infonews.co.nz New Zealand Football news

Football feel for rugby stronghold

Hamilton City Council — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:24:07 GMT

Waikato and Chiefs rugby’s fortress is flirting with the round-ball game.

The playing pitch at Hamilton City Council-owned Waikato Stadium is set up for football this week, for a visit by a high-powered contingent from Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in New Zealand to carry out inspections ahead of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

It’s the first time the rugby stadium has been set up for football since July 2010, when the Wellington Phoenix played a pre-season fixture against the Brisbane Roar. Prior to that, Waikato Stadium hosted matches as part of the 2008 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Sean Murray, Hamilton City Council’s Events and Economic Development General Manager, said the visit by the FIFA contingent was part of the city’s bid for matches as part of the 2015 U20 tournament.

“We wanted to present our stadium to our guests as it would look for a football fixture. It was important the FIFA contingent got a feel for how Waikato Stadium can be transformed into a world-class football venue,” Mr Murray says.

The FIFA U20 World Cup and Hamilton logos have been painted on to the hallowed turf to enhance the football mood.

“It’s another great demonstration of how multi-purpose Waikato Stadium is: although for most people it’s synonymous with rugby – the Chiefs, the All Blacks, and Waikato – we can quickly convert it for other uses. In February it will be used for the Nitro Circus motorcycle stunt show, then a few days later it will be transformed again for a Warriors pre-season rugby league fixture.”

Mr Murray says Hamilton’s bid for matches as part of the FIFA U20 World Cup is the result of a collaborative approach between Council and the business and football communities. The city has lodged a ‘Category 3’ bid, which if successful will see Waikato Stadium host up to eight matches, potentially including a quarterfinal.

While in Hamilton, the FIFA party also visited hotels and potential training grounds, including Council-owned Beetham Park, Willoughby Park and Porritt Stadium.

(Source)

FIFA looks to Christchurch

Christchurch City Council — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 04:10:59 GMT

FOOTBALL - CHRISTCHURCH

A delegation from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will be visiting Christchurch this weekend to discuss hosting rights for matches as part of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in 2015.

Delegates will be in Christchurch on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 January where they will meet with Council representatives as well as members of Christchurch’s tourism, sports and hospitality industries.

New Zealand Football won the right to host the 2015 Under 20 Football World Cup and are now working with FIFA to allocate matches to host cities.

Mayor Bob Parker says “Hosting matches will contribute to our reputation as an exciting and dynamic city, well on the road to recovery.”

Hosting even the minimum level of matches available would be worth a minimum of 6,800 international visitor nights and bring in potentially $4.3 to $5.4 million to the local economy.

Football is the world’s most popular sport and to have an event of this level will be a great opportunity to showcase the city. The event will be televised in over 200 territories around the world with a television audience of almost 470 million viewers.

Having the best young players in the world playing here will provide exciting viewing and a real stadium experience for Christchurch residents and football fans. It will also encourage youngsters to take up the sport and broaden the appeal of football throughout the community.

Recreation and Sport Manager John Filsell believes that compelling, high level competition will bring out the best of Cantabrian spirit.

“The community will benefit from seeing these athletes. Sport is a great way to meet people and socialise. It keeps you fit and has benefits for health, well being and happiness.”

The tournament will also give local enthusiasts opportunities to participate in the event.

“Players, sports-minded people and the local community will have a chance to help with event organisation through the various volunteer roles which we will be required to fill to make this event a success for Christchurch. It will help develop the sport within in New Zealand,” says Mr Filsell.

It is not the first time Christchurch has hosted FIFA events. “We hosted matches from the Under 17 Women’s World Cup in 2008 and the Under 17 Men’s World Cup in 1999. We have the experience and resources to host a great tournament here.”

A maximum of eight New Zealand cities will have the opportunity to host world cup events and Christchurch officials are optimistic that the city will win the support of FIFA delegates.

Mayor Parker says “Christchurch is generating a huge amount of interest internationally. We have acquired a reputation for resilience, resourcefulness and ingenuity.”

