Roger Moroney
Welcome from the Chairman
NZ Herald
Nothing like a good overdose. No, hang on, I feel I should re-phrase that. Nothing like taking in as much as you want when it is something that promises so much and is all beautifully laid out for you. A feast...in the case of this Labour Weekend a football feast as the great NCR U19 National Youth Tournament is whistled into life. It is the largest and accordingly the most prestigious annual U19 football tournament in the land. Indeed, a remarkable event and I was slightly staggered to be reminded that it had been part of the Bay’s fine sporting landscape for more than 30 years now. Bit of a time travel touch to that, for the young chaps who laced up back in 1990 at the age of 18 are now embracing their 45th year. Crikey, no wonder I feel old given that I was 45 back in 1999 (don’t bother do the sums, just check out my greying locks). The great thing about events like this is what follows in terms of time, as many teenage players from those tournaments gone have surged into the competitive spotlight. Some of them have even risen to international status. So yep, some star names have plied their skilful trade here at Park Island which leads one to ponder what time will deliver as a consequence of this long weekend’s tournament. I daresay the most astute spectators will be sort of like scouts. They will spot and point out a player who appears to have that component called an “edge” over others. Which takes me back to my playing days as I was one of those “others” given that everyone else I ever played against had the edge over me. My playing skills echoed my school reports. “Average...could do better.” So it does not need pointing out that the only times I have experienced this excellent footballing event were from the sideline. Having actually played for Napier City Rovers a couple of times (as a guest player with the over-40s) my spectating devotion is of course directed toward the Blues but there are so many fine teams coming from far and wide there will be plenty of other reasons to raise the voice and clap the hands. More than 130 games spread over the days and many of the country’s biggest clubs have sent their young stars-to-be this way in pursuit of the grand trophy. So it is important to note the devotion and indeed passion of all those who have put in so much time to get this tournament up and running. I can barely organise a shopping list so I take my hat off (blue hat of course) to all those who step up year after year, because it doesn’t just put football on the map, it puts Hawke’s Bay on the map. Everyone’s a winner. And despite the eventual outcome all those young players are also winners. They won a place in their team, and that’s an excellent achievement.
Hello and welcome to Park Island and Bluewater Stadium, the home of Napier City Rovers, for the 2017 annual Labour Weekend U19 Youth Tournament. It’s going to be another action packed weekend of football , with some of the best talent in the country on show. This weekend will see Napier City Rovers play host to the biggest and most prestigious Under 19 youth tournament in New Zealand. Some of New Zealand’s top young football stars have descended on Park Island for four decades to compete for the top youth prize. Every Labour weekend sees more than 130 games of fast paced exciting football being played at arguably the best footballing venue in the country. Some of the biggest clubs from all over the country will be competing for this year’s trophy. Over the years many young players have played in the tournament and went on to gain international status. This year’s main tournament sponsor is once again LOTTO. Their support for this tournament, the Central League, and similar competitions throughout the country is very much appreciated. In addition to the sponsors listed I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the following organisations that have provided goods and services for this year’s tournament: Central Football, NZF Referees, and Napier City Council who have once again provided eight top quality playing surfaces for this year’ s competition. Lastly a massive thanks to the tournament organiser, Graeme Sole who has worked hard behind the scenes to pull this year’s event together, and all the other volunteers who have helped in so many different ways to make this prestgious tournamnet the success it is. I would like to congratulate all the players for getting this far, quite an achievement to be here representing your club at this level. Also a special congratulations and acknowledgment to the hard working coaches and parents for making it possible. To all teams, old and new, supporters, referees and visitors to the tournament , please take time out while enjoying the football and visit the clubrooms for a touch of the famous Rovers’ hospitality. Also, don’t forget to pop over to the food tent for some fantastic, fresh cooked food. I hope you have a fantastic weekend in the Bay. Good luck everyone!
Phil Doran, Chairman, Napier City Rovers