Takaro AFC

Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou! Welcome back for 2017; hopefully you’ve all had a relaxing and fulfilling Christmas break and this new year finds you fit, well and ready to dive into the new season!

While there’s still plenty of time remaining before the playing season kicks off, the gears behind the scenes have already started whirring and we’re excited to get things in motion to bring you a successful season. Registrations will begin soon, and we’ll send out an email reminder to all our existing members when they go live, but we just wanted to let you know that we’re back in the swing of things and to get football on your radar.

There have been a few changes on the committee for this year. Adrian Doyle is staying on as the President, and Andrew Turner and Marko de Vries are still your Junior and Senior Club Captains respectively. We’ve been sad to see our dedicated Treasurer/Secretary Jocelyn Turney-Mitchell leave, but her roles have been picked up by myself and Andrew respectively. I’m still on board as your Vice President and Registrar as well, and we’re grateful for Bill O’Brien finding time to act as our Custodian for yet another season. Club Veteran Kevin Palfreyman and newcomer Ben Prescott are rounding out our 2017 Committee, but as ever, if you’re keen to get involved we’d love to have you! Just drop one of us a line to find out the date and time of our next meeting and come along, we love the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that members of our footballing community bring with them when they get involved in the governance of the club.

A quick note for any existing or prospective First Division players, our Chillmax Firsts commence training on the evening of Wednesday February 8th; get in touch with Adrian and the team if that sounds like you!

Until next time, yours in Football,

Rachel

Greetings all! It’s been a few weeks since we checked in with the club, but things are ticking along nicely at all levels. Winter has truly set in across our region now, and while there’s no hiding from the bitter chill out there on a Saturday, all our teams are still out doing what they do best.

A couple of quick notes from the committee before we dive into the report:
Please remember that fees are what enable us to keep our club running, and paying them is the only way we stay in the game. If you aren’t sure how much you owe for this season, please contact your coach so we can get this sorted out for you.
While it may seem like we’re still deep in the mire of the season, the end of year is drawing ever closer. If you’ve ever given a thought to being part of a committee, why not start with ours? The Takaro AFC committee is looking for fresh faces to help make the 2017 season and beyond better than any before. You don’t need to take on an official role if you don’t want, and general committee members are always welcome and appreciated, but we are especially keen to find a new Secretary for the 2017 season. If you think you might have what it takes to get stuck in with our great team of leaders, get in touch at contact@takaroafc.org.nz to find out when our next committee meeting is.

Unfortunately, due to the horrendous weather, all senior men’s games from Western Premiership down were cancelled over the weekend, and with the Maidens on hiatus while the Tingey Cup is played, it was our junior teams flying the banner for our club this weekend.

Our smallest players were out in force one again for First Kick’s with Coach Adrian. A smaller than usual team due to illness still left him with eleven wee footballers rearing to go on a crisp Saturday morning, and they had a great time running their drills with an equally chilly Red Sox. The game went wonderfully, and this week yielded joint Players of the Week – Ashton and Grayson Wagener. Grayson was especially enthusiastic, which was wonderful to see as the wee lad has only just turned 3!

The 7^th Grade were hit especially hard by illness, with all but three players knocked out by winter bugs. With a kindly loaned player, they played their skins off against the odds and had a fantastic time doing it.

The 8^th Grade Magpies are having a stunner of a season thanks to top flight striker, Alex Bradley. Each and every week this team of tiny titans has been storming out onto the field and playing their hearts out, and this week was no exception. A fantastic show of teamwork, and huge improvements in passing and calling led the team to victory once more, and this team also had two Players of the Day; Lily Holtslag for battling through an injury to have great attacking power, and Hunter Taylor for confidence and determination.

The 11^th Grade Lions are also continuing a great season with a fair and well-played victory over Levin in an away match. The team are playing fantastically together, developing their teamwork and skills, and the Player of the Day was Xavier Lynch for his attacking skills and fantastic attitude.

As ever, if you have any great photos of footballing moments, players in action, or someone being a great member of our Takaro community, send them our way with your shout-outs for inclusion in this newsletter, to contact@takaroafc.org.nz

Until next game day, yours in Football,

Rachel

Morning all! I hope you’re all managing to keep warm and dry in this awful weather! I guess winter has arrived in the Manawatu all at once. Please remember that all training and playing grounds may be closed by the council if the weather remains bad, and to check our Facebook page and the Central Football website for game cancellations or field allocation changes over the next few days incase this weekend is affected by the downpours.

Last weekend was a rollercoaster for our senior teams, with big highs and lows.

