Junior football season kicks into touch
The junior football season has got off on a good footing in South Canterbury with an increase in players.
Football Waitaki and South Canterbury development officer Luis Paiva said the junior football season got under way last Saturday, with an increase in players this year following a delayed season in 2020 because of Covid-19. ‘‘We like to think the increase in numbers is because the coaches are doing a good job and are skilled,’’ Paiva said.
‘‘As the sport gets more popular, we are in general providing a good service.’’
The junior league has three categories – first kicks for 5 to 6-year-olds; fun football for 7 to 8-year-olds; and mini football for 9 to 12-year-olds.
Paiva said the focus for clubs in the region was for all players to have an opportunity to get out on the field, no matter their ability.
‘‘The focus is on fun and we think with that better experience we will see the numbers coming up.’’
He said it was important to get younger players interested in the game, to feed into the older grades.
‘‘It used to be there was a focus usually on senior football but I think the bottom of the chain is the most important.
‘‘If we help the kids fall in love with the game that is great,’’ Paiva said.
He said it was an exciting period for football in the region. ‘‘If we get kids into the game young, that is all the better for youth and senior football. Those grades are dependent on it.’’
Paiva took up the fulltime development officer position earlier this year.