FANZ: The Football Magazine (Issue 1)

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL NZ

THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE Issue One, December 2014

A Celebration of Excellence — football’s night to remember

The Godfather Peers honour All White legend Ivan Vicelich Newmarket Park A journey of discovery 1

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL NZ

s t n e t n Co THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE Issue One, December 2014

4 FEATURE STORY A Sunday at the park

32 Celebration of Excellence

The game comes together for In–the–back–of–the–net’s Enzo an evening of entertainment, Giordani and photographer relection and football friendship.

Dave Barker take us on a journey Friends of Football of rediscovery as they revive memories of Newmarket Park.

What the group is all about, who they are and how you can join.

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20 COVER STORY

Ivan Vicelich honoured

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Around the Country

The veteran defender, known News from the regions. in the game as ‘The Godfather’, The Big Photo Spread receives plaudits from his peers after retiring from international A stunner from Andrew Cornaga, six–time winner of the NZ Football football.

Photographer of the Year.

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GUEST COLUMN Football Dad

Our guest column comes from WaiBOP United’s The Range.

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39 Beyond Football NZ Football’s bold initiative.

40 International Diary

The test that could save your sight.

Our national teams face a busy schedule over the next 12 months.

25 Abby Erceg

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Macular Degeneration

Further Afield

The captain of the Football Ferns What’s happening in Oceania. sets a new milestone.

26 Media Awards

43 The World is Watching

FIFA U–20 World Cup countdown.

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Football recognises the game’s Get Off The Grass best broadcasters, writers and Andrew Dewhurst’s final word. photographers in 2014.

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

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.

THE FRIENDS’ DIARY Upcoming Friends of Football events include: WAIBOP UNITED LUNCH Saturday January 31, 2015 John Kerkhof Park, Cambridge See page 36 for details.

RACEDAY AT ELLERSLIE Saturday February 14, 2015 Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland See page 24 for details.

BBQ AT NEWMARKET PARK Sunday March 15, 2015 Ayr St, Parnell, Auckland See page 18 for details. www.friendsoffootballnz.com FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

FROM OUR EDITOR

So much for a newsletter ...

Josh Easby I feel like the bloke on television’s Grand Designs who tried to explain how his multi– storeyed mansion came about: “I was building a shed and just got carried away.”

This 40–page digital magazine started out as a newsletter for members of Friends of Football.

Now that FoF is firmly established and starting to grow its membership, our committee decided we should work harder to communicate our activities.

Up went a website — it’s at www.friendsoffootballnz.com for those who want to check it out.

We began a Facebook group (just search for Friends of Football NZ).

But we knew it was time to start a newsletter.

Such is the enthusiasm for Friends of Football among its committee, the ideas came rolling in.

We could include stories about events we’ve got coming up.

We should highlight any milestones achieved by people in our sport and recognise them.

After all, one of our group’s aims



is to celebrate the successes of people in football.

Building and preserving the heritage of our sport is important to us, so any newsletter should try to remember the past, and in a positive way.

And we should give readers the opportunity to see some of the best stories and photographs from publications and match programmes around the country.

Yes, it was going to be some newsletter!

FANZ is the result of our enthusiasm and our ideas.

Thanks to modern technology, we have been able to create a digital magazine that we hope will have a wider audience than those who are members of Friends of Football.

We hope it wins the support of the football fraternity, especially those who publish match programmes or take

www.friendsoffootballnz.com

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photographs at matches — we want them to share their best work us, so we can reproduce it here. We’ve done this in this, our inaugural issue, by reproducing Enzo Giordani’s excellent feature on Newmarket Park, in which he made good use of photographs

by Dave Barker when the Park was in its prime.

We’ve also included a guest column from Football Dad, a writer whose identity is closely guarded in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty where he shares his parental footballing dilemmas with readers of The Range, which is WaiBOP United’s matchday magazine.

So if you have content you want to share through us, don’t be shy — contact me at josh@ hurricane–press.co.nz.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the first issue of FANZ. And feel free to tell your footy mates about our newsletter ...

facebook.com/friends of football nz 3

Photo: Dave Barker

N

ewmarket Park was with which people reminisce the home of New about the old place.

Zealand football So on Sunday morning I took between 1964 and my camera and went and had a 1979. look.

It was quite something. Even Inaugurated well before I was born and destroyed by a now with little outwardly landslide when I was just three apparent to suggest its former years old, I had never set foot on life, the sense of history for a the hallowed ground before, yet I football lover is palpable in the have been moved by the passion natural amphitheatre.

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And what’s more, you don’t have to venture too far into the undergrowth to discover bits and pieces of what might easily be evidence of the park’s even more distant past as an old rubbish tip or, as I much prefer to imagine them, relics of our football history.

What sprigged boots of players past, or young feet of children FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

A Sunday at the park Enzo Giordani discovers the magic of Auckland’s Newmarket Park clutching their parents’ hands as they ascended the terrace steps, might have walked over the fragments of concrete?

What hands may have gripped the steel piping arising from the ground that might be old plumbing from something entirely unrelated, or might be remnants of pitch–side handrails?

Of course, this was in and of itself an unsatisfying exercise. So to get more of a sense of what it might have been like in its heyday, I went online looking for old pictures.

But most disappointingly I found very little for such an iconic place in the history of our game.

I thought therefore it might

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be worth remedying that sad state of affairs. So I wrote to Dave Barker, a photographer who attended National League games there in the 1970’s and asked if he had anything I could share with you.

To my delight he immediately and most generously replied with 18 wonderful atmospheric black and white shots.

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Above and previous page, action from the Auckland v Wales game at Newmarket Park on June 27, 1971. Photo: Dave Barker.

I planned to write a bit of a fluff piece to go along with all the photos. By way of research I wrote to a few people to ask for their favourite memories.

What I got back was much more than I bargained for.

Most intriguing was a scanned copy of a Sitter! article from August 2001 by Don Service supplied by Bruce Holloway.

After reading it I realised I didn’t want to write very much on this subject anymore. Don has said it all so much better and more fully than I could, so by kind permission I have reproduced his piece below in full, followed by a selection of memories from other New Zealand football identities. I will add to these as and if more come in. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

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DON SERVICE

W

hen Blanford Park, the 40–year–old headquarters of the Auckland Football Association, had to be abandoned early in the 1964 season because of motorway development in Grafton Gully, Bob Clark, the newly appointed secretary–manager of the association handed out a leaflet to each of the thousand or so spectators there on the last day.

It told us of the new headquarters at Newmarket Park under the headline “A Great New Chapter in Sporting History”.

This sounded a bit grandiose at the time, and yet in its brief

15–year history Newmarket Park probably saw more international games and more floodlit games than any other ground in any city or any code. It also saw the first Chatham Cup final ever played in Auckland and the inauguration of the ground–breaking Rothman’s National League, both in 1970.

Clark, the first full–time paid employee of the AFA, worked long hours and did a ton of work in his 10 years as secretary– manager.

But he was inclined to get carried away at times, and it was quite amusing once when the Cup was being presented on field, to see him dodging from side to side in front of an encroaching FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

crowd trying to keep them back on his own.

There had been much discussion over whether the code should go to Western Springs Stadium or Newmarket.

Western Springs could hold more people, but at Newmarket the crowd was much closer to the field, and the old Newmarket Borough Council, who owned the ground, were very helpful.

The name Newmarket Park was only invented when soccer went there. Before that it was known as Olympic Stadium, and even before that as Sarawai Park.

Like Western Springs, it was built with the aid of relief workers during the depression.

It had been used for speedway events and athletics, although it was hard to see how the ground could have been wide enough.

Some of Murray Halberg’s earliest big races took place there.

Although they only stretched along four–fifths of the sideline, Bill de Graaf scores for Eastern Suburbs in a Chatham Cup tie against Blockhose Bay at the northern end of Newmarket Park on July 17, 1971. Photo: Dave Barker. the concrete terraces were an impressive sight. There were 42 rows.

At the top you were at a place behind the goalposts at uncovered, wasn’t that far short considerable height, but got the northern or Ayr St end. The of Carlaw Park.

