Waiheke Rec Centre Hosts Indoor Football World Cup
Waiheke is a stunning place in Summer – but it can certainly be a bit more difficult in the Winter when beach life is put on hold for a few months.
So what can you do to stay fit? There is always the option of going for a run or perhaps work up a sweat on one of the many tramping trails, but let’s face it, most people find it hard to get motivated unless there is something to chase!
If you’re partial to chasing a football, you could join up with the Waiheke Indoor Football group who run a weekly 5-a-side night at the Waiheke Recreation Centre. Over the last few weeks, they’ve been running a mini World Cup competition where eight teams of between five and seven players have battled each other to determine who will take the crown, cup and prize for top team.
Individuals and teams joined up to represent their chosen country, of which there were six in the finals; New Zealand, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina and the unlikely North Korea.
During the first qualifying stage, Mexico were eliminated after coming last of the three teams with Costa Rica and North Korea progressing to the finals. The second qualifying group saw New Zealand go home for an early shower, with France and Argentina progressing.
At the finals, North Korea took on Argentina but were unable to muster enough super-powers to defeat the team who were in-fact made up of real Argentinian & South American lads who are living and working on Waiheke. Costa Rica, though finishing the qualifying stage in last place, took on France in the third place playoff and managed to secure their only win to grab the third place prize.
Organiser Sol Harris thought the entire event was “a lot of fun”, despite the challenges of dealing with several missing key players, some who were out due to injury.
It’s hard to beat a good game of football and the Waiheke Recreation Centre is a great venue for 5-a-side football. Whilst Waiheke has a number of excellent outdoor venues for football, the Rec Centre provides a year-round consistent venue for fitness and fun. Everyone thought it was a good idea to hold a mini World Cup – it was really all a bit of fun, but a good way to encourage awareness of the Rec Centre and the Waiheke Indoor Soccer club.
It was never going to be Brazil 2014, but everyone had a good time and with the involvement of the Argentinian team, we at least had the South American experience too – it’s a pleasure to watch them play and see them win. In fact everyone played extremely well and I would like to thank all players for taking part, as well as our main prize sponsors, Out There Surf & Skate, Passage Rock Wines and Malones Place.
Without the Rec Centre, Waiheke would be a lot harder in the Winter time, so it’s great to have a facility like that available to the community.
The Waiheke Indoor Football club runs regular events. Check the event calendar for more information or visit their Facebook page for up to date information.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/WaihekeIndoorSoccer
