Local lads taking on the Aussies

Sixteen excited 14 and 15-year-old Tauranga footy players are winging their way to the Gold Coast this weekend to take on 158 other teams from Australia and New Zealand.

The Tauranga City United Association Football Club's Under-15 team is heading to the Gorilla Sports Gold Coast Champions Youth Cup, being held at Nerang from September 24-October 1.


Tauranga City United's Under-15 team is taking part in the biggest club-run tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, starting tomorrow on the Gold Coast. Photo: Nigel Watts.

Club supporter Vicki Worsley says the boys are looking forward to the trip.

'They're really excited, and they've done a lot of fundraising. From sausage sizzles, a big quiz night, and selling Dad's Pies they've managed to raise about $27,000.”

There are 16 Tauranga City United players going, including four subs.

'They'll need them – they'll be playing football every day of the seven-day tournament. They'll be shattered,” says Vicki.

Tauranga City United AFC Under-15 coach John Whitfield is not only 'incredibly proud” of his team, he's also 'very grateful” to the wider community for their support in getting the lads to the tournament.

'We couldn't have done it without them. The support has been amazing and really, really cool.

'We've had donations from lots of businesses, people got behind the quiz night, they went to the sausage sizzles, and raised all that money.

'It's amazing these days that you can actually pull that kind of money out for a tournament for kids. 'Some of the kids wouldn't have been able to go without this support.”

And competition will be fierce, when host Mudgeeraba Soccer Club kicks off the tournament this weekend.

Club president John White says every Australian state is represented and about 10 teams are attending from New Zealand. 'It's our 20th year, and it's the biggest club-run tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.”

The winners get big kudos and the prestige of winning the tournament, which can lead to greater things.

'Some competitors have gone on to play for Australia or A-league clubs, like Mitch Nichols.”

Follow the Tauranga City United team's progress at: www.taurangacitywhite.co.nz

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