The park was officially opened a good bird’s eye view of the Eastern Stand, with six rows on Saturday afternoon, May 30 field, and if the play got a bit along the sideline, was opened in the late 60s, financed to a 1964, when Munster (Germany) boring, there was a good view of beat Auckland 4–2.

Hobson Bay on the left, Then on the Monday sweeping around to Mt “At the top you were at a (Queen’s Birthday) Hobson and beyond considerable height, but got a good the visitors beat New on the right.

There used to be bird’s eye view of the field, and if Zealand 6–0. There was much criticism of pleasant greenery the play got a bit boring, there was the late selection and alongside the terraces assembly of the New at each end, but being a good view of Hobson Bay ...”

Zealand team. comprised of exotics Then followed an like wattle, gorse and privet, this wasn’t considered large extent by the profit from almost incredible number of politically correct by the the game at Carlaw Park in 1967, overseas teams, with many of Newmarket Council, and was when 26,000 saw Manchester them playing only in Auckland later cleared, leaving a desert of United beat Auckland 8–1. In the and not further south. One mid–70s part of the terraces was or two teams may easily have bare earth in Its place.

By opening day a grandstand roofed over, and by that time been missed in the following with eight or nine rows was in the seating, both covered and list, but we saw from Britain (in OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FRIENDS OF FOOTBALL

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The rain pelts down during the Auckland v Wales game at Newmarket Park on June 27, 1971. Photo: Dave Barker.

alphabetical order): Aberdeen, Bobby Charllon’s All Star XI (drew 1–1 with Auckland in 1977), Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City, Dundee (1972 and 1978), (Glasgow) Rangers, Heart of Midlothian, Luton Town, Manchester United again they beat Auckland 2–0 In 1975), Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Scotland FA XI, Stoke City (Auckland beat them 3–1 in 1973), Sunderland, Tottenham, Wales FA XI and Wolves.

The visitors won most of these games comfortably, although New Zealand beat Luton Town 3–2 in 1977, only to lose to them by the same score the next day in Wellington. A talking point from this game was the goal from a cracking long–distance drive by Auckland’s Warren Fleet.

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The crowd was possibly the Newmarket record, given by one of the papers as 14,000.

In 1976 I missed one of the most memorable games, when (quoting from the AFA history) “the Aucklanders led the mighty Spurs 3–2 with Just five minutes to play… goals from Nelson, Taylor, and lain Ormond. The effort told in the end, and as they flagged, the visitors struck three times to snatch a dramatic 5–3 victory which was talked about for years”. Australia played four tests at Newmarket Park, the last one in 1979 when New Zealand won 1–0, thanks to Duncan Ormond’s second–half goal.

In 1977 NZ beat Taiwan 6–0 (My first All Whites match attendance – Enzo) and 6–0 again, four days later at the park, Keith Nelson

getting five goals altogether. A 1966 game saw Sing Tao (Hong Kong) beat New Zealand U23 8–6 (4–4 at half time). Auckland’s worst nightmare was In January 1967 when Sparta Prague beat them 12–1.

The visitors’ finishing power that night seemed fearsome; every chance or half chance was converted into a goal. Yet later that year Auckland drew 2–2 with another Czech team, Slavia Prague.

New Zealand won the Oceania Tourney In 1973, beating Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia and New Hebrides, and Tahiti again in the final (Australia didn’t enter). The crowds weren’t big.

One newspaper said the aggregate for the tournament was 40,000, and this was repeated FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

“Crowds for league games were often 3,000–5,000 in the first half of the decade, even 10,000 for a crucial late–season game between Eastern Suburbs and Mt Wellington in 1971. “

on TV, but this was probably a misprint for 14,000. Four New Caledonian teams came, and in 1968 they beat New Zealand 3–1; their only test win in this country. And yet between 1951 and 1979 they beat us nine times up in Noumea.

Why do we never seem to play New Caledonia now? In the 1968 game the New Zealand captain was Dave Wallace of Wellington and one of the selectors was Dave Wallace of Auckland.

In 1977 New Zealand won two tests at the Park against New Caledonia, 3–0 and 4–0.

The second one was abandoned by the ref, after only about 25 minutes because of brawling conduct by the visitors.

But seeing the goals were coming so freely, I thought it was

a pity he didn’t let play continue (And let’s not forget how the crowd loved a good brawl, Don – Enzo).

Other exciting wins for the locals were Auckland’s 3–2 triumph over Dallas Tornado In 1967, 3–2 v Zurich in 1970, and NZ 2 China 1 in 1975.

Other teams not mentioned above who played at the park were Young Follows of Zurich, Sloven Bratislava, North Berlin (three visits), Radnicki FC (Yugoslavia), Iran, Jardines (Hong Kong), Selango (Malaysia) and Indonesian XI, Tonga, and about five state or club sides from Australia.

The Rothmans National League, starting in 1970, was Immediately successful in increasing crowds and getting greater media attention, especially as Blockhouse Bay won the league and cup double.

The Grammar Rugby Club, next door In Ayr St, must have made quite a packet charging soccer spectators for the use of their parking area.

Eastern Suburbs, North Shore and Mt Wellington (three times) won the league for Auckland in the 70s. The standard was high, the pace not quite so frantic as now.

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“During the night of July 2, 1979, after prolonged rain, about one third of ‘the Eastern Stand’, and the adjoining corner of the field, collapsed into the steep gully behind.”

Crowds for league games were often 3000–5000 in the first half of the decade, even 10,000 for a crucial late–season game between Eastern Suburbs and Mt Wellington in 1971.

By scoring three goals against Mt Albert Ponsonby at the park in 1971, John Wrathall of Suburbs, by then a veteran player, achieved his feat of scoring 1000 goals in all grades of soccer (See, it pays to have your dad keep count, kids – Enzo).

Five Chatham Cup finals were played at the park, but with this fixture always televised live, the crowd was never above 6000– 7000.

The final of 1975 was a classic for skill and entertainment.

Blockhouse Bay, the underdogs, scored twice in the first 10 minutes through Mike Farac and Colin Shaw to set up a real struggle, with Christchurch City eventually winning 4–2 in extra time.

During the night of July 2, 1979, after prolonged rain, about one third of ‘the Eastern Stand’, and the adjoining corner of the field, collapsed into the steep gully behind.

Restoration would have cost at least $500,000, but even so, it was disappointing that the AFA abandoned this popular venue.

Rugby offered Eden Park for the Chatham Cup final. There was a lot of publicity and sympathy for the code at the time, and with 10

After the landslide , the southern end of the stand lies flattened (above) and later, the park be from Terry Maddaford’s The First 100 Years: The Official Centenary of the Auckland Fo

two Auckland teams involved, there could have been a big crowd. Instead, for reasons that are hard to fathom, the game was sent to a little–known ground in Papakura.

Today the place is still called Newmarket Park, but no trace of the seating or ancillary buildings

remains. Where the field was, there’s still a fair area of mown grass, but at the northern end there’s an ugly shallow lake of muddy water of almost a quarter of an acre, with plastic bottom and sides. The terraces were broken up. Some of the pieces were thrown down the gully, FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

JOSH EASBY

O many others were piled in big mounds on the field, covered with earth and trees planted on top, though in places concrete blocks still peek through.

A path leads up through what is now bush on the old terrace slope to where the top entrance was at the bottom of Sarawai St.

ne of my all–time favourite matches at Newmarket Park was the May 1976 fixture between Auckland and Tottenham Hotspur.

Auckland were leading 3–2 with half an hour to go but Spurs brought on an 18–year–old who had only made one previous appearance for the side – Glen Hoddle. He inspired a hectic finish with Spurs winning 5–3 in front of 10,000 fans.

In the 1970s, we were lucky enough to go to Newmarket Park and see the likes of Tommy Docherty’s Manchester United (1975), Jack Charlton’s Middlesbrough (1975), Glasgow Rangers, Aberdeen, Stoke City, Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers,

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Dundee United, Sunderland and Hearts.

