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The Puhoi Wolfpack football team is making a statement to other Northern Football Federation teams, after it gained promotion to third division this season.
In 2017 the side played in fifth division, but achieving second place two years running has seen them jump up two leagues.
Team manager Troy Connolly says the players are stoked to be moving into third division, but would have liked to finish one place better this season.
“We beat first place Waitemata Westies in round three and had a close loss to them second time around, so winning division four was within our capability,” Connolly says.
“Defence was the outstanding part of our game along with team chemistry. Most of the players came through the junior ranks together.”
On the downside, the Wolfpack goalie got a double break in his ankle prior to the start of the season.
“We had no choice but to pull in one of our best outfield players, who had previous goalkeeping experience, to fill that space for most of the season.
“That made our results even more impressive, and we will look forward to having our usual keeper back next year.”
The team also lost a player in pre-season through an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
In addition to the Wolfpack team performing well, the club is experiencing major growth that will see a handful of new junior teams and a new senior men’s team compete next season.
The men’s team will play in first division and be made up of the club’s best players, coached by newly appointed Luke McIntyre.
“We’re wanting to push for a higher level of football. I will be driving the ‘first team project’ with hopes of us getting into the AFF/NFF Mens Conference,” McIntyre says.
Other teams will come from the Millwater-based Rodney District Sports Club, but play under the Puhoi Sports Club.
“At least six teams will be joining. That’s going to be great for the club’s future,” Connolly says.
The club also held its prizegiving last month, with Max Rickards picking up Player of the Year.
Outstanding Sporting Achievement went to Aaron Murphy for playing his twentieth season with the club. Golden Boot for top goal scorer went to Joe Jackson.