The Chillmax 1sts had a controversial match; after an official referee was not provided for the top of the table clash, coaches and players were left to control a fiery match against Hokowhitu. It was only due to a goal in the eleventh minute of overtime that Hokowhitu managed to squeak a 2-1 win, ending the unbeated streak that the 1sts had been fighting to maintain. A glorious long-range shot from Trevor Munn which struck the crossbar to be bundled in by a team mate for a goal earned him Player of the Day.

The Glory had another disappointing game, losing out against a strong, young Feilding side in a 3-0 match. Coach Ben Ellis noted that the Feilding side have been making great strides since playing in the men’s leagues, and it’s great to see fantastic young footballers being supported in our community; even if this week it proved to be at Takaro’s loss.

The Dribblers had a shaky start to their match against Hokowhitu, with the Hokowhitu Socials putting pressure on the defense and keeper. Once the Dribblers warmed into it, however, their excellent teamwork and communication secured them a convincing 8-1 victory, including a stunning goal from the halfway mark by Phil Wakely. The whole team had a solid game, but for tireless defense and attack play, Muzza Grimmer took Player of the Day.

Sunday saw the Maiden’s have their first bye of the season, and get a chance to avoid this volatile weather for the weekend. Manager Bill says their rested up and rearing for their next game.

The cold and rain affected some junior teams’ numbers, but that didn’t stop most of players and parents (gumboots and umbrellas in tow) coming along for a great morning.

The First Kicks had their smallest turnout so far, but with 10 players coming along, there were plenty of wee footballers to keep everybody busy and entertained. This week the team worked through their drills and games independent of another club, and for her great work on the ball, Eva Holtslag was the Player of the Day.

The 7^th Grade had a few players missing too, but those who came had nearly as much fun jumping in the puddles with Coach Dan as they did with the drills! A tight game against a Hokowhitu side saw the players using what they had learned to improve their ball skills. Player of the Day was Hunter Taylor for a great all-round effort.

The 8^th Grade Magpies were hit the worst from the weather, with multiple players and Coach Jocelyn taken out by illness. The team defaulted this weekend, but are looking forward to next week’s game.

The 11^th Grade Lions had a wonderful game against Ruahine, with the score line tight all the way to the end thanks to great team work and wonderful goals from Shoviq Deo and Aidan Brown. Player of the Day was Ryan Clark for a stellar effort in goal.

The 12/13^th Grade Foxes had their first proper weekend in the 13^th Grade, and ably stepped up to the challenge, battling hard against Ruahine. While they weren’t victorious on the day, it was a particularly well played game by all involved, with some great skills on display, especially by Player of the Day, Malakai Booth.

This week’s shout-outs go to Ian Stewart and Sommer Rickard from First Kicks’ Coach Adrian. They helped him out with the drills and organising the players. All our junior coaches rely on the support and assistance of parents, so it’s great to see some getting involved with our littlies.

As always, if you have a great photo of one of our Players of the Day, or any of our players, parents, coaches or volunteers in action, or a shout-out you’d like to have included, email us at contact@takaroafc.org.nz

Until next game day, yours in Football,

Rachel

Welcome back everyone! The season is fully in swing now, and the weather is playing along too. With all this rain and wind, you can definitely tell it’s winter, which means that it’s perfect for football!

Before we dive into this week’s recap, just a quick reminder that you should have received an invoice for fees by now, and have contacted our talented Treasurer Jocelyn to sort these out. If you haven’t, send her an email at treasurer@takaroafc.org.nz to clear things up.

Our senior teams had another solid weekend, keeping Takaro higher in the tables than we have been in some time.

The Chillmax 1^st’s had a convincing 5-1 win over North End, with excellent skills demonstrated by all players throughout the game. This week’s player of the day was Gavin Eades, scoring 2 stunning goals for the team. Despite being 2 points behind division leaders, Feilding, this past weekend extended the 1^st’s exceptional unbeaten streak to 21 games, 14 from the end of the 2015 season and the first 7 of 2016.

The Glory were unfortunate to end their game against the Marist Greenies with a 2-1 loss, but considered it a fantastic improvement over the last time they faced these opponents, which resulted in a 10-0 loss. The team had a fantastic defensive game, and are feeling strong going into some less challenging games over the next few weeks, still sitting at third on their table. The player of the day was Israel Park, and a shout out from the team goes to Muzza for filling in in the back line for the day.

The Dribbler’s suffered their first loss of the season, with a last minute goal by the Marist Jesters pulling them out of a hard fought draw to 2-1. With a few players away, the team dug deep and played fantastically. Never fear, though, they remain top of their table thanks to goal difference, and are looking forward to picking things back up next week.

As ever, the Maiden’s score line did not reflect the heart, determination and energy that the ladies put into their 17-1 loss to the Dannevirke Valkyrie. According to team manager Bill O’Brien, “The only Maiden’s goal scored was by our newest team member, Hoppy, and she received raucous applause and shouts of joy from the field and the sideline, both by Takaro and Dannevirke supporters! It was resonant of any sporting world cup final; the proverbial stadium roof was certainly lifted!” Playing the Valkyrie is always a highlight in the Maiden’s season, and they showed their appreciation for the game with a hot meal on the sideline.

It was another full on morning over at the junior fields on Saturday morning as well, with parents, players and coaches all get back into the swing of those early, drizzly mornings!

The First Kicks had another enormous turnout of 14 eager young players. Once again paired with the Riverside Red Sox, they had a great time working through their drills before some wee games filled in the rest of the morning. Third Generation Takaro player Alijah O’Brien was Player of the Day in only his second weekend of football.

The 7^th Grade team was left in the able hands of Manager Leigh Albert, with Coach Dan away sick. The team had a great time as ever, and persevered to a great result in their game against North End.

The 8^th Grade Magpies had their first full game of the season after a bye last weekend, and after a heroic effort by the team, including two great goals by Alex Bradley, the team unfortunately lost to North End. Their Player of the Day was Nikhil Baine.

The 9^th Grade Jaguars had their first away game of the season, with an intrepid journey all the way to the Ashhurst Domain to face the home team there. Coach Kevin was back this week, and delighted by the efforts of all the players, with excellent skills in both attack and defense, fancy footwork and great teamwork from all players. He said it was hard to pick a Player of the Day, but in the end it went to Levi Ohlson, for tireless running, excellent attack and a well-deserved goal.

The Lions had another excellent weekend cheered on by Coach Lance, and went out hard for a great result against the Ruahine Lions.

After some confusion to do with the grade of our 12/13 team, the Foxes, Coach Andrew contacted the Hokowhitu Storm to play a friendly match after the official fixture was cancelled. The Hokowhitu team and the Foxes had a great friendly match, even swapping up the teams to test their skills with against their own teammates. It was a great game, and for her grit, determination and excellent positional play, Victoria Bryant was the Foxes’ Player of the Day.

So there we have it for another week! Shout outs this weekend go to:

• Junior Club Captain Andrew Turner – a lot goes on in the background of football, and getting all our junior teams in the grades and divisions they should be is a difficult and time-intensive job. Thanks Andrew!
• The coaches, both senior and junior, who remember to get me the info for this newsletter on top of all the other stuff they have to do
• The weather, for not raining too hard on us while we’re out playing or spectating!

As ever, if you have any photos of the players, coaches, or supporters in action, any awesome Player of the Day pics, or any shout outs for someone you think makes our game or club better, drop us a line at contact@takaroafc.org.nz

Until next week, yours in football,

Rachel

Welcome to the 2016 football season! We’re glad to see so many familiar faces back out on the pitch, as well as quite a few newcomers to the Orange and Black. It’s gearing up to be a wonderful season here at Takaro AFC, and we’re excited to have you along for it.

While this was the first weekend for the Junior Club, the seniors were busy enjoying the 6^th games of one of the most successful seasons Takaro has had in recent history.

The Chillmax 1^st’s, playing in 360 Logistics Div 1, are currently placed second on their table, with four wins and two draws. This last weekend’s game was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the PNBHS 2^nd XI. The Chillmax 1^sts are currently only 2 points behind table leaders, Feilding Reserves.

The Takaro Glory, playing in Div 3, are sitting third on their table, behind the Marist Greenies and Jokers. This weekend was an unfortunate loss to the Linton 2nds, but the team are still a point ahead of them on the table.

The Takaro Dribblers, playing in Div 4, are three points clear of their nearest competition, proudly atop their table with five wins and one draw. The Dribblers also have Takaro’s highest goal scorer on their roster, with Bradley Gillard currently having thirteen goals to his name across the season, including all four in this weekend’s game.

Our Takaro Maidens are back at it again this season, having played their fifth game over the weekend, playing hard on Sunday after spending the morning setting up for our 12^th Grade Tournament. The ladies are a great social bunch and, while yet to earn a point on the table, are enjoying being back out on the pitch after a long summer.

The first weekend of Junior Football arrived like a whirlwind, with Monrad Park fit to burst with players, coaches and supporters.

