Tauranga's aspiring footballers took to the fields over the weekend as part of a three-day specialist programme to enhance young player's abilities.

Young footballers take to the fields. Photos by: Cameron Avery.

Young footballers have been taking part in the Otumoetai Football Club three-day programme run by Ricki Herbert Football Academy at Ferguson Park.

Named after the New Zealand former professional footballer, the Ricki Herbert Football Academy aims to provide affordable, high value football coaching to all children aged four to 17.

Otumoetai Football Club manager Barry Lusher says there was some good talent out there on the fields today.

'These are the kids who want to aspire and do greater things with their choice of sport. This is an enhancement campaign.”

Barry says, no matter the sport – it's about building comraderies, the respect they show for others, learning and the confidence that it builds.

'In other words its building tomorrow's citizens. They can do their long distance running when they're older. At the moment it's all about respect and accountability.”