From Germany, we got Hertha Berlin and in 1977, the Bobby Charlton All Stars (a Harlem Globetrotters–style composite side of ex–pro’s) played an exhibition game against Auckland.

We shouldn’t forget the great domestic games played there either — some classic Chatham Cup finals, including the 1972 decider when Mt Wellington beat Christchurch United in the second replay — yes, the second replay – at Newmarket Park, following a 4–4 draw at Wellington and then a 1–1 draw in Christchurch (after extra time) … no such thing as penalty shoot outs then!

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Eastern Suburbs’ Sam Malcolmson gets the card from referee Les Coffman in front of a packed stand at Newmarket Park. Photo: Dave Barker.

SAM MALCOLMSON

F

irstly, what I liked about Newmarket Park was that it was ‘Football’s Home’.

The game has not had one since.

I think I may have played in the last Rothmans League game with Eastern Suburbs and also in the last international played there, which took place, I think, in June 1979 when we hosted the Australians.

It was special to me for I was part of the team that beat the 12

Australians 1–0 for our first win over them in 25 years.

I also remember playing a fixture with a 10am kick–off on Easter Monday in front of about 6,000 fans.

I scored a lot of goals at Newmarket and was also red carded by Les Coffman with my ‘Long Walk’ featuring in a large photo on the back of Saturday night’s sportspaper, The 8 O’clock.

Fond memories and a very special ancestral home!

Photo: Barbara Cox family collection

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“It was an amazing experience to sit amongst large crowds and share in the camaraderie of never– ceasing banter, laughter and criticisms of the players. “ BARBARA COX

I

have wonderful memories of Newmarket Park.

As a player, I clearly remember participating in the Auckland Football Association’s very first women’s representative game, played against Wellington in 1973.

The game was the curtain– raiser to Auckland v Juventus.

For many spectators, it was the first time they had seen women play football so it was a special occasion even though we lost 1–0.

As a spectator , I remember watching closely–fought games at all levels: clubs, associations and internationals.

It was an amazing experience to sit amongst large crowds and share in the camaraderie of never–ceasing banter, laughter and criticisms of the players.

Apart from playing and watching, my other role at Newmarket Park was as a ‘student’ — sitting in the Press Box, nearly always alongside Ken Armstrong, and being able to ask all sorts of questions about the game unfolding in front of me.

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“ In this regard, for Hamilton AFC fans, Newmarket Park was our Wembley ... ”

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CORDWAINER BULL

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aster Monday, 1976.

Twenty minutes before kick–off in the Air New Zealand Cup final at Newmarket Park, and there’s standing room only in the Royal George Tavern on the corner of Broadway.

More than 200 travelling Hamilton AFC fans are warming up for an afternoon of chanting, singing, and support as their team of northern league underdogs prepares to take on the might of national league aristocrats Gisborne City in the cup final.

Drink the football atmosphere.

There’s twitching anticipation of being party to the big match just minutes away. The

exuberance which comes with the common bond of a mass sporting movement is far more intoxicating than even the best booze.

“Time to go,” someone yells over the din.

En masse both bars empty — in many cases with glasses and jugs still in hand — as the Hamilton throng marches the 800–odd metres to the Park.

The old anthem of ‘The Muir Park Dynamos’ is sung at a 100 decibels.

The hard core of “bus people” are there for the team, the occasion, as much as for the football spectacle to follow.

When you march eight abreast through an Auckland FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

Hamilton players celebrate in the Newmarket Park dressing room (left), while bloodied striker Keith Nelson celebrates (top right). Photographs: Dave Barker.

Hamilton captain Roy Little (right) clutches the Air New Zealand Trophy.

thoroughfare you know your team can’t lose.

At the turnstiles at the southern entrance to the park, it’s a family ticket.

“We’re with Dad,” us youngsters say, trailing in on the coat–tails of one or another of the elder brethren.

With a touch of the theatrical, the Hamilton players emerge onto the pitch with blue plastic footballs which they boot high onto the impossibly steep Newmarket Park terraces.

There’s just time for a deafening chorus of away support before the team races onto the pitch in advance of a famous victory — the first national football silverware for the Waikato FANZ: THE THE FOOTBALL BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE GAME

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Gisborne City goalkeeper George Flecknor dives in vain to make a save.

Photo: Dave Barker.

since Technical Old Boys won the Chatham Cup in 1962, and a handy (for that era) $6000 prizemoney.

The unpretentious terraces added to the amphitheatre effect. You always got a good return on your vocal exertions at Newmarket Park.

Hamilton had previously pitched camp at Newmarket Park on the Good Friday for a storming 3–1 semifinal win over a Mt Wellington team which was to later finish second in the national league.

The chant on that occasion — addressed taunting to the more 16

sedate Auckland spectators had been “See you Monday”.

The Newmarket terraces were our home away from home.

Fans learn most about the art of being a football fan when they are on the road. It’s part of the “us and them syndrome” that draws otherwise disparate elements together. To go to Auckland and beat the cream of the national league in Blockhouse Bay, Mt Wellington and Gisborne City in consecutive trips was the ultimate.

In this regard, for Hamilton AFC fans, Newmarket Park was our Wembley.

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TERRY MADDAFORD

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ewmarket Park was a huge part of my life from 1970 (when I joined the New Zealand Herald) until it sadly slipped away.

In the early years of the national league and in the years that followed I probably watched more games of top level football than anyone given that Auckland has always had the most teams and that I covered every game.

I well remember some standouts like the second replay of the Chatham Cup final after I had seen the first two in Wellington and Christchurch, Duncan Ormond’s goal in the 1–0 win over Australia and Brian Turner’s penalty shocker in his first game back in New Zealand after playing in England.

Newmarket Park was special.

I not only watched football matches there but every week attended the AFA meetings which were also held there with Charlie Dempsey always holding court.

The press box was at ground level right on the halfway line and while it did not give the best view, it certainly was the place to be with the coaches right there too!

I well remember the early days and how much I learned from sitting in the press box with Ken Armstrong leaning against the fence right in front of us and shouting instructions.

It was not the greatest facility but it had a certain charm and I really enjoyed the countless hours I spent there.

The view from where the corner of the pitch used to be ...

THE MEN BEHIND THIS FEATURE ENZO GIORDANI Enzo is the publisher of the popular blog In–The–Back–of– the–net: A Footballaholic in New Zealand (http://in–the– back–of–the.net).

“I just love watching football, photographing it and writing about it. So that’s what I do. I go to as many local games as I can, watch most of whatever New Zealand television deigns to broadcast, and when my beloved AS Roma is playing, I yell and scream at frozen pixelated blurs on the internet. Roughly twice a week I blog about the games I’ve been to and what football matters are at the forefront of my mind. I tend to write about the experience of being a fan more than the finer points of the game.”

DAVE BARKER Dave was the most prolific football photographer at Newmarket Park in the 1970s, contributing his work to the weekly match programme (edited by Josh Easby), NZ Truth and the DB Soccer Annual.

He’s a life–long Everton fan, and a member of Friends of Football.

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Newmarket Park 2014

A TIME TO REMEMBER THE PARK EVENT: Friends of Football BBQ VENUE: Newmarket Park, Auckland DATE:

Sunday March 15, 2015

TIME:

Noon till the memories run out ...

If you have fond memories of football at Newmarket Park, come to our family BBQ to meet the fans, players and coaches who helped create so many of the memories in Enzo Giordani’s feature story.

Bring your old match programmes, photographs and tales of afternoons on the terraces, and prepare to reminisce.

Friends of Football are organising the BBQ — just bring your own sausages and steak!

We’ll bring a few footballs along too.

The Park deserves to host at least one more kickabout ...

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$6.76 million project brings people back Rehabilitation work ... early 2011

to iconic park

The rebirth of a park — how it looked during the transformation.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

A

fter 30 years as an eyesore, Newmarket Park has been rehabilitatated into a lush, family–friendly park.

In 2010, the Auckland Council began a $6.76 million programme that’s now hailed as an environmental triumph.

The works, which took about 30 months, required the stablising of a 350–metre slop to stop subsidence, removing landfill material and improving drainage at the 6 hectare site.

