Footballers make impossible season possible

JULIA WADE

After a tricky year of kicking around the multiple-level playing fields of Covid, young local footballers have hung up their boots with the end of the winter sports season.

Mangawhai Football Club (MFC) president Craig Freeman says 2020 was about ‘making the impossible season possible’.

“We are really proud of all of the kids, coaches, parents and supporters who helped to make a very challenging season happen.”

Throughout the winter sporting months, MFC players were still able to compete against other teams although the majority of their games, which included playing fields in Mangawhai, Bream Bay to Whangarei and beyond, were spectator-less due to Northern Football Federation’s Covid stipulations that besides coaches and managers, no parents and supporters were to attend.

Members who resided across the Auckland border were also banned from playing with the club.

“Coronavirus put a few major hurdles in the way, and while many other clubs and sports had to abort their season, we were able to both start and finish ours,” Freeman says.

“That alone was a huge success for us and proved just how much interest, support, and passion there is in the area for the wonderful sport of football.”

One of the many life-lessons MFC tries to convey to young players is how to work well with others, and that football is a TEAM sport – Together Everyone Achieves More.

“This starts from the top down, and we are looking for a few new members to join our team to help make football even better in the area so if you’re interested in helping in any way, please contact us,” Freeman says.

“Our club has grown significantly in the past few years and we look forward to getting back onto a progressive, fun-filled track for next year as the future looks bright for all of our footballers young and old!”

Due to the ongoing growth of MFC, a part-time paid administrative position has also become available, with the right person requiring web and social media skills. Football experience is great but not necessary, says Freeman.

n Interested in joining the club or want to know more? Come along to MFC’s AGM, Wednesday December 9, 5.30pm at Mangawhai Domain, or visit facebook.com/mangawhaifootballclub or sporty.co.nz/mangawhaifootballclub

Mangawhai Football Club made ‘the impossible season possible’ managing to still play on through the year of Covid. For 2021, the club is looking for more people to join the team, and ‘some new leadership’. PHOTO/JULIA WADE