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Kia Ora, Team Western! Welcome to Edition #4 of the Western AFC Junior eNewsletter for 2025! Winter footy is well underway—and what an exciting few weeks it’s been! It’s been a real buzz seeing our junior teams out there giving it their all. Rain, wind, or sunshine—our young players are showing off their passion, teamwork, and some pretty slick skills on the pitch. This edition is packed with the latest club updates, highlights from the field, player shout-outs, and what’s coming up next. Let’s dive in! 🌟 Weekend Highlights: Junior Brilliance in Action Our tamariki lit up the fields this weekend! From early starts to final whistles, our Western juniors showed heart, hustle, and a whole lot of flair. The atmosphere was electric with goals, gritty defence, and top-tier sportsmanship. Standout Moments: Think last-minute goals, explosive counterattacks, and goalkeeping heroics. Every team brought the energy—it’s clear the future of Western AFC is looking strong. Massive Thanks to Our Whānau: To all our incredible parents, caregivers, coaches, and friends—thank you. Your commitment, encouragement, and loud sideline support are what make this club so special. You’re what keeps us ticking. ⭐ Players of the Week: Each week, we’ll be shining a light on players who go above and beyond—those who lead by example, show great teamwork, and live and breathe the Western spirit. Stay tuned… there are some future stars in the making. 👕 Western Hoodie Takeover! Have you spotted our juniors rocking their slick new Western hoodies? They look awesome—and the feedback’s been even better! Got a great photo? We’d love to see it! 📸 We would love more awesome photos of the kids so we can say a big thank you to our incredible sponsors VIP Trade! Send your hoodie pics to westernafc@gmail.com - we may feature them in our next issue or socials! A huge thank you to VIP Trade for making this happen. Your support means more than you know. These hoodies aren’t just about staying warm—they’re about pride, belonging, and building memories that last. 🏆 Player of the Month Celebration – You’re Invited! 🗓 Sunday, 8th June 🕙 10:00 AM 📍 Walter Park Get ready, Western whānau – our first Junior Player of the Month Awards for 2025 are set to kick off in style, and this is one event you won’t want to miss! We’ll be shining a light on the incredible effort, improvement, and team spirit shown by our youngest stars across the following grades: 🏅 Award Presentations (in order): • First Kicks • Fun Football • Grade 9 • Grade 10 • Girls Grade 10 • Grade 11 But that’s just the beginning... ⚽ From 10:30 AM, the energy shifts to the sideline as we cheer on our Western AFC Women’s Teams in a fantastic morning of football: • Western Rebels vs Western Princesses – Field S2 • Western Boom vs Hornby Women’s AFC – Field S1 This is a golden opportunity for our juniors to support and be inspired by our amazing wāhine on the field – including club legends and role models like Kelsey, Maggie, Amber and Krystina. These incredible women are suiting up to show us how it's done! 🌟 PLUS – something extra special for the kids! We’ve got the McDonald’s inflatable football field coming along for the morning – it’s big, bouncy, and guaranteed fun for all ages! 🌭 And of course, our First Team will be firing up the BBQ, serving up sausages and good vibes to keep the whole crew happy and fed. $2 for sausage and bread or can of fizz. Kids free sausage and bread! 💛 Come celebrate, play, support, and connect – it’s set to be an epic day for the whole Western AFC community. See you at Walter Park! ⛳️ Western Golf Tournament – 10th August 2025 Bottle Lake Golf Club | $30 per person | Ambrose Format Join us for a fantastic day of golf, good food, and great company at the annual Western Golf Tournament! Enter as a team or sign up individually – we’ll match you up with a team if needed. Enjoy a delicious BBQ before and during your round, proudly hosted by our juniors – with all proceeds going toward supporting their programs. After your game, head into the clubrooms for more food and refreshments. 🔥 We’re looking for a few volunteers – both kids and a couple of adults – to help out with the BBQ on the day. If you or your child can lend a hand, please let us know! 🎁 Raffles & Prizes Up for Grabs! We welcome contributions of raffle prizes and would greatly appreciate any suggestions for potential sponsors or donors. Come swing for a cause and make it a day to remember! Please register before 1st August (so we can confirm food & drink) Buy Your Tickets Here! Western AFC-Western AFC 🥇 Weekend Highlights: Our Juniors in Action Western FIRST KICKS Thanks so much for a fantastic session, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. We can’t wait to see you all at the next session! Maggie, Kelsey and Jorja Well done to: Player of the Day (POD): Larry Nolan - he was super keen to learn new skills, was consistently engaged - he put his newfound knowledge into action during our game and smashed it!! Moment of the Day (MOD): Matthew Palmer - he did an awesome run away and scored himself a goal, fantastic mahi!! FUN FOOTBALL ⚡ Western LIGHTNING It was a perfect day for football, and the intensity was off the charts as we faced off in a thrilling Western derby against the Tornadoes! With no substitutions, our furious five played from whistle to whistle, showing incredible endurance and teamwork. The match ended in a hard-fought draw, with both teams showing fantastic game play, determination, and sportsmanship. The kids were absolutely brilliant, keeping the energy high and staying positive throughout the game—an incredible display of resilience and team spirit! A massive shoutout to every player who fought hard on the field —you made Western AFC Lightning proud in this epic showdown! Player of the Day (POD): George Guthrie - was a remarkable standout, his relentless tackling, constant sweeping and defending, and fearless charges through the gaps kept the momentum alive for the team. George’s effort never wavered! Moment of the Day (MOD): Oliver White - for giving it a full 100% effort, he got amongst the action, slotted into the squad seamlessly, and made an impact when it counted! 