Football: Doctor on journey to Olympics with U-23s

Ben McHale, an accomplished cyclist, is team doctor to the NZ Under-23 footballers in Papua New Guinea. Photo/ File

In the space of a few days, Rotorua doctor Ben McHale has gone from helping patients at the Rotorua Hospital to caring for New Zealand's top footballers in Papua New Guinea.

McHale is the team doctor for the New Zealand Under-23 men's football team, who are in Papua New Guinea on a two-week trip qualifying for the Rio Olympics.

If New Zealand win the Pacific Games tournament in PNG they'll book their spot at the Olympics.

Since arriving in the country last Monday, team doctor McHale has already set up a small clinic out of his room to attend to players and staff.

"I have set up a little clinic in my room where I provide assessments and treatments," he said. "I am available 24/7 for all players and staff if they have any medical issues."

He said he was also attending trainings and helping out where he could. "If everyone is well then I attend all training sessions and games to provide medical support as needed.

"There is also two physiotherapists with the team and a team trainer/training analyst so I help them if needed. Due to the hot climate I also help prepare ice, drinks and protein shakes."

McHale said he had never worked with New Zealand Football before, but had travelled with the Black Sticks in the past as their doctor.

"This is my first time working with Football NZ and the Under-23 All Whites. I was approached because I have an interest in sports medicine and am hoping to join the sports physician programme next year."

The Pacific Games tournament has come under fire this week from All Whites coach Anthony Hudson. He criticised the tournament's poor facilities and the short turn-around between matches.

However, McHale said they had a good team to deal with any difficulties.

"The schedule is tight with five games in 10 days. There is always the chance of injury but the players have a great support team to help them recover and get through the games," he said.

"They are all experienced in playing in other multi-game tournaments. We also have multiple strategies of dealing with heat and we are taking every precaution to deal with mosquito-borne illnesses."

McHale is a well-accomplished athlete himself and won the 100km Rotorua to Taupo Flyer road cycle race earlier this year.

McHale returns home on Monday, July 13, as he has to get back to work the following day. The men's football competition at the Olympics is restricted to under-23 players, with a maximum of three over-aged players allowed in a team.