Taking a stand to improve youth sports

SPORT New Zealand along with five major sports (Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball and Rugby) has announced they are collectively taking a stand to bring the fun back to sport for our tamariki.  

There is an overemphasis with Primary and Intermediate aged children on winning and early specialisation which is what is turning many of our young people away from playing sport.

Stefan Pishief, Chief Executive of Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti says he fully supports Sport NZ’s announcement. He says, “I think it can be a game-changer for sport in our community.”

“We all have a role to play as parents, caregivers and/or coaches to encourage our young people to experience a variety of sport, rather than concentrating on one too early on.”

“This isn’t about reducing opportunities as talented children will still be able to thrive, but rather this is a movement based on long-term research, best practice and evidence.”

Nic Hendrie, Poverty Bay Cricket Association Operations Manager says the announcement is exactly the sort of initiative they are trying to promote.

Gisborne Netball Centre (GNC) has led the way by ending their year 7 and 8 representative teams in 2018. Kate Faulks, GNC Board Chair says, “We as adults need to be constantly reminded that the number one reason girls and boys play netball in New Zealand is for fun – this includes the top highly skilled players too.”

The Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union has also made a number of changes to its development programmes over the past couple of years, including shortening the junior club rugby season, removing the Under 13 representative team and changing the McDonalds Under 13 tournament to include a skills and coach development module.

Josh Willoughby, Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union Chief Executive says, “We’ve seen an increase in player numbers this year and feedback from our annual survey suggests an improved experience and environment.”

“We need to make sure we’re providing the best possible experience for children in our region. Finding the balance between having fun and winning can be difficult, but by putting the needs of young people first we can make sure they will have fun and develop their skills.”

Mr Pishief says the more young people we get participating in sports means a healthier Tairāwhiti and more young people reaching their full potential as adults.

Hurricanes to visit Gisborne!

Tairāwhiti has the opportunity next Wednesday to rub shoulders with rugby royalty, the Hurricanes squad!

This will be an opportunity to meet the team, enjoy some relaxed conversation and interviews with players and management detailing life as a professional player and difficulties faced and addressed in their own business.

Spots are limited, to register email [email protected]. Limited to 120 @ $30 per person

 

Ladies, become an Olympian!

The Black Ferns ‘Go For Gold’ programme is coming to Gisborne, next Wednesday (the 15th)!
In 2012, New Zealand Rugby undertook a nationwide search for talented sports women with an Olympic dream. Fast forward to Rio 2016. Five of the women standing on the medal podium could trace their journey to the Olympics back to their selection for the Go For Gold search four years earlier.
The journey towards Tokyo 2020 has begun, and New Zealand Rugby is searching for more sevens talent!
They want athletes with speed, agility, power, a competitive streak, a strong work ethic, a love for sport and a great team attitude. You don’t need any prior rugby experience to be involved – they will show you the ropes.

Share it around, and contact Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union for more info

GO FOR GOLD: Join the team

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be a #BlackFerns7s player? If you do, our 'Go For Gold' programme could be just for you!We are looking for future players to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and will be holding training camps around the country in February.If this sounds like you, find out more information at www.sevensgoforgold.co.nz

Posted by Black Ferns on Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Poverty Bay U18 and U15 ‘did their district proud’

Poverty Bay development manager Dwayne Russell said the Poverty Bay under-18 girls and u15 girls “did their coaches and the district proud’ at a sevens tournament in Marton.
“Both teams were up against bigger unions winning four of their five games,” said Russell.
“It was a round-robin tournament with no final games and the the girls were a credit to their coaches and the union.
Under-15 coach and Bay Heartland midfielder sevens stalwart, TK Moeke said the opportunity to coach the team was a blessing.
“Watching them develop over the past weeks at training and how they implemented all their skill learned in the games was awesome to watch. he said.
“It amazes me how these young girls can be so dedicated to sevens rugby., training 4-to-5 days a week and managing their school work just goes to show the hard work pays off.
“A lot of our girls made a big impression on New Zealand sevens selector Chad Tuoro.”

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