A fresh goal faces a fresh faced young Fencibles’ footballer, Nathan (Nate) Martin. Should his squad finish in the top three at the OFC Men’s U-16 Championship in Tahiti, an even bigger prize will be on the line for Nate and his mates – next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Recently selected to represent his country, the plucky midfielder says he is ready to make every post a winner.
“It’s awesome to be selected and I hope to give it everything I’ve got,” he says. “We have a great team so I’m sure we’ll be in good form in Tahihi.”
In addition to playing for Pakuranga-based Fencibles United AFC, Nate captains the Macleans College First XI. His efforts for club and school have been well rewarded, his elated mum, Emma Osborne, asserts.
“I’m absolutely stoked! If anyone deserves this, he does. He works very hard and sets himself big goals that he’s always gunning to achieve. I couldn’t be happier – it’s a very proud moment for me and a great start to his football career.”
The OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) tournament is set to kick off in Papeete, Tahiti from July 28. New Zealand will compete in Group A, playing Vanuatu, Fiji and the Cook Islands before, all going well, advancing to the knockout phase.
Although the NZ squad’s head coach, Martin Bullock, concedes the tournament will be challenging for his young charges, he believes they will rise to the occasion.
“I’m really pleased with the squad we have assembled after extensive scouting and identification games,” he adds. “This is a brilliant opportunity for our players to play competitive matches and learn more about what it takes to be successful in the game, so I look forward to working with them to help them achieve their potential.”
The OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) tournament is set to kick off in Papeete, Tahiti from July 28. New Zealand will compete in Group A, playing Vanuatu, Fiji and the Cook Islands before, all going well, advancing to the knockout phase. For more information about the squad and the competition visit www.nzfootball.co.nz and www.oceaniafootball.com.
The full squad is:
