Around 150 children aged under ten were firing on all cylinders playing the beautiful game on a beautiful spring day in Alexandra’s ‘festival of football’ on Sunday (September 18).

The day, organised by Alexandra United Football Club (AUFC), involved a tournament for eight under 10 teams from across the Southern district, and a circuit of skills stations for those aged under six. 

AUFC president Aaron Dykes said it was the second time the club had run the day in this way and he was stoked with the numbers and the turnout. 

The club had around 130 junior members (aged 17 and under) for the 2022 soccer season. 

“Our club is growing quickly… and it’s great to have the support of parents with coaching, managing teams, running the canteen and putting on days like this.”

A highlight for the youngsters was an inflatable pitch where the ball and players bounced around aiming for glory by scoring in the small sized goals.

Teams who played in the tournament were from clubs in Wānaka (three teams), Cromwell, Alexandra, Green Island, Waitaki and Queenstown.

First place went to the Wānaka Chargers, second to Wānaka Crusaders, and third to Queenstown.

AUFC volunteers ran a canteen keeping players hydrated and fuelled up on sausages and snacks and Rob’s coffee van and Mr Whippy were well supported by onlookers and whānau attending the day. 

The day’s play kicked off at 10am, and games finished by mid afternoon. The soccer goals were removed from Molyneux park as summer sports such as cricket and softball gear up for the new season. 

Some of the under sixes enjoy the fast paced nature of the game in the inflatable pitch

A team travelled from Green Island club to play in the tournament. During this game they went down to Alexandra by one goal

The Cromwell Junior Football club team represented their club, and were a bright presence bringing their new red marquee along for some shelter

Competitive tackling was on show even for the younger players as Clyde School’ s Marco (7) goes after or the ball from Layla (6) who attends The Terrace School

Dunstan High school students volunteered to help out with activities, and were patient and helpful to those learning the basics

Other sporting action took place over the weekend with the Linger and Die mountain bike series on Saturday and Sunday, attracting riders to Central.

Saturday was the downhill at Hawksburn Road in Clyde, and then Sunday was the Enduro event at Matangi Bike Park. Find out how it went here.