High-fives as TA AFC 5-a-side returns
Te Awamutu AFC’S annual Waikato Cakes 5-a-side football was welcomed back last week alongside the official start of summer. The Whippet Games Juniors started the activities at 5pm at the Stadium in Armstrong Ave, with some great snaps captured by local legend Arthur Uden.
Whippet Games has two corn hole boards enjoyed by all on site and a competition coming up, so keep an eye on the Facebook page.
The Te Awamutu Brandit Kiwi Seniors competition is a tight race at the top with Chaffing the Dream leading along with Ball of Duty.
In the social leagues it’s the Usos holding off GoalsAllowed for top spot with Tuturuz, Like a Boss, CPB and Waipā Auto all on 18 points after eight games.
Several locals out walking their dogs have made comments about how great it is to see the place buzzing after the move to Armstrong Ave for the 5-a-side this year.
“We love it, the kids love it and the community love it,” says Te Awamutu AFC’s Sean “Stringy” Stringfellow.
On his wish-list for Christmas is for their facilities to meet what the users need and allow continued participation and growth, especially as the country looks to host the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023.
“In a year of success for the club, our flagship men’s team gaining its spot in the Southern League for 2023 through some extremely hard work by the lads involved, a year of building with the women’s team, and the introduction of Over 35s the club is excelling in a senior space too,” said Stringfellow.
The juniors having increased numbers in teams as well as a 200 per cent increase in the Expleo First Kicks NZ football McDonald’s Programme, with its major barrier for further growth being the facilities.
Te Awamutu AFC is alive and well and looking forward to 2023.