The council planted 10,000 native trees, installed tables and seats and created a pond with a footbridge.

On July 15, 2011, Newmarket Park was re–opened to start its new life as an urban space, offering somewhere to relax or play for thousands of families .

Opening the park, Waitemata Local Board chair Shale Chambers said welcoming children and families back into the space was a powerful testament to the success of the project.

2012 “An attractive environmental haven to enjoy.” Photo: Auckland Council

"A number of risks and dangers have been fixed to make the park fit for public use.

Additional restoration work also gives people an attractive environmental haven to enjoy," he said.

"As growth in our region puts more and more pressure on available recreational space, this is a fantastic result for all Aucklanders."

These days, you can wander around the park, and watch youngsters play in green space

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that’s becoming more scarce as Auckland continues to grow in population.

It provides a chance for children to run free ... and let their imagination roam.

A couple of woollen jumpers on the ground to provide a makeshift goal ... a ball to kick around ...

And on the gentle breeze wafting across the park, you might just imagine the roar of a packed Newmarket Park of years past ...

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Ivan Vicelich honoured by football peers Long–time All White Ivan Vicelich has become the second recipient of Friends of Football’s Medal of Excellence.

He received the honour at the Celebration of Excellence event in Auckland where tributes were made by his footballing peers, led by former All Whites coach Kevin Fallon.

The Medal of Excellence is awarded to those in the game deemed to have excelled in their contribution to New Zealand football.

Last year, legendary 1982 All Whites coach John Adshead became the first recipient of the medal, when Friends of Football hosted a tribute dinner in Auckland.

Vicelich, known throughout the game as ‘The Godfather’, joins Adshead, having achieved at every level of the game.

This summer, he will play his 500th senior club game when he plays for Auckland City in the ASB Premiership.

At club level, he’s already clocked up 495 first team appearances for clubs in New Zealand, Holland and China — with 120 of them for Auckland City.

At representative level, he’s played for New Zealand at Under 17, Under 20 and Under 23 level, making his full international debut in 1995 against Uruguay (a game we lost 7–0).

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Since then, Ivan has made more appearances in full internationals than any other All White — 88 appearances over a period of 18 years.

This year, he announced his retirement from international football — but he did the same in 2008, saying his days as an All White were over.

Of course, two years after his last retirement, he went to South Africa and helped the All Whites go undefeated through the FIFA World Cup Finals.

During his career, he’s helped teams win four ASB Chatham Cups; four NZ Football Championships and four Oceania Football Confederation club championships.

In 2002, he was awarded New Zealand’s International Player of the Year and in 2009, he was named Oceania Footballer of the Year.

Now he adds another award to the long list he’s earned as one of New Zealand and Oceania’s greatest footballers.

OPPOSITE: Ivan “The Godfather” Vicelich and John Adshead with their medals. Photo:

FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

Shane Wenzlick.

legends &

1982 2010

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Football Dad One father’s efforts to keep the peace The club’s junior muster was, quite frankly, mental.

More than 100 children, aged 4 to nearly 13, running loose on a council park. In patchy drizzle.

Ground barely recovered from the harsh summer.

Footballs of every conceivable colour bouncing in more than a thousand directions. Grass being shredded.

Ten–year–olds demolishing 7–year–olds in tackles which would make a mother cringe: studs up, two feet, Karate scream on the way into the smaller kid’s ankle.

“Jesus,” Football Dad thought to himself, spotting the moment of brutality. “Call a bloody ambulance.”

A large woman wearing a faded club top held a tired grey megaphone to her mouth and screeched.

“Right you lot, stop right where you are and listen to me!”

A pall of silence over two football pitches as she took a suck on a Rothmans Menthol cigarette, and prepared to blurt out another burst of instruction.

“I’ll have the 5th grade down there by Changing Room 1 – Barbs, put your hand up.”

Rothmans drag exhaled.

“Tony will have the 6th graders by the big goal down there,” she yelped, with an elaborate arm wave (ciggie in hand, of course).

“7th Grade, you’re with 22

Cornelius, just down here.”

The Youngest One perked up “Oh, that’s us. Cornelius is an interesting name,” she remarked.

Football Dad mulled a dozen or so nations: “Oh, yes: maybe he’s from South America.”

Nearly bald bloke wearing a Uruguayan top from the 2002 FIFA World Cup shot his hand up. “Yes, yes, me me!” he said chirpily.

“Kids 7 or nearly 7, come with me!”

‘ ... his face dropped into the palm of his hand. He had a bad feeling. He could see where it was heading.’

Wry smile from Football Dad: “South America. Told ya.”

The Uruguayan had rows of cones set up, evidently by his early–teens son, who was along for the ride.

“Soooooo ... parents, ”said Coach Cornelius. “We gonna ‘ave a trial, right?”

Pushy Dad in a suit and tie was first to interject.

“My boy played in the top team last year and I expect the same this year,” he announced.

Hippy Mother was next, a filthy look at Pushy Dad. “Oh right, so poor kids are gonna be in the crap team, is that what you’re saying?”

Weird Lady was next.

“My son has some behavioural issues, but, y’know, the psychologist said sport would be good for him.”

“Ok k k k k k ay y y y y y y y… ”Cornelius interjected, desperate to reclaim the conversation.

“We got 14 kids here. That’s enough for two teams ... but, ah, we only got ... ahhhh ... we got only one coach. So I am gonna need a Mummy or a Daddy to volunteer to take some of the kids this season.”

Football Dad stood like a statue, his lips held together firmer than he’d ever held them together before.

“Do not say a word,” his brain yelled at him. “Do not make the same mistake as last time, with The Eldest One. Do not say one stinking bloody single word!”

The lips trembled, eyes darted around.

Weird Lady piped up again.

“I’ll do it! The psychologist said it would be good for my son and I to do some outdoor activities together. This is an outdoor activity!”

Cornelius was ecstatic.

“Ohhh…..tha’s great, jus’ a FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

great…thankyou oh so much for that, thankyou.”

Weird Lady to Cornelius: “I’ve got a lot to learn but you seem a really nice man, and I’m a fast learner!”

Football Dad knew he shouldn’t make assumptions, but his face dropped into the palm of his hand. He had a bad feeling. He could see where it was heading.

His kid would narrowly miss the Uruguayan’s team and would end up in the team coached by the frumpy loud idiot woman with the special needs child.

The Younger One stood there, scoping out the entire situation.

Watching, listening.

She pulled at her father’s hand.

“How come you said nothing?”

“Well … I kinda help your sister’s coach with that team.

And I can’t be at two places at once, darling.”

A frown from the little girl’s face. Five seconds to process the information before articulating an answer.

“Okay, I’ll accept that excuse.

But you’ll come to as many of my games as you can, won’t you?”

A lump in Football Dad’s throat.

A glance at Weird Lady, who was by now introducing herself to all and sundry.

“I will do my absolute level best for you, sweetheart.”

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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THE 30–SECOND TEST THAT COULD SAVE YOUR SIGHT Former All Whites coach Allan Jones has been campaigning to raise awareness within the football community of a condition that puts your sight at risk.

THE TEST

Amsler Grid The Amsler Grid (above) is a useful tool to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina).

How to do it: 1. Cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the centre.

2. Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted?

3. Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?

4. Don't forget to test both eyes.

5. If you see wavy, broken or distorted lines, or blurred or missing areas of vision, you may be displaying the symptoms of Macular Degeneration.

Contact your doctor or optometrist immediately.

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Having worked as an ambassador for the charity Macular Degeneration NZ, Jones has been actively encouraging football players and supporters to take a simple test to check whether they’re at risk. The test has appeared in every issue of WaiBOP United’s matchday magazine, The Range, as the ASB Premiership franchise has backed Jones’ campaign.

Magular Degeneration causes progressive loss of central vision but the peripheral vision is not affected.

It is the leading cause of severe vision loss. One in seven people over the age of 50 years is affected in some way and the incidence increases with age.

The macula is the central part of the retina, the light–sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

The retina processes all visual images.

