Page 99 - NUAFC EBook

1983 Youth (U-17)

Standing: Darryn Allison, Mark Abbott, Wayne Vickers, Stephen Puncheon, Alex Peebles, David Parrish.
Kneeling: Owen Allison, Eugene Patterson, Neil Newport, Clifton Newport, Wayne Frankhouser.

Most Clubs' youth learn their basic skills at junior level. This
prerequisite, I believe, is a crucial part of any player's development. CRABB TROPHY
The harder he works at perfecting his skills and the many facets of the v Tokoroa 1-6 (HT 0-4)
game at an early age, the easier it will be for him when he reaches v Wanderers 0-7 (HT 0-4)
Senior level. v Hamilton 0-4 (HT 0-2)
This brings me to the point that older players become v Claudelands 1-4 (HT 0-2)
v Hillcrest
1-5 (HT 0-2)
frustrated with many young lads who have just attained senior level or, in
v Tokoroa 1-8 (HT 0-5)
our case, the 2nd Division. Many have not been drilled, nor mastered the v Wanderers 1-5 (HT 1-3)
very important mental attributes that make a good footballer. These are
concentration, patience and an unshakeable belief in his own ability as a v Hamilton 0-5 (HT 0-3)
0-10 (HT 0-4)
v Claudelands
player. v Hillcrest 2-4 (HT 1-3)
I have seen many cases where a young player has been on the
sharp end of his coach's tongue for ball-watching instead of concentrating
on the job at hand, or diving into a tackle with reckless abandon when he
should be holding off so his team can regroup and support him and their

goal. Then there are his team-mates pouring unrepeatable comments about MARSH ROSE BOWL
his footballing ability every time he is caught in possession. Sounds familiar, v Tokoroa 0-5 (HT 0-4)
doesn't it!!!! v Wanderers 0-6 (HT 0-4)
Any footballer who can achieve a high level of mental v Hamilton 1-4 (HT 1-3)
application and skills at an early age will, almost certainly, become a first- v Claudelands 0-11 (HT 0-4)
team player. But, unfortunately, because the Club does not have the v Hillcrest 0-6 (HT 0-4)
resources to bring in top-grade coaches at junior levels, many of our youth KNOCKOUT COMPETITION
mature late, mentally. Their skills are good but, through no fault of their v Wanderers 1-4 (HT 0-3)
own, they lack character. This is where the old campaigner can make a FRIENDLIES
valuable contribution, as long as it is not of negative quality. He should v Taumaranui 0-5
always make an effort to give right information and encouragement, v Taupiri 2-2 (HT 1-0)
particularly when he can see the younger player having trouble coping with
players like himself who have the benefit of a few more years of experience.
Having said all this, one can appreciate how important the 2nd Division
Douglas Everleigh and Youth Squads are, as it is here that the future Northern League players
begin their careers.
- George Sunnex, Club President
99