Nelson move helps Tiana achieve goals
Tasman United football player Tiana Williams has moved to Nelson on a fulltime basis in order to develop her game. She spoke to
I wanted to be able to improve my football abilities, play against harder opposition, and be in a province where I was going to get recognised for higher honours such as the Canterbury United Pride and representing New Zealand. It was also a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone, and move away from home and be independent while having the chance to be involved in the Paul Ifill Football Academy and focus on my performance for Tasman United. It was difficult in the sense that I wouldn’t get home until late, and I’d be fatigued the next day as I was up late trying to get assignments done. And the cycle of fatigue would continue throughout the week, with the more travel and homework. And adding onto that, last year was probably the toughest for me regarding football. Having to juggle school, travel and being the captain of Tasman added to the pressure, but given that opportunity I learnt so many new things about myself and others.
I love it. The physicality and the tempo of the game is obviously increasingly higher than what it was like playing in Marlborough. But I was fortunate enough to have played against and alongside guys back home who were physical, which I think has had a very large influence in how I perform today. It was an enjoyable experience, but it was definitely a situation where I really had to work hard, focus and do everything in my ability to get that 10 min or so on the field, which really opened me up to the reality of fighting for your game time. Travelling down to Christchurch Thursday-Friday and not being able to train with the team for the whole week was also a set back for me, as I really wanted to compete with the others to get the game time. If I was to have the opportunity again, I think it would be a situation where I would have to move, so I would be with the team 24/7 and be able to prove myself for more game time.
Two or three trainings a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We have three different coaches; Neil Connell, Robbie Pearson and Paul Ifill. A lot of the trainings are quite technical and working on the basics, like our first touch and looking over our shoulder, all the ‘basics’ that as players we need to make habits. Having the academy based at school is ideal, as I’m not late to school after morning trainings and getting to and from afternoon session isn’t a hassle as it’s right outside the classroom.
Most Thursday morning trainings are run by Paul, which personally makes me work harder and perform better as a player. His presence I feel just changes the environment, and makes all the girls work harder which brings the level of the trainings to a new standard. Sport: Football
Occupation: Student
Date of birth: October 10 1999