A decision on the allocation of matches is expected to be made towards the end of February.

Media opportunity: members of the media will have an opportunity to speak to delegates on Monday 21 January.

(Source)

Brockie goal earns Phoenix deserved point

Wellington Phoenix — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 21:47:04 GMT

FOOTBALL

Jeremy Brockie continued his scoring streak to earn the Wellington Phoenix a well-deserved 1-1 draw with Perth Glory at the NIB Stadium last night.

Brockie’s 73rd minute strike, his fifth of the season, cancelled out Shane Smeltz’s goal 11 minutes earlier, and enabled the Phoenix to return to Wellington with four points from six on a difficult 10-day road tour.
It was arguably the Phoenix’s best performance in Perth, and they could have been two points better off with better finishing in front of goal.

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert was delighted with his team’s efforts, and praised the club’s owners, Welnix Limited, for helping them achieve two good results.

“The owners made it possible for us to stay in Australia rather than returning home after the win in Newcastle,” Herbert said.

“It has been a difficult period with four of our last five games away from home and we have come out of it with credit.

“I thought we acquitted ourselves well tonight and had our finishing been more clinical we could have won the game.

“We’ve got a couple of games at home now and have to make the most of those because there isn’t much between any of the teams in this competition.

“With many of our players having travelled to China in the lead up to the games here and in Newcastle they showed great resilience.”

The Phoenix could have been two or three goals up early in the game, but they also had reason to thank goalkeeper Mark Paston for making two brilliant saves in a free-flowing first half.

In the closing stages Herbert threw on 17-year-old Tyler Boyd and Belgian international Stein Huysegems, who was returning from injury, and it was the teenager who came closest to scoring, forcing a good save from Perth’s former Phoenix keeper Danny Vukovic.

(Source)

Not much to smile about

Wellington Phoenix — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 03:01:17 GMT

FOOTBALL

Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert didn’t have much to smile about as his team was beaten 3-2 by Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium last night to continue a poor record in the Victorian capital.

The Phoenix were strangely off-key in a disappointing first half that saw them frequently exposed by Victory’s slick passing, and they went in at halftime 0-2 down with Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores scoring for the home side.

Rojas added another early in the second spell to extend the Victory’s lead before a change of personnel saw the Phoenix storm back into the game with two superb goals from Jeremy Brockie, the first a contender for goal of the season.

The goals were a welcome relief for Brockie who netted 18 times in pre-season but went into last night’s game looking for his first Phoenix A-League goal.

The Phoenix’s revival came after Herbert introduced 17-year-old Tyler Boyd and Solomons Island international Benji Totori midway through the second spell.

Boyd replaced Paul Ifill, while Totori took over from Stein Huysmegens who was struggling with an ankle injury sustained in a heavy tackle early in the game.

The pair added pace and endeavour to what had been a struggling Phoenix unit and Herbert was pleased with their efforts and gave him something positive to take from a disappointing night.

“They certainly made a difference when they went on,” Herbert said.

“Along with Vince Lia (who replaced Louis Fenton) they added something that had been missing in the first 60 minutes.

“I was disappointed with some hesitant defending in the first half and you can’t give teams a three goal start on their home ground.

“It’s a tough period for us with four out of five games away from home but we have to just get on with it and perform better than we did in those first 60 minutes.”

(Source)

All Whites launch 'Nike Football in the Gap' in Christchurch red zone

RAW — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:14:46 GMT

FOOTBALL

Local Cantabrian and All White, Ben Sigmund officially launched ‘Nike Football in the Gap’ today in the Christchurch CBD red zone.

'Nike Football in the Gap is a collaborative project that has seen Nike and local Christchurch businesses transform a vacant red-zone space into a football pitch, open to anyone and everyone who loves football.

The launch of the space, handed over to Rebuild Christchurch by Sigmund this afternoon, coincides with the first All Whites game in Christchurch since the quake, with the team taking on Tahiti in a World Cup Qualifier tomorrow.

