Soccer: Teen qualifies alongside Bertos

Vinnie Hutchinson completed his Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma in Auckland beside Wellington Phoenix midfielder, Leo Bertos.

Northland teenager will feature among a trio of qualified coaches offering their expertise at a football skills session in Kaitaia tomorrow.

Vinnie Hutchinson completed his Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma alongside another Kaitaia football stalwart, John Hartnall, and the local pair will be joined by Vinnie's father Garth who has also been educated in the acclaimed International Coerver Coaching Method to provide expert coaching at the clinic.

It's been a whirlwind start to the year for 16-year-old Hutchinson.

The Year 13 Abundant Life student was the recipient of a scholarship to complete the two-day diploma through the Aotearoa Football Charitable Trust, and the Maori Football Association; graduating alongside Hartnall and Wellington Phoenix/All Whites player Leo Bertos, who is planning to open a Coerver Coaching Academy in Wellington this year.

Hutchinson also represented Northland at a major youth and sports conference in New Caledonia in December.

The Football Skills Academy open day muster on Saturday is set to take place from 11am to 1pm at Kaitaia Intermediate School.

All ages and all abilities from all areas and clubs will be welcomed, with organisers noting those likely to most benefit will be players aged between eight and 15 years.

The cost is a minimum of $35 for each individual.

For more information or to register contact Garth Hutchinson (027) 477 1402, and/or Sheryl Hansford (027) 242 1356.