It is responsible for your ability to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours clearly.

Macular Degeneration is thought to be caused by genetic and environmental factors.

People over the age of 50 years are at risk.

If you smoke or have a family history of Macular Degeneration, your risk of developing the disease is much greater.

For more information we encourage everyone to visit www.mdnz.org.nz.

A DAY AT THE RACES WILL HELP EVENT: Macular Degeneration NZ Raceday VENUE: Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland DATE:

Saturday February 14, 2015

TIME:

From late morning till last race

Football supporters are invited to join a raceday group organised

by Allan Jones and Friends of Football.

You can either book an individual seat in the Guineas Room for $140 or participate in a Friends of Football table at a cost of $125.

Your ticket gets you parking, drinks on arrival, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and an open bar. For more details contact Friends of Football secretary Armin Lindenberg (arminlindenberg@xtra.co.nz).

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Abby Erceg Born: November 20, 1989 at Whangarei Height: 1.77m (5’10”) First senior club: Three Kings United International debut: v China, 2006 NZ U–20 caps: 24 (13 goals) Full NZ caps: 100 (4 goals)

Abby Erceg. Photo: NZ Football.

FERNS SKIPPER REACHES MILESTONE Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg has become the first player — male or female — to appear in 100 senior internationals for New Zealand.

Her historic milestone was achieved in the Ferns’ recent 16–0 walkover against Tonga at the Oceania Nations Cup tournament.

Winning the tournament ensures New Zealand qualifies for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, and as long as she remains injury–free, the 25–year–old Erceg looks set to add plenty more caps to her impressive tally. Her century of international matches eclipses

the men’s record of 88 held by the now–retired Ivan Vicelich, while 1982 World Cup stars Steve Sumner and Brian Turner both recorded more than 100 games but these included non– international fixutres.

Erceg made her debut as a 16–year–old against China in 2006 and has travelled the world as a professional footballer.

She’s played for North American side Chicago Red Stars, FF USV Jena in the German Bundesliga,

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Espanyol in the Superliga Femenina and Adelaide United in the Australian W–League.

Of her remarkable international career, Erceg is grateful for the opportunities presented by football.

“Having been in the team since I was 16, the two things I cherish most are the people around me who have been a constant and the experiences I have been exposed to. “

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NZ Football Media A PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR Winner WaiBOP United’s The Range, edited

by Dwayne Barlow and Josh Easby

Other finalists Petone, edited by Steve Minogue Waitemata, edited by Mark Reid

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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

The Range co–editor Josh Easby (left) receives the award from the NZ Football Media Association’s Simon Kay.

WaiBOP United have won this category in the first year of the team’s existence.

First awarded in 1980, Programme of the Year was won

by Gisborne City for the first eight years (1980–87) and then Napier City Rovers for the next 11 (1988–1999), though shared with Hutt Valley United in 1992.

Napier also won in 2011 for the 12th time, extending the club’s record.

Judge Simon Kay (Former Writer of the Year) said: “The standard for this year was extremely high and narrowing all the entries down to a top three was extremely difficult. Ellerslie, Ngaruawahia, Cambridge and Napier City Rovers all submitted excellent programmes and only narrowly missed making the finalists.

“Waitemata’s full colour 32– page programme clearly requires a phenomenal amount of work to put together and includes

match reports for the first team (complete with statistics) and other sides, with a copious number of photos.

“Petone again produced an outstanding entry and must be frontrunners in the way they communicate and market themselves, with their Code Blue newsletter for members, and Old Timers, Past Players and Sponsors newsletter.

“As well as all the usual programme elements done to a high standard, Petone also feature stories by John Bradbury profiling life members or recounting the club’s history, and Sam Boyd’s From The Balcony column.

“But WaiBOP edged it with programmes that delivered everything a good programme should and then some.

“There was plenty inside to entertain and interest the fans, with highlights including Bruce Holloway’s always informative

and topical Remembering Our Heritage stories and the amusing Football Dad column with which many parents will identify.

“Programmes may seem an anachronism in this internet age but still represent an ideal opportunity for clubs to project a professional image to their communities and most of this year’s entries achieve that with aplomb.”

The 2014 New Zealand Football Media Awards were held at the Friends of Football Celebration of Excellence function in Auckland on November 6.

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wards 2014 WRITER OF THE YEAR Winner Michael Burgess (Herald on Sunday) , pictured right.

Other Finalists Steven Holloway (Herald Online) Sam Worthington (Fairfax Media) Last year’s winner: Michael Burgess (Herald on Sunday). Highly commended: Michael Brown (APNZ), Gordon Glen Watson (FIFA World Magazine, FIFA. com), Andrew Dewhurst (Yahoo.co.nz) 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

Michael Burgess wins this category for the second year in a row. His portfolio included stories featuring former All Whites coach Ricki Herbert and skipper Tommy Smith, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and the late Auckland City striker Keryn Jordan.

First awarded by the NZFMA in 1980, Michael Brown holds the record for most wins in this category, with five in a row between 2005 and 2010.

Judge Duncan Pardon (former Auckland Star football writer 1982–86) commented: “Separating the top three was difficult but Michael won it by a nose because of his versatility.

His exclusive on Tommy Smith’s threat to retire before the World Cup qualifiers against Mexico 27

was one of the most important stories of the past year and he clearly had the inside sources necessary to bring it into the open.

“His interview with FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was an interesting perspective on how world football’s powerbrokers view Oceania.

“There was the mandatory analysis of the Ricki Herbert years, territory covered by several writers, but Michael’s was among the most thorough and again showed use of good contacts. His story on Keryn Jordan’s battle with cancer was a reminder of the bigger issues in life and the role sport can play.

“Sam Worthington certainly believes in telling it like it is.

His report on the post–match

interview with Herbert after the 5–1 thumping by Mexico was a fascinating insight into the mindset of a beleaguered coach.

“And his sidebar left the reader in no doubt that he believed it was time for Herbert to go. In similar fashion, his report on the infamous Ben Sigmund stomp made it clear there could be no excuses for what happened, again backed by forthright comments. There was also an informative interview with Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick.

“I was impressed with Steven Holloway’s overall grasp of the big issues facing football in this country.

“His story on problems facing the domestic league shows some issues never go away — we were writing similar stories in the 1980s. His stories on what to do with World Cup cash, player development and ‘three ways to go pro’ show some of the best sports writing is about what goes on off the field.

“Overall, I would suggest the All Blacks are lucky not to have to face the scrutiny and analysis shown by our football writers.

“We have some top–notch football journalists who are not scared to ask tough questions, are forthright in their opinions and who display a passion for, and in–depth knowledge of, our small place in the world’s greatest game.”

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REGIONAL/COMMUNITY WRITER OF THE YEAR

Winner Jeremy Ruane, pictured left.

Previous Winner 2011 Anendra Singh (Hawke’s Bay Today) 2012 Phillip Rollo (Waimea Weekly)

Jeremy Ruane has featured in other NZFMA categories, most recently as winner of the 2012 Publication of the Year for Strength In Unity, a book he edited marking the 50th anniversary of the Central United club.

His work has also featured among the finalists in the Programme category in previous years. His winning Writer of the Year entry included a profile on Football Fern Betsy Hassett, an obituary of women’s football icon Roy Cox and stories about the Football Ferns and Phoenix.

The NZFMA introduced this category in 2011 and the winner is picked from Writer of the Year entries who do not work for national or major metropolitan publications and/or websites.

Judge Simon Kay (former Writer of the Year) said: “Jeremy’s

extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for the game are obvious in all his stories. He is prepared to offer forthright opinions from a position of authority based on his long history of covering football at all senior and international levels.

“The criticisms contained in his Football Ferns preview should have given the national body food for thought.

“His Betsy Hassett profile and Roy Cox obituary gave a level of detail and insight not often matched. He is clearly the foremost writer of women’s football in New Zealand by some distance.

“The breadth of his writing was a decisive factor in taking out a category in which other contenders failed to stray far beyond standard previews and reviews.”

PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR Winner Soccer by the Silverstream – 100 Years of Soccer on the Taieri, by W. Cliff Anderson

Other finalists 100 Years of Western Association Football Club, edited by Fred Woodcock Roslyn Wakari Association Football History 1888–2013, by Dave Johnstone

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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

Judge Glen Price (former Publication of the Year winner) said: “Soccer by the Silverstream is a concise and compact history of football at Mosgiel AFC. “Readers will enjoy stories from the beginnings of the club through to the modern game in the area. From senior and women’s teams to the juniors, all aspects of the flow of the club are covered.

“Depth is provided, with club statistics ensuring the book will continue to be used as a reference point in the future. You don’t have to be a member of the club to enjoy this book.”

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Broadcaster of the Year finalist Gordon Glen Watson enjoys the evening with former NZ Football media manager Seamus Marten.

TV BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR Andrew Gourdie extends his record in this category with his fifth win, having claimed the award four years in a row during 2006–10.

His winning entry included pieces on Ricki Herbert’s resignation as All Whites coach, Marco Rojas signing for Stuttgart and Michael Fitzgerald pulling out of the All Whites to focus on his J–League career. Judge Bruce Holloway (former Writer and Publication of the Year winner): “Andrew Gourdie’s exclusive interview with Ricki Herbert during which he announced his intention to step down as All Whites coach was arguably the most significant football news story of the award time–frame.

It was expertly summed up in a pithy 3.5–minute clip, while Andrew also broadcast via website a worthy 18–minute interview with Herbert which

covered off a wider range of matters. While rival entries were arguably more diverse in the broadcast disciplines presented — and special mention must be made of Gordon Glen Watson’s excellent work with club–based highlights packages distributed through social media – Andrew’s portfolio was ultimately more compelling because of the superb journalistic component of his work and the high news value it contained.

“Andrew’s portfolio displayed a breadth of football knowledge, and was concise, with crisp editing and high production values. On a media landscape where our code often struggles to gain traction, Gourdie’s broadcast journalism has set the benchmark both for breaking news and backgrounding unfolding events in New Zealand football.”

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Winner Andrew Gourdie (TV3)

Finalist Gordon Glen Watson (Glenstrae Media) 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

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PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Winner Andrew Cornaga (Photosport)

Other Finalists Phillip Rollo (Waimea Weekly) Shane Wenzlick (Phototek)

Best Photograph Phillip Rollo (Waimea Weekly)

Photosport’s Andrew Cornaga with his award. The photographs above and facing page are from his winning portfolio.

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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

Andrew Cornaga has now been named Photographer of theYear a record six times, following his wins in 1991, 1997, 2006, 2010 and 2012.

He moves ahead of the previous record set by Eric Jelly, who won five times between 1982 and 1994. His portfolio ranged from New Zealand’s World Cup playoff against Mexico to an Auckland junior match.

The highly commended photographers were Phillip Rollo and four–time winner Shane Wenzlick. Rollo, now with the Nelson Mail, was adjudged to have submitted the best single image for the second year in a row.

The Photographer of the Year award was first made by the NZFMA in 1981.

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Judge Geoff Dale (former NZ Herald photographer, Eden Park venue photomanager for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and current freelance photographer) commented: “Andrew Cornaga submitted the overall winning portfolio with the best quality and highest standard of images. His entry showed a consistently high standard of sports photography with the ability to capture the action at its peak and a truly professional presentation.

“But the best single photograph was of a goalkeeper crashing into an opponent taken by Phillip Rollo during a Nelson third division match.

“It demonstrates perfect timing and nicely fills the picture, leaving you wondering if one of the players ends up seriously hurt.”

(Both were apparently uninjured in the collision.)

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

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Another image from the portfolio of Photosport’s Andrew Cornaga , winner of the Photographer of the Year Award..

AUDIO BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR

Winner Jason Pine (The Radio Network)

Other finalists 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 32

Jason Pine’s stranglehold continues in this category which he has now won a record six consecutive times, while also being judged overall media winner in 2003.

His portfolio featured commentary from internationals, A–League and Chatham Cup games. The Yellow Fever team were highly commended for the second year in a row.

Judge Andrew Alderson (Herald on Sunday sports journalist) said: “Jason paints a vivid picture with his commentaries. His best asset is achieving the right cadence so there is light and shade up and down the emotive scale. Jason inserted important moments of silence where he let the crowd tell the story and gelled well with his expert comments men. His enthusiasm for each spectacle was palpable.

“Football’s profile in New Zealand would be weaker were it not for initiatives like these podcasts delivered by Dale Warburton, Guy Smith, Evald Subasic and David Cross. They focused their entry on the Chatham Cup where passion and knowledge combined with entertaining banter and crisp musical segues.

“The description of the Cory Brown penalty miss drew me into surfing for it on Youtube.

Mercifully, they were also prepared to critique, which left the impression they placed the wellbeing of the sport before any team.

“These were the best selections from a disappointing number of entries given the breadth of football coverage at key times during 2013..”

All photographs in this publication from the Celebration of Excellence event were taken by Friends of Football’s official photographer, Shane Wenzlick, of Phototek.

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e c n e l l e c x E

More than 150 guests enjoyed an evening of reflection, laughter and good company at Friends of Football’s Celebration of Excellence function in Auckland.

Tickets for the dinner, even at A highlight of the evening was $99–a–seat, sold out in only nine Vicelich sharing centre stage with days as word got around football circles that this was going to be a memorable night.

And so it proved with a wide variety of activities.

NZ Football’s Chief Executive Andy Martin (pictured right), eight months into his role, gave guests an early insight into his thinking about the future of the game in New Zealand, before new All Whites coach Anthony Hudson spoke candidly about his career as a coach.

The dinner also incorporated the annual awards of the New Zealand Football Media Association, which recognised the best work by the country’s football writers, broadcasters and photographers.

After dinner, Friends of Football revealed the identity of their second recipient of a Medal of Excellence — veteran defender Ivan Vicelich who this year retired from international football after 88 games for his country.

last year’s inaugural recipient of the medal, former All Whites coach John Adshead.

And while there was much to squeeze into a busy programme, there was still plenty of time for friends to mingle and talk football.

Friends of Football intend to host regular events — formal and informal — to celebrate what’s best about the game, and to encourage social activity.

Last year’s Tribute to John Adshead dinner, and this year’s Celebration of Excellence, have set a high standard!

Master of Ceremonies Andrew Dewhurst (above) kept the pace of the evening moving and helped to empty a few pockets but all in a good cause.

An auction to raise funds for Friends of Football raised more than $5,000 thanks to the generosity of those who donated items. A highlight was the fierce bidding to buy a ball signed by Brazilian legend Pele and FIFA president Dr Sepp Blatter. It eventually went under the hammer for $1,700.

All photographs this page: Shane Wenzlick (Phototek).

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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.

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 To acknowledge and salute those who have made a significant contribution to NZ Football  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.

HOW TO JOIN US it costs just $25 a year to be a member of Friends of Football. To join, write to FoF, PO Box 9076, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, or email details to Barbara Cox at b_cox@xtra.co.nz.

Send cheque to Friends of Football or pay direct to our bank account, providing your surname as reference.

Bank BNZ Dominion Road — 02 0144 0285148 00.

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

Our Celebration of Excellence tonight is part of our effort to add to football’s heritage.

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OF FOOTBALL

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

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.

Armin Lindenberg Secretary During 18 years as a newspaper journalist, Lindenberg covered 35

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.

in New Zealand.

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

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 Dr Barbara Cox, MBE of the Year, and three times Treasurer A former captain of both New Auckland Player of the Year.

As an assistant coach or Zealand and Auckland Football representative teams. She has manager, he took part in two coached and administrated World Cup campaigns, and was football at all levels of the game coach Ricki Herbert's assistant and has written extensively on with the undefeated All Whites the history of the women’s game squad at the 2010 finals in South

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Africa. the national U23 team.

He was admitted to football's In the 1990s, Burgess served Hall of Fame in 1995. on the national council of New Zealand Soccer (now NZF).

