Articles in ‘Sport’

LIAM WHITER · 2019 Captain Liam Whiter commits to Franklin United for 2020. Pukekohe local Liam Whiter, with 32 appearances in the red, black and white uniform, 20 in 2019, has signed on for another season. The former Pukekohe High School student has two years of Franklin United First Team experience under his belt and is excited for the upcoming season, already training through the off-season. Coach Mark Holt said, “Liam is a real team…

The appointment of Mark Holt as Head Coach for the Senior Teams is an exciting one for Franklin United. Here is the statement I made in the club release last week; “Over the last year we have recognised the need to keep aligning our senior team activities, philosophies, culture with our academy operations and when he has been in NZ, Mark has contributed heavily to the academy. We see the appointment of Mark to our senior team as a great fit and…

The Weir Rose Bowl began in the 1950s as a competition for U-12 boys, with the WRB trophy donated by Tom Weir, a member of the Junior Management Committee of Auckland Football. The event is viewed as an important step in the development of aspiring young footballers, giving them their first taste of regional football. · After the formation of the Federations in 2000, the WRB evolved into a format where Northern Football, Auckland Football and…

_Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do._ · — Pele The words of a true legend, recognised by some as the best player of the beautiful game EVER and words that rang true for a group of Franklin United Academy members who were lucky enough to spend part of their recent school holidays training in Porirua, Wellington at the highly regarded…

Another season has passed, my 19th season of winter football in Franklin. Another year of progression – slowly but steady improvements that continue to drive the football talent space forward in our community. I was MC at last week’s prize giving and whilst writing a speech, it gives the chance to reflect. Firstly, thank you to the member clubs whom are doing a fantastic job in getting kids into and keeping kids in our sport. Our Franklin…

The Counties Cycle Classic returns this year on October 13th at, Pukekohe Park raceway again using the world-famous VS track to start and finish the races. Fast become a fixture on the cycling calendar, the event organised by the Rotary Club of Pukekohe Inc. is shaping up to be even bigger and better this year. · Organiser Graham Russell says the classic has again been well supported by sponsorship from local businesses and a grant from the…

Shane Thomas never imagined he would one day end up becoming a volunteer junior football coach, let alone winning the title of 2019 Regional Junior Football Coach of the Year for Auckland, that is until two years ago when he found himself an unexpected stand in coach for his son’s football game and he’s never looked back. Shane admits that he was a little embarrassed at first (on receiving the trophy) as he doesn’t coach for the recognition,…

The 2019 season is nearly at an end and it has been a challenging yet rewarding season for many reasons. At the start of the year, we decided to focus 100% on local talent at first team and reserve level. For the last three years, we have been nurturing that talent, building their experience and their ability to play. This season they were ready to play in the NRFL Division 2, and Senior Men’s Head Coach Tracy Wrigley and her team, which…

Football has long been a poor cousin next to Rugby in New Zealand and Football in South Auckland; (although being the fastest growing sport in our area) has long been at the mercy of the more central Auckland clubs who glean the best players through a process of size, resource and overall performance at both age group and national level. The local establishment of Franklin United with the support of AFF (Auckland Football Federation) and the…

Polocrosse, the fast paced, 6 player team game played with a ball and net, all while on horseback is coming to Counties Polocrosse Club 588 Glenbrook Rd, Karaka on the 16th and 17th March, 2019. If you have never seen Polocrosse before this is your chance! · This event is not to be missed with the feature game each day at 1pm being a test match between the New Zealand and the Australian world cup sides, their last hit out before heading to…