🌀 Western STORM What a sizzling display of Fun Football spirit! Storm was down to just 4 players, but that didn’t stop them putting in an inspiring team effort and coming away with a great result! Daniel was everywhere – setting up passes and driving play with awesome vision. Whetumarama brought pure energy, chasing, tackling, and attacking with non-stop enthusiasm! Special thanks to our opposition and their awesome players Lenny and Jack, who both jumped in to help and reminded us of what team sport is all about – playing hard, supporting each other, and having fun together! Player of the Day (POD): Arthur Sinclair - stepping up big time! He anchored the defence early, then grew in confidence and surged forward with some great shots, one fantastic goal, and two more denied only by the goal line Moment of the Day (MOD): Henry Fuller - who led by example – strong on the ball and direct in attack and defence. 🌪️ Western TORNADOES The Western Tornadoes were on fire this weekend in a thrilling derby clash against our Western friends, the Lightning! It was one of the team’s best games yet packed with energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Every player gave it their all, and the sidelines were buzzing with proud whānau cheers. We missed you, Wilbur and Lewis—but your teammates did you proud with huge smiles, teamwork, and the kind of joy that makes junior football so special. Let’s go, Tornadoes! Player of the Day (POD): Luka Oliver – was a standout for an incredible all-round performance. His amazing runs, strong defence, lightning speed, and top-notch communication kept the team firing on all cylinders—what a game! Moment of the Day (MOD): Meyer Hampton - who took a dramatic tumble trying to fly like Superman! True to Tornadoes spirit, he jumped back up with a grin and kept on playing—unstoppable! ⚡Western THUNDER The Western Thunder were back on the field this weekend—and wow, did they bring the noise! From the very first kick, the team played with awesome focus, energy, and loads of smiles. Their passing was on point, they were finding space like pros, and the best part? They never stopped helping and cheering each other on. That teamwork was next level! Every player had their moment to shine—whether it was a speedy run, a brave tackle, or a big kick to clear the ball. The Thunder showed great heart, great hustle, and had heaps of fun doing it. Another proud game in the books for the Thunder—loud, strong, and full of team spirit. Can’t wait to see what they do next! Player of the Day: Alfie Saville Moment of the Day: Nixon-James Everse 9TH GRADE 🐺 Western WOLVES Wolves took an impressive victory today. The game started off with a slow tempo as the lads were doing what we talked about and holding our positions and moving in unison with our team to help with any potential gaps or breaks. We held the ball a lot in the first half and had a couple of goals that came from great defence. Second half saw the team using the space a lot more and everyone moving to open positions past the defence. Had some great cross kicks in front of goal that we were unlucky not to finish. The goals in the second half that really showed the skills and teamwork we have been aiming to achieve. The score doesn't relate to how strong the opposition were, they kept us on our toes the whole game. I think this week with everyone knowing the positions better made sure we weren't struggling the last 5 minutes. Goals went to Tommy and Ricardo with doubles and Pierce with a single. Great job team! Player of the Day (POD): James Egden - for all over outstanding performance. Moment of the Day (MOD): The Mighty Wolves - for being amazing! 10TH GRADE 🦅 Western PHOENIX Western Phoenix travelled to Burnside Park to take on FC Twenty 11 Shamrock on a crisp, sunny morning. Shamrock won the toss and chose to kick off. Solid defending by Phoenix repelled Shamrock's early attacks and set up some fast counter-attacks. Phoenix played with confidence, commitment, and improved shape throughout the first half. It took some skilful play and a well-placed shot for Shamrock to break the deadlock. Despite this, Phoenix responded with determination, continuing to press forward and challenge. The second half began with Phoenix on the front foot, stringing together some sharp passes. Leo latched onto one and rifled it into the back of the net, a brilliant reward for the team’s efforts. Phoenix continued to push, creating more chances and showing real spirit. Shamrock, however, made the most of their own opportunities as the match progressed. It may not have ended the way Phoenix had hoped, but it was a great match where every player stepped up and lifted their game. Thanks to all the supporters for the encouragement, Mike for running the subs, Nardia for the photos — and a special shout-out to the ‘groundsmen’ who figured out how to put the net up! Player of the Day (POD): Charlie Hall - for well-timed defensive tackles and challenges, and improved passes. Moment of the Day (MOD): Max Burridge - Day for taking a ball to the head without flinching and carrying on as if nothing had happened. 