Sam Malcolmson Committee Member Andrew Dewhurst A member of the 1982 All Whites Committee Member who qualified for the World Cup Andrew began broadcasting finals in Spain, Malcolmson with The Radio Network in continues his involvement in Wellington in the 1990’s before football through media work moving to Auckland as one of the and coaching school football in original hosts on Radio Sport.

Auckland.

Now director of his own He’s coached at senior level and media and PR company Gracie been an administrator, utilising Productions, Andrew splits his business skills gained with sports time between broadcasting companies such as Adidas, New with SKY Television as football Balance, Umbro and Starter. and tennis commentator and managing sports clients such as Mark Burgess the SKYCITY Breakers, Triathlon Committee Member New Zealand, Basketball New A dual New Zealand Zealand and Badminton New international, Burgess played Zealand.

50 cricket tests for his country He played football at National and played once for the New League (briefly) and Northern Zealand football team (against League level.

Manchester United).

As a youngster, he was New Earle Thomas Zealand Football Player of the Committee Member Year in 1965, and represented 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 Member 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.

LUNCH WITH WAIBOP UNITED Friends of Football aims to host a growing number of events.

EVENT: Friends of Football lunch & match VENUE: John Kerkhof Park, Cambridge DATE:

Saturday January 31, 2015

TIME:

Noon (lunch), 3pm matchkick off

Check our website for details of upcoming events or better still, become a member

Last summer, Friends of Football staged their inaugural Waikato luncheon with long–time All White Brian Turner guest speaking at a lunch before WaiBOP United’s ASB Premiership game against

so we can keep you

champions Auckland City. In January, we’ll hold our second lunch in

informed.

Cambridge, before WaiBOP’s match against Team Wellington. When

www.friendsoffootballnz.com

we reveal the identity of our guest speaker, we expect tickets to sell out fast — so register your interest now with Josh Easby (mobile 021 0558854 or josh@hurricane–press.co.nz).

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

NORTHERN FOOTBALL’S chair Michael Anderson has been re–elected to the New Zealand Football Executive Committee, joining three new members, Sue Griffin, Deryck Shaw and Philip Barry. They have been elected for a term till the 2018 Congress and join current members Bill Moran, Paul Cochrane and President Mark Aspden.

At the 2015 Congress, three more members will be elected, taking the body to its full complement of 10.

MARK CHRISTIE has been named WaiBOP Football’s new Chief Executive. He previously spent more than 10 years as Events Facilities Manager for Hamilton City Council prior to being lured offshore to manage a major multi-faceted sporting complex in Queensland.

CAMBRIDGE FC will stage their fifth annual sevens tournaments for men and women in March.

The Carters Cambridge Sevens (Men’s) will be held on Sunday March 1, the day WaiBOP United host Wellington Phoenix in the ASB Premiership game, enabling sevens teams to enjoy that game and camp overnight AUCKLAND FOOTBALL has a at the grounds. The women’s new Chief Executive after the tournament is scheduled for appointment of Don Manase Sunday March 8. Entry details are who has been promoted from his at www.cambridgesoccer.co.nz. previous position as Operations Manager. He plays club football for Albany United and has represented New Zealand in masters touch rugby.

HAWKE’S BAY’S Referee of the NIC DOWNES has been named Year is Gareth Sheehan. Brad as Futsal Development Assistant Brunton has been named the for AFF, a new role that will Youth Official of the year, while largely focus on the growth of Futsal Administrator Jo Webber was voted Hawke's Bay Female the game in schools.

He will work with Futsal official of the year. Darren Austin Development Officer Marvin was voted by regional clubs as Eakins and the rest of the AFF their Official of the Year and was Football Development team, awarded the most improved led by Stevie Baxter and newly– official. The Hawke's Bay Referees appointed development officers voted Tony Simmonds as their Official of the Year.

Paul Greig and Gemma Lewis.

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CAPITAL FOOTBALL has appointed a new chair with Paul Houliston taking over from Chris Canton who resigned in September. Houliston, who joined the board as a member in 2013, has played and coached for a decade at Waterside Karori where he also served on the club’s junior committee.

CANTERBURY LEGEND Eileen Langridge QSM, a life member of NZ Football, Mainland Football and Patron of Canterbury United, has turned 93 with the best wishes of football followers from around the country. Even recently, she was helping Cashmere Technical after devoting more than half a century to working in football administration. Mainland CEO Mike Coggan said: "She's a living legend as far as I am concerned.

She's truly amazing.”

FOOTBALL SOUTH have set up a seven–person sub–committee charged with developing the women’s game in the Southern Region. The new sub–committee will be chaired by a Football South board member but will specifically focus on the women’s game.

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ANDREW CORNAGA: PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

When you see photographs like this, you understand how Andrew Cornaga has won the NZ Football Photographer of the Year Award a record six times. He captured this excellent image of All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss making a save during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Mexico and New Zealand in Mexico City (Wednesday 13 November 2013). Photo: Andrew Cornaga/photosport.co.nz 39

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BEYOND FOOTBALL Winning at FIFA World Cups LATEST FROM NZ FOOTBALL A bold plan to inspire New Zealanders beyond the football pitch has been unveiled

by New Zealand Football.

Chief Executive Andy Martin, along with High Performance Director Fred de Jong, All Whites coach Anthony Hudson, Football Ferns coach Tony Readings and Technical Director Rob Sherman presented the national body’s High Performance Plan: ‘Beyond Football’ in Auckland.

After consultation with key stakeholders, the comprehensive High Performance Plan maps out the organisation’s approach to building a culture of continual success at international level.

Martin said the plan, seven months in the making, is one of the most important bodies of work ever undertaken by the national body.

“Everyone involved in sport understands how success at major international events can uplift a nation, capture the imagination of the public and provide benefits extending far beyond the realm of the game itself,” Martin said.

“You need only look at the impact of the All Whites reaching the 1982 and 2010 World Cup tournaments to understand the possibilities open to football 40

that come with that type of achievement.”

“As we aim to reposition football in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders, a clear strategy to ensure more regular, sustainable and defined success at the pinnacle events for our game — FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games tournaments — is absolutely vital.”

“The High Performance Plan blueprint for our game has detailed our current situation and, within key areas of focus, provides guidelines for our effort to ensure we position ourselves to achieve more success more often on stages that mean something to New Zealanders.”

The plan outlines five core areas of attention with creating and developing strategic partnerships, investment in resources, coach development, competitions alignment and player development identified as the pillars of the approach.

Martin says a key component of the new plan is the harnessing of the global reach of the game and maximising the benefits of regular contact with key nations

for New Zealand both on and off the field of play.

“Football is the number one sport in the world played by a large number of New Zealand’s key trading partners,“ Martin said.

“The majority of those nations also qualify regularly for the major tournaments in the FIFA calendar so building an approach which is mindful of that serves two important purposes from our view.

“On the pitch; more regular contact with those countries will have obvious benefits for our teams and players in the journey along the qualification pathway towards the major tournaments we’re targeting.

“Off the field, given the highly visible position of football in those countries, the strengthening of ties can only have positive effects for our economy and New Zealand’s international profile moving forwards.”

— Story courtesy of NZ Football www.nzfootball.co.nz Download the full report from: http://tinyurl.com/kvvklzp FANZ: THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL DIARY How to follow our national teams THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE NEW ZEALAND ALL WHITES NEW ZEALAND U–20 FEBRUARY 10, 2015: The draw will be made to decide the groups for the FIFA U–20 World Cup to be held in New Zealand in May/June. Thirteen of the 24 nations have been decided, with qualifiers confirmed for Asia, Europe and Oceania. The European representatives will be Austria, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Serbia and Ukraine.

The four countries to represent the Asian Football Confederation are Myanmar, Qatar, Uzbekistan and North Korea.

“ ... to create a team capable of reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia and achieving there, we need to be playing and building experience against quality teams which could form part of our pathway to the tournament.

Meeting strong opponents in the March window will be ideal as we head towards the first stage of qualifying for Russia at the end of next year.”

— NZ Coach Anthony Hudson.