This year’s First Kick’s team is one of the biggest Takaro has ever had, and seasoned Seniors coach/first time parent coach Adrian Doyle certainly had his hands full! Thankfully, he had lots of support from the parents, and the kids were wonderful, enjoying the drills and games enormously. This week’s First Kick’s Player of the Day was Aleasha Cole, well done!

The 7^th Grade had a great morning too, as both players and coach Daniel Mackay got to grips with the Fun Football format. Dan is used to coaching in the older grades, but the players quickly showed him the ropes and put him through his paces. The 7^th Grade’s Player of the Day was Mantis Northover-Timoti.

The 8^th Grade Magpies had a bye week, but were still down at Monrad Park to run their pod drills and have some fun on the first morning of football. The kids were excited to be running around with coach Ray Bradley, and had great fun with different games, including a pretty intense game of tic-tac-toe with some unsuspecting adults roped in to make up numbers.

Many grades had mini grading tournaments, so it was a pretty full-on morning for these teams! The 9^th Grade Jaguars were one of these, ably managed by ring-in coach Daniel Palfreyman as regular coach Kevin Palfreyman was away on business. The 11^th Grade Lions are once again led by Lance Lynch. Both teams had to grind through several shortened games to make up the grading portion of the season in one morning, and while it can be a bit grueling for a first weekend run around, all the players made it look easy.

Sunday was the Takaro AFC 12^th Grade tournament, which was as fun and successful as ever. Organising 16 teams to play all the games they need to, on the right fields, at the right time, is never an easy feat, but all was ably managed by the volunteers on hand. The referees on the day were provided by PNBHS, which was a great opportunity for young up-and-coming referees to get out and test their skills. Once again, a big thank you to all the volunteers on the day, setting up pitches, organizing players, staffing the food-tent, or any of the many other factors that go in to pulling off a tournament like this. On the day, the Hokowhitu Storm were victorious, but the Takaro Foxes had a great first weekend of the season and are looking forward to facing these teams over the coming weeks.

As some of you may have heard as I came around with the containers on the weekend, Takaro Junior Club is fortunate enough to be sponsored by T Market Fresh this season. Dave Spence, owner and operator of T Market Fresh, is sponsoring the oranges for each of our junior teams for the 2016 season, and we are delighted to have the business on board as the official Takaro AFC Half Time Sponsor.  As parents will have seen over the weekend, the kids loved the tasty, fresh orange slices and will be looking forward to them all winter long.

As many of you know already, a generous grant from The Lion Foundation has allowed us to reduce all of our subs for this season. We always try to keep our fees as low as possible to ensure that getting involved in sport is not denied to members of our community due to financial situations, and this grant has allowed us to cut them down even further without having to worry about covering other expenses across the club. Once again, a big ‘Thank You’ to The Lion Foundation and to Kevin Palfreyman for his hard work on the grant application.

This week we have a few Special Mentions:

• All the senior players and parents who came out on Sunday to help out with the set up and running of the 12^th Grade Tournament. Without you, the day could not have been the massive success that it was.
• Daniel Palfreyman, for stepping in to look after the 9^th Grade Jaguars while Kevin was away on business.
• All the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins of junior players who braved the early morning to come out and encourage our young athletes, they couldn’t do it without your support!

If you have any Special Mentions for next week’s newsletter, or any photos of our players, volunteers, or coaches in action, please send them to us at contact@takaroafc.org.nz

Until next week, yours in football,

Rachel

Takaro AFC is excited to announce that this season, we will be

Thanks to a generous grant awarded to us by The Lion Foundation, we are able to provide a subsidy to our 2016 fees. Our fees, which were already among the lowest in the city, are now to be further reduced for this season, to:
First Kicks – $20
Fun Football – $55
Mini Football – $65
Seniors – $210
Men’s 1sts – $220

Takaro AFC has long been dedicated to our unique community and ways in which we can ensure that getting involved in a sport is not an overwhelming financial burden. Across the course of the 2015 season, as we pursued our first Quality Club Mark star, ensuring that as many people could be involved with our club and our sport was right at the top of our priorities. This season, we have come closer to that goal than ever before thanks to this Lion Foundation grant and the hard work of our committee, especially Kevin Palfreyman. Kevin has stepped down as President this season, but there is no stepping down his dedication to making our club the best that it can be, and we thank him for his efforts.

There are still two weeks remaining before the start of the Junior Football season and plenty of time to register your young players with us to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

If you have any further questions or queries, please get in touch with us at contact@takaroafc.org.nz, or directly with our Junior Club Captain Andrew Turner at juniors@takaroafc.org.nz