Akokura Whanapoikiri ki Rotorua

Māori Football Aotearoa hosted another successful Akokura Whanapoikiri Development Session in Rotorua on Saturday 11 July, providing young players from Rotorua, Hamilton, Tauranga, Opotiki and Auckland with an opportunity to connect, develop their skills, and engage with the Māori Football pathway.

Held at Waiariki FC Clubrooms at Neil Hunt Park, there was a great turn out of players who brought energy, enthusiasm and skills to the session.  The lead coach for the day was Mark Trembath (Ngāti Whakaue, Tainui), supported by Sheree Smith (Tainui) who was the U16 South Assistant Coach at the North v South 2025, and Lee Stubbs (Tangata Tiriti).  They delivered highly engaging, challenging and competitive skill-based sessions in a supportive and culturally grounded environment.

Players arrived as strangers, and following a whanaungatanga activity to begin the day, connections began.  This continued throughout the sessions and showed through at tournament time.  Players were divided into 4 teams and played a double round robin draw.  Two teams were on equal points at the end which led to a 5 min final, won by Puarenga 3-2.

An MFA spokesperson said “Seeing the players out on the pitch is a reminder of why these development opportunities matter. There was definite talent on display, and potential opportunities for these players to represent Aotearoa teams in the future.”  This is part of the Akokura kaupapa, creating more chances for our rangatahi to be seen, supported, and inspired, along with the chance to learn more about future opportunities within Māori Football Aotearoa.