This season The Waikino Celts made us all super proud. So what is all the hype about? Well, it’s a bit like David and Goliath… let’s start at the beginning:
The Celts entered the Waihi Year 5 & 6 soccer tournament with a team consisting of mostly Year 4 and 5 players (which included every single Year 4-6 boy in the school). Some of the team members had never even played a single game of soccer before and we were the smallest school in the tournament. Some schools even entered 1st and 2nd teams, and we often played against predominantly Year 6 teams.
But the Waikino Celts pitched up with passion, with heart, with soul. We pitched up with a coach who believed in every single player, and who never doubted the team’s potential – you are awesome, Mr B! We also pitched up with an assistant coach who raised the skill levels and ranks right up there with the best of the best – thanks AJ! As you may have heard, the Celts pitched up with the best & loudest group of fans & supporters who faithfully spent their Friday afternoons on the side line. Most importantly, they pitched up with a team who loved being there and who loved playing soccer together.
The team put in lots of hard work and practice. Their progress over the duration of the season was phenomenal – and towards the end they made for a feared and formidable opponent – even to the top teams.
Thanks to Noah, our year 6 player – we will miss you next year. And watch out world – the Celts are going to be unstoppable next year! The Celts celebrated their successful season with a pizza lunch at the Falls Retreat – thanks to Brad & Emma.
Iain wrote this piece about his season as a Celt for his Kauri Award:
“Kauri award challenge: Compete in a sport for an entire season
This year I competed in the Waihi yr 5-6 soccer. I played in the Waikino Celts team. During my “career” I scored 2 goals and saved at least 4 or 5. We won most of our matches (which, of course, is good) and lost only about four. My role in the team was midfield/striker. Our average score was us 2 the other team 0.
Our humble goalie Ace is the best goalie I’ve ever known. Noah is so fast that if you manage to get the ball off him you will be watching a green flash shoot past you and the ball you have will be slipping from your feet in seconds. Elliott is no different and he is the best ever dribbler. Hamish is amazing when it comes to long distance passing. Jacob makes an awesome ball-stopper. Sky is too agile to trick. Matthew is always there to help you when you think all hope is lost. Kyle has to be the best scorer ever, along with Ciara, who, despite being a girl, has to be one of the top players ever. Angus is a brilliant backup goalie when Ace has had too much. I… well, I think I’m really good when it comes to catching enemy throw-ins.”
The Celts entered the Waihi Year 5 & 6 soccer tournament with a team consisting of mostly Year 4 and 5 players (which included every single Year 4-6 boy in the school). Some of the team members had never even played a single game of soccer before and we were the smallest school in the tournament. Some schools even entered 1st and 2nd teams, and we often played against predominantly Year 6 teams.
But the Waikino Celts pitched up with passion, with heart, with soul. We pitched up with a coach who believed in every single player, and who never doubted the team’s potential – you are awesome, Mr B! We also pitched up with an assistant coach who raised the skill levels and ranks right up there with the best of the best – thanks AJ! As you may have heard, the Celts pitched up with the best & loudest group of fans & supporters who faithfully spent their Friday afternoons on the side line. Most importantly, they pitched up with a team who loved being there and who loved playing soccer together.
The team put in lots of hard work and practice. Their progress over the duration of the season was phenomenal – and towards the end they made for a feared and formidable opponent – even to the top teams.
Thanks to Noah, our year 6 player – we will miss you next year. And watch out world – the Celts are going to be unstoppable next year! The Celts celebrated their successful season with a pizza lunch at the Falls Retreat – thanks to Brad & Emma.
Iain wrote this piece about his season as a Celt for his Kauri Award:
“Kauri award challenge: Compete in a sport for an entire season
This year I competed in the Waihi yr 5-6 soccer. I played in the Waikino Celts team. During my “career” I scored 2 goals and saved at least 4 or 5. We won most of our matches (which, of course, is good) and lost only about four. My role in the team was midfield/striker. Our average score was us 2 the other team 0.
Our humble goalie Ace is the best goalie I’ve ever known. Noah is so fast that if you manage to get the ball off him you will be watching a green flash shoot past you and the ball you have will be slipping from your feet in seconds. Elliott is no different and he is the best ever dribbler. Hamish is amazing when it comes to long distance passing. Jacob makes an awesome ball-stopper. Sky is too agile to trick. Matthew is always there to help you when you think all hope is lost. Kyle has to be the best scorer ever, along with Ciara, who, despite being a girl, has to be one of the top players ever. Angus is a brilliant backup goalie when Ace has had too much. I… well, I think I’m really good when it comes to catching enemy throw-ins.”