"It's a great opportunity for us to share our true passion and ongoing support for Football," says Nikes spokesperson, Paul Faulkner.

"It all starts here, in these communities, with a common place for footballers to belong."

‘Nike Football in the Gap’ will give young footballers (and the wider community) a way to take back their city, kick-by-kick, game-by-game; breathing life back into a city that has seen so much devastation.

The pitch will remain open from October 15th, 2012 for an extended period as a free community football pitch open for everyone to come play.

‘Nike Football in the Gap’
104-120 Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD

Facebook.com/nikefootballnz

(Source)

Phoenix defy the odds in brave draw

Wellington Phoenix — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 22:51:46 GMT

FOOTBALL

The Wellington Phoenix remain unbeaten in the Hyundai A-League after grinding out a gutsy 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park today.

With seven players away on international duty the Phoenix were forced to give debuts to four players – goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley, Michael Boxall, Luke Rowe and Tom Biss – as well as throwing Vince Lia into the fray with no match time under his belt pre-season.

Just for good measure coach Ricki Herbert was watching on television in the All Whites’ Christchurch hotel, leaving assistant coach Chris Greenacre in charge for the first time.

It was a difficult task and one that got harder when Matt Thompson gave the home side the lead in the 20th minute with a lovely strike.

For the rest of the half the Phoenix were under pressure but once they were able to get in the dressing room at half time and regroup Greenacre managed to turn things around.

His players went out in a more positive frame of mind and they were immediately rewarded when Paul Ifill equalised from the penalty spot after Heart’s Simon Colosimo turned a goal-bound shot over the crossbar with his hand.

It also meant a red card for Colosimo and with the Heart down to 10 men the Phoenix went looking for another goal.

As the game progressed however the Phoenix began to lose their shape as tiredness took over and they were pleased to leave Melbourne with a point.

Greenacre was delighted with the result and the way the young players in particular stuck to their task.
“You have to give them credit, they did a fantastic job,” Greenacre said.

“You look at Jacob Spoonley and have to admire the way he has come into the club cold and turned in a top-class performance.

“Luke Rowe was different class standing in for Tony Lochhead and Tom Biss showed enough today to show that in time he could possibly replace Tim Brown with his all-round play and forward runs.”

Asked by media how the Phoenix continue to surprise when they are written off every season, Greenacre said it was down to the culture that had been created in the club.

He said it had been difficult to plan for the game with so many senior players missing and he was delighted to have got a point.

“I don’t know whether it is right to ask a team to play when they have so many away on international duties, but you have to get on with it and do your best because you are not going to change things.

“After getting a draw we can now look at next week and anticipate getting seven internationals back. That can’t be bad.”

Herbert, who kept in touch with the bench by telephone and texts during the game, said it was a fantastic result.

“You have to take your hat off to the youngsters who came in and did such a good job,” Herbert said.
“It makes the club’s future look good.”

(Source)

Mirjan Pavlovic restricted by medical condition

Wellington Phoenix — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:39:22 GMT

FOOTBALL - WELLINGTON CITY

Wellington Phoenix footballer Mirjan Pavlovic has a medical condition which restricts his ability to play professional football.

The club will be making no further comment on this till such time as the condition is resolved.

(Source)

Meet the All Whites

Christchurch City Council — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:50:23 GMT

FOOTBALL - CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch residents will have the chance to meet some of their football heroes at an All Whites signing session next week.

The All Whites, who are playing in the city next Tuesday night for the first time since 2006, will be at a public signing session at Rebel Sport Westfield Riccarton on Monday 15 October from 3.30 - 4.15pm. The team are in town to play against Tahiti at AMI Stadium on Tuesday 16 October in the second home match of their crusade to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

If New Zealand qualifies it will be the first time they have competed in back to back World Cups.

Mayor Bob Parker encourages people to head along early to meet the team at the signing session and show their support by attending the game.

“It is fantastic to have one of the country’s top sports teams competing right here in Christchurch. This is an opportunity for parents to take their budding champions along to meet some players and for football enthusiasts to see their favourite players in action on the field.

