Helping Hands: Rovers looking sharp on and off the pitch
Anyone who has played a team sport will remember the slight discomfort of pulling on a t-shirt or training bib that has been worn by multiple other children for many years before them.
If you do, you will likely remember the magical feeling of being the first ones to don the newest kits in club colours – a rare and special occasion not all budding sports people get to enjoy!
That’s exactly what the players of Auckland’s under 11 Northern Rover’s Yellow soccer team felt when presented with their brand-new playing kits and training hoodies last month.
New Identity
Northern Rovers originated after local clubs, Glenfield and Forrest Hill merged in 2020. Since then, the new club’s reputation and identity has been steadily evolving as players enjoy the pooled resources of two established clubs.
There is no better way to galvanise a team than to give them a kit they can be proud to wear so UPSPS’s Channel Sales Manager Luana Downing identified her son’s team as ideal candidates for a helping hand.
One of Northern Rover’s junior squads, the team of 11-year-olds and its two coaches have been given brand new playing kits and training hoodies, sponsored by UPS Power Solutions.
On the pitch
UPS Power Solutions Managing Director, Nicky Blackmore is delighted to see kids’ looking smart and happy with their new-look on and off the pitch.
“Being able to see those smiles and knowing that feeling part of a team and community can enhance performance and inclusion is what the Helping Hands Initiative is all about. We are really pleased that Luana brought this opportunity to us and we’re now all very invested in how the team goes for the rest of the season,” she says.
In fact, at the midway point in the 16-game season, the team is very much holding its own in a very tough grade after impressing in pre-season grading.
“Our amazing coaches Alan and Steve along with Tolo the Manager are all volunteers and parents of kids in the team. It’s a great part of each weekend to get together and watch them play. They really are going from strength to strength and are excited for the rest of the season,” says Luana Downing.
We will be posting pictures and updating our LinkedIn followers with the teams’ progress for the rest of the season so feel free to follow us here or subscribe to our eNewsletter here.
Come On You Rovers!!