😡 Western FURY What a spectacular and exciting game. All go from the starting whistle. Super proud of all of the players. They kept making their tackles and putting attacking play together. Incredible performances all over the pitch. Goals to Oliver and Carter. in the second half. Moving well in the goal box and two solid saves with clearances that led to opportunities on goal at the other end. There are three super proud and happy coaches with the way the kids played today. Player of the Day (POD): Sam Keen - with some fantastic play on attack and defence. Game high 27 successful tackles and a couple of awesome runs. Moment of the Day (MOD): Sam Taitimu-Kidd - pulling off an outstanding performance in goal GIRLS 🔥 WesternFLAMES Physical but thrilling game going down to the wire against St Albans Girls. The Flames played a great game across the whole field backing each other up and never giving up. Player of the Day (POD): Vida Scoble - a pocket rocket on attack, fast on feet and quick turns following on from a positive attitude as Goal Keep in the first half - well done Vida. Moment of the Day (MOD): Mikayla Munemo - taking hard tackles with a smile and positive get up and go again composure. 11TH GRADE ⚔️Western WARRIORS Facing the unbeaten Nomads United Blues, there were a few nerves and doubts in the pre-game huddle. But Coach Connor reminded the team to focus on what they can control — their effort, teamwork, and attitude. And from that moment, the Warriors were dialled in. The first half saw Nomads controlling early possession, pushing hard into our half. But the Warriors’ defence stood tall. Zeb was sharp in goal, making clutch saves and cutting off attacks, while Braxton — recovering from a bit of friendly fire in the opening minute — came back strong, teaming up with our POD James to help shut down wave after wave of Nomads pressure with great vision and key interceptions. Nomads eventually broke through with a classy finish, but that only lit a spark in the Warriors. From the restart, things began to shift. We started winning more ball, passing with confidence, and creating chances — with both Hunter and Leo getting into some dangerous positions. Aidan was fearless in the tackle, showing textbook technique to win possession time and again. Henry was a standout with his smart positioning, great passing, and strong shots on goal — always moving into the right areas and giving his teammates great options. The breakthrough came just before halftime. Carter muscled into space past halfway and unleashed a trademark long-range strike. The keeper rushed to gather but spilled the ball into open play — Lennox, reading it brilliantly, had chased hard into the area and calmly slotted it home from a tight angle under pressure. A brilliant moment and our Moment of the Day! The halftime whistle followed soon after, and the belief was building fast. The second half was all Warriors. We controlled possession and created chance after chance. Leo and Hunter kept the heat on with quick breaks and clever link-ups. Louis was dynamic — winning tackles, bursting through midfield, and opening up space wide. Noah was relentless down the flanks, constantly stretching the Nomads defence and keeping them on the back foot. Late in the game, the final breakthrough came. Aidan secured the ball in the middle third, spun into space, and fired a pass wide to Louis, who had time and room to deliver a pinpoint cross to the far post. Noah met it with a sharp first touch and fired it in with style. An epic finish to a hard-fought match — earned through grit, trust, and teamwork. Every Warrior stepped up today — backing each other, creating space, and showing heart. A real team performance to be proud of. Bring on the next challenge! Player of the Day (POD): James Stewart - for helping shut down wave after wave of Nomads pressure with great vision and key interceptions. Moment of the Day (MOD): Lennox Pryce - for reading the play brilliantly, chased hard into the area and calmly slotted the ball home from a tight angle under pressure. A brilliant moment!!! 🗓 Training Logistics 📍 Where: Westminster Park (weather permitting) Thursday Training Times: 4:00–5:00pm – Flames, Strikers, Tigers, Wolves Please arrive 5–10 minutes early so we’re ready to start on time. Training is crucial for building skills, confidence, and chemistry — let’s make every session count! 📣 Team Communication Please keep your coach and team in the loop:
This helps us stay organised and ensures every player gets the most out of each week. 🏅 Weekly Awards
🚨 Upcoming
There’s still so much to look forward to this season—and we can’t wait to share it with you! Every time you turn up, give it your best, and back your teammates, you help build something special. Western isn’t just about football. It’s about friendship, connection, and being part of something bigger. This club is our community, our whānau—and we’re stoked to have you along for the journey. Let’s go, Western! Coach Arron  |
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