Junior All White leaves NZ

Dale Higham

Junior All White Dale Higham will be missing from the Wairarapa United Central League football line-up next season.

Higham, 20, is about to return home to England with his parents and has hopes of furthering his football career there.

Initially, he will be living in the Liverpool area and friends have organised him possible trials with clubs in that football-mad city but he has nothing definite planned in that regard.

"It'll be just a matter of turning up and seeing what's on offer, right now I've got no idea what level I'll be playing at." Higham said yesterday.

Higham joined up with Wairarapa United in 2011 and couldn't have picked a better season to do so.

He was a regular part of the side who went on a memorable winning streak in the country's premier knockout competition, the Chatham Cup, culminating in a 2-1 win over Napier City Rovers in the grand final played at Palmerston North.

"That was amazing, I'll never forget the feeling of winning the final and seeing all those happy supporters going mad," he said.

"It was something really special."

All told, Higham has had three seasons - and more than 50 appearances with Wairarapa United - but although they went close to securing their first Central League title in that time, they have continued to come up short.

"Obviously it would have been nice to win the league but I can honestly say I've really enjoyed my time with Wairarapa United, they are a great club to play for. I've got no complaints at all," Higham said.

Earning selection in the Junior All Whites this season and taking part in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Turkey was, of course, a highlight for the swift midfielder.

Higham also appeared for Manawatu and Hawke's Bay in the national league.