All in the family
U-20 football dynasties
New Zealand’s fate at the Under-20 World Cup is inextricably linked to a generation past. If the Junior All Whites manage to emerge from their pool at the tournament, which opens with an encounter against Ukraine at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, players named Rufer, Ridenton, de Jong and Edge will again be at the forefront of a historic football feat.
The nostalgia engendered by those names is enough for fans of a certain vintage to be forgiven for thinking they’re watching masters’ games, not the biggest age-group sporting event in the world.
But this is the next generation, players with a chance to achieve a first in their famous footballing families by winning at a World Cup.
Alex Rufer, Matt Ridenton, Andre de Jong and Jesse Edge have all grown up being regaled with stories of their fathers and uncles’ successes, at the same time being inspired to follow in their footsteps.
For Alex, there was father Shane and uncle Wynton, the Oceania player of the century. Matt and Andre had Michael and Fred at the head of the family, while Jesse could call on the advice of uncle Declan.
Although there must be certain pressures inherent with having football feature so prominently in the blood, each of the young quartet thought it was much more benefit that detriment to their own careers.
“It definitely has helped,” said de Jong, whose father is now New Zealand Football high performance manager. “He coached me right through from about 5 to 15, so it was really cool having him with me the whole way.”
Ridenton was another who could discuss tactics at the dinner table, with father and son teaming as coach and captain during a successful stint at St Kents. But Michael has taken a back seat in the buildup to this tournament, enjoying a rare opportunity to be a fully engaged fan on the sidelines.
“He’s always just been supportive and tried to be there for me,” Ridenton said. “He gives me some advice on the simple stuff but he’s not really too involved. He’s going to let the coaching staff do their work.”
Other fans watching — those without blood ties to the team — will immediately take note of the player donning perhaps New Zealand football’s most recognisable name on the back of his jersey. But Rufer felt that moniker added no further weight of expectation, choosing to blaze his own trail rather than ride on the coattails of his elders.
“They’ve had their careers but I’m Alex Rufer and I’m here to do my own thing,” the striker said.
It was a similar story for Edge, who will also be playing for two members of his family. Along with Declan, the defender’s grandfather Eddie was an assistant coach of the All Whites, providing the third generation with two pathways of support.
Edge said the subject of parentage was rarely raised in the team’s dressing room — with the only exception relating to a current role rather than any past deeds.
“There’s a bit of banter — a few things about Father Fred with Andre,” he said laughing.