MAY 2015: The New Zealand U–20 team will host a four–team MARCH 2015: New Zealand Football has announced it is negotiating tournament as preparation for for the All Whites to play an Asian team ranked in the world’s top 70 the FIFA U–20 World Cup to start FIFA rankings. at the end of the month.

OCTOBER 2015: The All Whites will begin their qualifying campaign MAY 31, 2015: Opening for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia by playing in the OFC ceremony with New Zealand Nations Cup against Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon playing the opening game of Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu, and the winner of a preliminary round the FIFA U–20 World Cup at QBE between American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga.

Stadium, North Harbour.

NEW ZEALAND FERNS

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the biggest in the history of the competition, with 129 nations entered and more than 400 qualifying games needed to decide the finalists ...

FEBRUARY 2015: The Ferns will play Denmark (ranked 12th in the FIFA world rankings) in Turkey as part of their preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada in mid–2015..

JUNE 6, 2015: The FIFA Women’s World Cup gets underway with New Zealand (ranked 19th in the world) drawn in Group A against hosts Canada (8th), China (14th) and Holland (15th).

JUNE 7, 2015: NZ v Holland, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton.

JUNE 12, 2015: NZ v Canada, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton.

JUNE 16, 2015: NZ v China, Winnipeg Stadium.

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FURTHER AFIELD What’s happening in Oceania THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE NEW ZEALAND U–17 JANUARY 2015: The New Zealand U–17 squad heads to Samoa to take part in the Oceania Football Confederation U–17 tournament that kicks off on January 13 and culminates in the final at Pago Park Soccer Stadium on January 26. New Zealand will play in Group A against Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Group B involves Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and American Samoa.

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF OFC U–17 TOURNAMENTS 2013: New Zealand 2011: New Zealand 2009: New Zealand 2007: New Zealand 2005: Australia

Auckland City have won the inaugural OFC President’s Cup, defeating Vanuatu club Amicale 2–1 in the final at Auckland’s Trust Arena.

Other teams to take part in the tournament were Singapore U–23, Bodden Town (Cayman Islands), Busaiteen (Bahrain), and Fiji U–20.

Spectators saw 36 goals in the nine matches, with Auckland City’s Emiliano Tade top–scoring with four goals. Bodden Town goalkeeper Ramon Sealy was awarded the tournament’s Golden Gloves while Player of the Tournament was Amicale midfielder Panagiotis Nikas.

HESTER SEES POTENTIAL IN OCEANIA Mark Hester aims to raise the number and quality of referees in the Oceania region.

The FIFA referee instructor is several months into his current role as Oceania Football Confederation’s Referee Development Officer.

“Primarily my role is to help the Member Associations with the recruitment, development and retention of their referees,” he told the OFC website (www. oceaniafootball.com).

“The underlying principle is increasing the number of referees but also improving the quality of those referees as well.”

Hester believes having a dedicated referee development officer is of huge benefit to both the Confederation and each of its Member Associations.

“It provides some stability for 42

the region so that there can be a Hester sees much potential for coordinated approach. the region’s referees with a clear pathway from national leagues to OFC tournaments to FIFA World Cup events.

Hester began refereeing as a 15–year–old in Australia, working through the ranks of elite youth football to premier league within State federations.

He crossed the Tasman in 2009 “And for the national to become one of New Zealand’s associations who need it there top referees, officiating in the will be a resource to call upon to ASB Premiership.

In 2010, he became a referee assist them in terms of putting a officer with structure in place – or developing development the structure they already have in WaiBOP Football, and in 2013 place – to improve the quality of and 2014 travelled to a number the referees and thereby provide of OFC Member Associations as the environment to improve the a FIFA Technical Instructor and/ or FIFA Fitness Instructor. quality of football.”

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THE WORLD IS WATCHING Counting down to FIFA U–20 World Cup THE FOOTBALL O MAGAZINE GAZINE School students are being invited to get behind next year's FIFA U–20 World Cup by writing songs that help celebrate the spirit of the tournament.

Play It Strange, a music charity run by Split Enz founder Mike Chunn, is running a competition to find the best football song.

Entries close on February 27 and the winner will get a day in a professional recording studio to lay down their song which will be released on a Play It Strange CD. Entry forms can be found at: http://playitstrange.org.nz/ the -fifa-u-20-world-cup-nz2015-school-competition/

Thirteen of the 24 nations coming to New Zealand for the FIFA U–20 World Cup have been decided, with qualifiers confirmed for Asia, Europe and Oceania.

The European representatives will be Austria, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Serbia and Ukraine.

The four countries to represent the Asian Football Confederation are Myanmar, Qatar, Uzbekistan and North Korea.

Qatar’s qualification continues their rising status in the world game, following on the heels of their senior side’s recent victory over Australia.

Myanmar have been AFC U-19 Champions seven times with North Korea securing themselves three titles most recently in 2006 and 2010. Fiji will represent

Oceania, while New Zealand are coveted trophy at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco from 10– ensured a place as host nation.

20 December 2014.

Auckland City FC will compete Local football fans were treated for the trophy having won the to once–only opportunity last OFC Champions League title in weekend when two of FIFA’s May this year.

World Cup Winner’s Trophies were displayed together in New Quarter and Semi-Final tickets Zealand for the very first time.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup and have gone on sale to those who the FIFA Club World Cup were have taken advantage of the displayed at Auckland City FC’s generous early-bird discounts home ground ahead of their ASB and purchased venue packs for Premiership clash with Hawke’s any of the seven host stadiums.

Quarter-finals have been Bay United. for Auckland, The FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled Wellington and Winner’s Trophy was entrusted to Hamilton, the Local Organising Committee Christchurch with the semiearly in 2014 to help promote finals being held in Auckland FIFA’s second largest male and Christchurch.

To purchase tickets or find out tournament.

The Club World Cup was also more about the tournament, in New Zealand for a whistle please explore FIFA.com's New stop global Welcome Tour of Zealand 2015 section and the the seven cities vying for the relevant links in Related Items.

THE BLACK SHEEP OF FOOTBALL’S FAMILY The Official Mascot for the FIFA U–20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 has been revealed — it's a black sheep with attitutde named Wolliam.

Dave Beeche, CEO of the FIFA U–20 World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) said he has been delighted with the enthusiastic reception Wooliam had received.

“We are very fond of Wooliam and feel that he embodies the passion, colour and excitement that are synonymous with this tournament. It was very satisfying to see the crowds enjoying him as much as we do.”

“We appreciate that around the globe New Zealand is associated with sheep so we thought why not embrace that but add an extra twist by making him the coolest black sheep ever, a young Kiwi with cheek and attitude.”

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GET OFF THE GRASS The final word from Sky Sport commentator Andrew Dewhurst I recently MC’d New Zealand Football’s launch of their ‘Beyond Football’ programme, an opportunity that gave me insight into ‘Beyond Football’ but also a peek into the machinations of the current NZF administration.

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In my role as a Media and Communications Consultant I have been involved with a number of National Sporting Organizations and club teams, including New Zealand Football. I have seen a great variety of management styles and levels of planning but this is the most well-organized and focused administration I have ever known to be in residence at Football HQ. My commentary is not however about the content of the document per se, it is about the clear commitment of New Zealand Football to a plan. I have a great deal of experience with National Sporting Organizations and I know better than most the politicking and frankly the bullshit that goes on from inside the corridors of power and the mudslinging that happens externally. Football is no exception to that. Everyone has an opinion and some seem to make it their life goal to disagree with anything that is

policy from head office – and if that head office is meandering and making it up as they go along, there will be plenty of opportunity.

If however a sporting administration has a clear goal, a clear plan and a strong set of values and performance related parameters, the mudslingers can be rendered redundant.

This is not a wandering, aimless, reactive administration hoping that something they do today might ‘work out’.

This is an administration with bold goals and lofty aspirations for the game at all levels. In Beyond Football this current NZF administration has a plan with plenty of detail, plenty of pathways for others to contribute to or join and plenty of substance behind it. I for one wish them well in their endeavors to lift the game in this country to places it has never been before.

Few could argue with that, surely?

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