“The whole country got behind the All Whites in 2010, where they were the only nation not to lose a game during that World Cup. Cantabrians can now show their support again by turning the night white and heading to AMI Stadium.”

The game will be the first time Christchurch born legend and All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen will play in All White colours in Christchurch – and it will also be his 50th A international. Other home town favourites spectators will get to see in action are Ben Sigmund and Jeremy Brockie, while English Premier League player defender Winston Reid (West Ham United) and English Championship striker Chris Wood (Millwall) will also be on show.

To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.co.nz

(Source)

Phoenix sign Belgian International

Wellington Phoenix — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:16:11 GMT

FOOTBALL

Ricki Herbert’s search for a top striker ended yesterday when Belgian international Stein Huysegems arrived in Wellington.

With 15 international appearances to his name, and having played regularly in the top divisions of both Belgium and Holland as well as appearing in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, Huysegems is the most highly-rated overseas player to join the Wellington Phoenix.

Herbert said he was delighted to have secured the services of someone who has never played below the highest level in both Belgium and the Netherlands.

“We searched long and hard to find someone who fitted the criteria of the club and I’m delighted we were able to get the deal over the line,” Herbert said.

“Like most A-League clubs, we aren’t in a position to lure the likes of Del Piero, but when you look at Stein’s background in the Dutch and Belgian first divisions, along with his 15 international caps, I think we’ve signed a player whose experience and ability to score goals will add a lot to the team.

“You don’t play for clubs such as Feyenoord, AZ and FC Twente unless you have ability.

“Stein had other opportunities in Europe so it is really pleasing that he chose to come to Wellington with his family.

“I feel he will fit in here perfectly. At 6ft 1in he has a good presence and will add a different dimension to the side.

“His European experience, playing against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City will also stand him in good stead in the A-League.”

Huysegems, 30, began his professional career in Belgium with Lierse, where he scored 32 goals in 117 appearances, before moving to AZ in Holland where he spent three years.

Spells with FC Twente, Racing Genk and Roda JC, on loan, followed.

Huysegems had options in Europe, especially in the Ukraine, but only spent one day in that country before deciding it wasn’t for him.

“I took one look and thought ‘this is no good for my family’,” he said.

“It wasn’t a hard choice to come to Wellington and the A League.

“I’ve heard good things about the A League and contacted Archie Thompson who I played with for Lierse in Belgium.

“Archie said if I had the chance to join Wellington to take it.

“I’ve read good things about Wellington on the internet and my first impressions are good.”
Huysegems made the journey on his own but will soon be joined by wife Natalie and daughter Roose, 5, and son Lex, 2.

While wanting to score as many goals as possible for the Phoenix, Huysegems said the main priority was to help the team win games.

“Of course I want to score goals, that is what strikers love,” he said.

“But I also see myself as a team player which is important.

“If I play well and the team win I am satisfied.”

(Source)

Saints Come Marching in for AFL Anzac Day 2013

Wellington City Council — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:50:23 GMT

FOOTBALL - WELLINGTON CITY

In an historic occasion for the Australian Football League, the first ever premiership match between AFL clubs will be staged outside Australia in Wellington, on ANZAC Day 2013.

Representatives from Wellington City Council, St Kilda Football Club and the AFL have today signed a partnership agreement for Wellington City to be a Premier Partner of the St Kilda Saints, allowing Wellington to host 'home-away-from-home' games each season.

The first game will be played between the St Kilda Saints and the Sydney Swans at Westpac Stadium on April 25, 2013.

"The AFL opportunity will encourage our nearest neighbours to deepen sporting and cultural ties, providing mutual tourism and business opportunities," says Mayor Wade-Brown. "This is the result of a lot of hard work and commitment from Cr Morrison and staff.

"AFL is a massive part of Australian culture, a billion dollar industry, and it's coming here. This is a great new event for the Capital."

The Mayor says the match will add to the Anzac Day commemoration services to respect and remember all who have died in wars, particularly Australian and New Zealand men and women.

