Schoolgirl makes Wellington team for nationals

BY GARY CAFFELL
Wairarapa College student Kelsi Rutene has been named in the Wellington federation team to contest the national under-16 girls' soccer tournament in Napier from December 12 to 18.
For Rutene, 14, it is her first year in the under-16s side and she is the sole Wairarapa player included, but it is not the first time she has represented the Wellington federation at age group level.
Last year she was part of their under-14s side.
Rutene played in the centre of the midfield for the Wairarapa College team which won the local secondary schoolgirls competition last season but she is unsure of just where she will play in the Wellington line-up.
She prefers the midfield because it is a "busy position" but is versatile enough to play just about anywhere.
"I don't really mind where I play as long as I play," she said.
Rutene became involved in soccer at an early age, following in the footsteps of older sister Sonya, who has earned herself a reputation as one of the top age group players in the country.
But wisely she won't be drawn into any comment as to who of the two is the better player.
"No, I think it's better not to go there," she laughed.