Throughout December and January, Wellington Phoenix ran four free community coaching clinics at different venues around the Hutt Valley including Upper Hutt College, Fraser Park, Maidstone Park, and Petone Memorial.
Wellington Phoenix reached out to low decile schools in the Hutt Valley and provided these clinics for free for children aged 7-12 who are passionate about football and leading a healthy lifestyle but don’t have the means or access to training beyond their school curriculum. There were children from 27 different schools around the Hutt Valley that attended the clinics from communities such as Wainuiomata, Taita, Naenae, and around Upper Hutt.
The clinics involved practical aspects of football such as drills, activities, and games, which were coached by Wellington Phoenix Academy players. As part of this, they were introduced to more aspects of football such as teamwork and communication through small-sided games and group activities. Kids also had the opportunity to learn about health, fitness and well-being aspects of football from Podium Performance staff. The children were taught about nutrition as well as how to specifically warm up correctly before football.
One clinic was lucky enough to also receive a surprise visit from four Wellington Phoenix players, which they were very excited about. For many of them, this was a once in a lifetime experience that they won’t forget.
All participants received a t-shirt, bag and drink bottle as well as lunch provided by Pita Pit.
Wellington Phoenix received an overwhelmingly positive response to these clinics from children and families, who expressed their gratitude at this fantastic opportunity.
Wellington Phoenix would like to acknowledge Lloyd Morrison Charitable Trust for their support of this new community programme.
The next free community coaching clinics will be taking place in Tawa and Lower Hutt in April.
Contact alysad@prod.wellingtonphoenix.aleagues.com.au for more details.
