Friday Night Lights

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Is our own version of “Friday Night Lights” the future for youth football in New Zealand?

Friday Night Lights at Bill McKinlay
Friday Night Lights, a book describing high school American football in small town Texas, tells the story of how individuals and communities live for their local team.

School spirit and the importance of representing your local town are paramount.

Watching Sacred Heart College take on St Kentigern College last Friday night at Bill McKinlay was a glimpse into a Friday Night Lights future for football in New Zealand.

Humility

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a little humility goes a long way, as gareth bale showed throughout Wales’s magical run in the recent euro 2016 tournament.

Shades of Humility
With transfer fees of the top professional clubs going through the roof, the European Championships were a welcome contrast to the money game as the power of the collective dominated.

Surprise?

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Iceland celebrates a goal against England in the Euro 2016 tournament in Nice

When a Surprise Isn’t a Surprise
The biggest surprise relating to Iceland’s 2-1 victory over England at Euro 2016 this week has been the general response that it was a massive upset.

What Makes a Good Coach?

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Alessandro Limone (Empoli FC) will be here again in July to share his knowledge and expertise with eager young Kiwi players and coaches

What Makes a Good Coach?
The Economist magazine seems an unlikely source of guidance for football coaches.

But the recent publication of a research paper investigating what schools can do to improve learning outcomes provides a blueprint that should be embedded in the mindset of every football coach.

One Decade

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Birkir Bjarnason makes history for Iceland scoring in their recent clash with Ronaldo’s portugal.

The Difference a Decade Can Make
Ten years ago Brazil were starting their defence of the World Cup in Germany.   Five time World Champions, they were regarded as tournament favourites to retain world champion status.

Player Movement

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England’s eric dier celebrates scoring in their opening euro 2016 match against russia

Player Movement
For any New Zealand football fan that wanted to understand the difference between how we play the game compared to the rest of the world the last fortnight has been particularly illuminating.