The future of football in Central looks bright as three teams learned a lot playing in tournaments in the south last week.

Dunstan High School (DHS) and Cromwell College (CC) boys' teams played in the Linwood Tournament, contested by 20 teams from Monday, September 2 to Thursday, September 5 at Invercargill’s Turnbull Thompson Park. 

DHS teacher in charge of boys' football Jo McKay said the team’s most valuable player would be kept under wraps until the DHS sports evening later in the term.

“A huge highlight was the exceptional team spirit that has developed in the school season.

“Our players spend most of the football season playing in different teams for [Alexandra United Football Club] and to come together so well as a unit for the 10 weeks of the school season and tournament is awesome. The team management were a big part of this too.”

Jo thanked long-time coach Ian Nicholls.

“[He] gives up his time and energy to coach the team. Ian has been our coach for the past eight years and this has given the team consistency over time. All his effort is hugely appreciated.”

DHS first XI played six games, losing to Bayfield High School by one goal, and then to Roncalli College 3-1 on the first day. 

On day two, the team had a loss to Maruawai College and a win over Aurora College in their final pool game.

They finished 11th after beating Te Aratai College 2-1 in their final game.

DHS First XI. PHOTO: Supplied

CC first XI also had two wins, over Aurora College 3-2 and then South Otago High School 4-1 in their last game. CC placed 17th overall. 

Cromwell College First XI. PHOTO: Cromwell College Sport Facebook

A combined girl's football team of DHS and two players from CC played at Dunedin’s Logan Park in the Lotto Sportswear tournament of 20 teams. 

The girls team finished 18th, and the tournament was won by Mt Aspiring College.

They played six games and had one win over Fiordland College in their cross-pool game.

CC student Anna Kaestner scored a hat-trick, which was one of the teams’ highlights from the week. 

Dunstan and Cromwell combined girls team in action (in red). PHOTO: Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association

The girls team in a pre game huddle talking tactics. PHOTO: Oamarupom

DHS director of sport Sally Mulally said these tournaments were huge for students for their personal growth.

“Coming from a rural area they play the same teams throughout the season. 

“The tournaments give them opportunities to play against the different schools and adapt to their various playing styles and hopefully learn and develop from the experiences.”

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