"The National Memorial Park, Pukeahu, in the Capital city, will become a focus for those commemorations leading up the Gallipoli centenary in 2015. This Trans-Tasman AFL deal is a brilliant opportunity to strengthen the unique mateship across the Tasman."

Council's Sports Portfolio Leader John Morrison says the match offered Wellington the chance to be at the centre of an historic occasion for the world's fourth most popular spectator sport.

"This is the first time an AFL premiership match will be played outside Australia," says Cr Morrison.

"AFL matches boast an average of 34,500 fans to every game, and thousands more viewers. That figure ranks fourth behind NFL Football, the German Bundesliga and the English Premier League. It's a truly awesome chance for Wellington to promote itself.

"Wellington has hosted very popular pre-season matches before, with 9000 heading to the Basin in 1998, but this match really counts. It's up to Wellingtonians to embrace this amazing sport and show Australia that we can foot it as a sporting and party destination."

The Australian tourism market has flourished in recent years, with Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) reporting a 17.5 percent boost in the year ended June. "Anzac Day is a special day for Australia, and with only one other AFL match being played that day we cannot underestimate the exposure Wellington will enjoy to a massive TV audience," says PWT Chair John Milford.

"The Saints will come marching in, and so will the opportunities for Wellington's economy."

Cr John Morrison travelled to Melbourne to sign the agreement on behalf of Wellington City Council. The Mayor is welcoming the St Kilda AFL to Te Papa on Friday morning, emphasising the importance of the sporting, cultural, civic and national ties between Australia and New Zealand.

(Source)

Revera renew Phoenix sponsorship

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:44:12 GMT

FOOTBALL

Business computing infrastructure company Revera have confirmed they will continue to sponsor the Wellington Phoenix for the next two years.

Phoenix general manager David Dome said the new deal was fantastic for the club as it continued to move forward on and off the field.

“We are delighted to have Revera renew its support of the Phoenix for another two seasons,” Dome said.

“Revera has staunchly supported the Phoenix for many seasons and are right behind some exciting initiatives that we are developing. Revera’s innovative and expert approach to business computing perfectly fits the ideals of the Club.”

“Wellington Phoenix is an important part of Wellington’s sporting culture and contributes to the city and New Zealand football positively. They’re a good bunch to work alongside, we’ve enjoyed the journey so far and we’re delighted to be continuing as part of the sponsorship team” said Robin Cockayne, Revera general manager.

(Source)

Plenty to smile about for Brockie

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:20:32 GMT

FOOTBALL - WELLINGTON

Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie has had plenty to smile about on his club's tour of India.

Seven goals in two games has even had opposition fans singing his praises, but the likeable easy-going Kiwi isn't getting carried away with his success.

He knows that carrying his current form into the A-League season is what really counts, but for now he is just enjoying the moment.

"Being an attacking player, scoring goals is what it is all about," Brockie, 24 says.

"Confidence has a lot to do with getting goals, but for me it is also about making sure my body is in the right shape; that I've done all the necessary rehab work.

"The combinations with other players are starting to gell and me and Paul Ifill already have this weird understanding that we know what the other is going to do.

"Paul is one of those players who can be quiet for 10 minutes and then, bang, he's put the ball in the net or set up a chance for someone else.

"He is such a dangerous player. I've watched him in the last couple of seasons and been thinking I would love to play alongside someone with his vision. Now I am."

India isn't an easy place to tour, especially going to smaller cities and towns in the North-East of the country, but Brockie usually has a smile on his face both on and off the field.

"One of the good things about playing football for a living is that you get to see different parts of the world.

"India is a bit of a culture shock but it makes you appreciate what we have back in New Zealand.

"There have been a couple of slip ups along the way but you have to look at the positives.

"I would probably never have come here on holiday so I am seeing something I would have missed and it is good to be away from the training ground in Wellington.

"Just turning up there every day during pre-season becomes repetitive and it is good to be away with the boys because there is always lots of banter."

(Source)