TALENTED: Shaeden Drummond-Hayman, Sebastion Reeves, Aaron Nillesen, OIiver Plunkett and Liam Lawrence, before they headed to the Christchurch International Cup as part of the Ricki Herbert Academy. Photo Troy Baker E4784-11
Staff Reporter
SOME of the Eastern Bay’s top junior footballers had the chance to show off their talents at a recent tournament in Christchurch.
Seth Awhimate, Oliver Plunkett and Shaeden Drummond-Hayman were part of the Ricki Herbert Football Academy under-11s competing at the Christchurch International Cup last week, while Aaron Nillesen, Liam Lawrence and Sebastion Reeves played in the under-12 side.
Te Koha Shick is part of the under-14 side, which will be touring Australia later in the year.
The boys trialled for the teams at training camps held at Hamilton in January.
The camps attracted more than 300 entries across the various age grades, with standout players forming teams to play at the Christchurch tournament, or tour internationally.
Prior to Christchurch, the boys had a pre-tournament camp in Whakatāne.
Ricki Herbert Academy teams have been strong at the International Cup in the past and this year was no different.
In the under-11s, Seth, Shaeden and Oliver helped their team to victory, winning all their matches.
In pool play, they faced Waimak United, Onslow FC and Ferrymead Bays, while the under-12s battled The Pro Project, Cashmere Technical FC and Nelson Suburbs in what was a tough division.
All six of the Eastern Bay boys showed they are more than capable of playing football to a good standard.
The academy creates an environment where players develop a love of the game of football and continue to participate in the sport throughout their lifetime.
To achieve this goal, they develop an environment where they teach a creative, attacking, and possession-style football built on a foundation of strong technical skills.
Herbert is a former All Whites coach and has coached some of New Zealand’s top footballers like Ryan Neilsen and Chris Wood.
He also coached them to an unbeaten showing at the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa.
All the boys loved the tournament and the opportunity to test themselves against quality footballers.