to hold the subscription at $25 to encourage growth of membership —it works out at less than 50 cents a week!

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You can pay either by sending a cheque (made out to Friends of Football) for $25 to: Barbara Cox, Treasurer, Friends of Football, 38 Disraeli St, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024 Or you can pay by direct deposit (online or at any bank) to the Friends of Football bank account.

We bank at the BNZ Dominion Rd branch.

Account details: 02–0144–0285148–02 Please give your surname and initials as reference.

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The best $25 you’ll spend in football

S

urely, there’s no better value in football than the $25 required to remain a financial member of Friends of Football.

We’ve held our subscription fee to this token amount since inception to encourage membership.

Friends of Football is now steadily growing with more than 100 paid– up members, and interest starting to grow outside of Auckland (where we began).

Your $25 provides you with many benefits:  Discounted prices to FoF events — you’ll save $14, for instance, on the price of a ticket to our Celebration of Excellence dinner in November.  Priority to special deals on tickets and functions at top football events (such as this year’s FIFA U–20 World Cup).  Preview copies of this magazine before it is made available to the public, and you can order hard copies at cost price.



Access to various Friends of Football events held throughout the year.

Our group is expanding the range of its activities all the time, looking to host events that foster friendship, recognise achievement or show support for the game in New Zealand.

During 2015, we have held our first golf day, hosted several social events, staged a lunch in Cambridge and attended matches together.

Subscriptions are due from September 1 each year and can be paid either by sending a cheque (made out to Friends of Football) for $25 to: Barbara Cox, Treasurer, Friends of Football, 38 Disraeli St, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024.

Or you can pay by direct deposit (online or at any bank) to the Friends of Football bank account at the BNZ Dominion Rd branch: Account details: 02 0144 0285148 02 (please give your surname and initials as reference).

Our members and supporters keep in touch through our Facebook group which you can find at: facebook.com/ friends of football nz

WWW.FRIENDSOFFOOTBALLNZ.COM Friends of Football keeps members up to date through its website, designed and edited by Dwayne Barlow, a long–time football enthusiast based in Matamata.

PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ISSUE Unless otherwise stated, all the photographs in this magazine are the work of Phototek’s Shane Wenzlick, the Official Photographer to Friends of Football.

We are grateful to Shane for giving us access to his photographic library.

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

To read the previous issues of FANZ, go to: http://issuu.com/hurricanepress 41

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THE FOOTBALL FOO LL MAG MAGAZINE GAZ GA ZIN INE E

HAGEN HOPKINS PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

This image from a Wellington Phoenix match earned Hagen Hopkins the Photograph of the Year award. The judges said the photograph “was an arresting action image capturing a true frozen moment of time. The grace and form of the flying player had echoes of dance choreography perhaps appropriate to the Beautiful Game.”

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GET OFF THE GRASS The final word from Sky Sport commentator Andrew Dewhurst NEWS OF EXPANSION in the ASB Premiership makes for interesting reading. The introduction of three new teams comes at a time when there is a great deal of speculation about the game in this country — most notably the future of the Phoenix.

If in a worst case scenario (which I truly hope never comes to fruition), the FFA in their wisdom (please see the sarcasm dripping off that description ...) decides they don’t want the Phoenix in the Hyundai A–League, the need for our domestic product to improve in all aspects will never have been greater.

The fact the competition is on TV right now is a step in the right direction, but if it is to become more than a token gesture, there are so many improvements still required.

Fans want in–depth analysis, football knowledge on a magazine style show and insight behind the scenes with players and clubs.

You have to assume that if the Phoenix were gone, so too would the A–League from our screens — after all, why would SKY continue to screen a product with no New Zealand team in it when they only barely seem interested now? This would make the ASB Premiership the only local football product on our screens.

How then can that be improved?

Yes, the standard of football could do with a kick in the backside; let’s hope that occurs organically. But the quality of the product on our screens must improve and that means where and when they are playing.

A compromise must be found between a ground that can hold TV cameras and yet deliver atmosphere with 1000 (or fewer) fans in attendance.

Of the games I have seen, English Park in Christchurch has come across pretty well, as can Kiwitea Street or Park Island on a summer’s afternoon. What doesn’t work is North Harbour Stadium or Mt Smart Stadium or the Caketin — all are cavernous beasts for such games with the only noise being a loud echo of a player shouting ‘F&#$ Off ’ into the effects microphones.

The Auckland grounds are made all the worse by atrocious

underfoot conditions (surely that is an enquiry waiting to happen?).

I am not suggesting we go back to the days of ground requirements being a noose around the neck of fledgling clubs, but we need to be realistic. Each must be able to play at a boutique ground that can comfortably hold no more than 3,000 to 5,000 fans and with some seating. TV standard floodlights are a must to allow night games — this might be a stumbling block for some but to me is non–negotiable.

Oh, and with certain criteria attached, let’s bring back promotion relegation — imagine the edge that provides throughout the season as fans and media are watching both ends of the table with a degree of urgency and fewer games are rendered meaningless as currently when finishing last is nothing more than a footnote of embarrassment at the end of the season.

THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE To read the previous issues of FANZ, go to: http://issuu.com/hurricanepress 44

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