Soccer: WaiBop seeks to unite local fans

WaiBop United signing Jack MacNab and head coach Peter Smith. Photo / George Novak

In less than six weeks, the 10th edition of the ASB Premiership kicks off and this season our region will be represented by a new franchise - WaiBOP United.

Head coach Peter Smith is the ideal frontman for the team. An affable Scotsman with high football coaching qualifications, he is excited to be coaching the inaugural team to represent Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

"In a sense what we're trying to do with WaiBOP United is bring our entire region's football community together behind this new team," Smith said.

"The franchise was established following the cessation of Waikato FC, when the WaiBOP Football Federation was approached by clubs from across the region who felt it was important to maintain a flagship team in the area.

"While the WaiBOP Football Federation will look to build on Waikato FC's good work in retaining a top-level men's football team and a youth team in the ASB Premiership, we're also acutely aware that these teams need to be representative of the whole region.

"That is one of the reasons why I'm looking forward to next Saturday's game, our first official pre-season match, when a WaiBOP United XI takes on the Waikato Bay of Plenty All Stars in Cambridge."

Details have also been released regarding commercial opportunities and membership packages and ticket prices. The club has launched the WaiBOP United membership packages for this season.

"We believe both the Young Footballers Club and the Senior Membership Package offer great value so we encourage you to have a look and sign up if you think it's for you," said Smith. "You can sign up online at www.waibopunited.co.nz/membership. You can also purchase season passes online. Ticket prices are available at www.waibopunited.co.nz/tickets."

There is also a chance to get even closer to the action and behind the scenes by becoming a match day volunteer for the seven homes games - five in Hamilton, one in Tauranga and one in Rotorua.