I still remember as a kid when former All White Harry Ngata, and a couple of his mates, came to Manurewa and took some of our junior clubs for a training.
It was great.
I don't think that was the only reason, but since then I have never stopped playing the sport.
The fixture in September will have a huge impact on the young footballers in the area, keeping them in the game and helping give them something to look up to.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's national amateur league the ASB Premiership will include a Waibop United side for the up-coming season.
The ASB Premiership is alike to the ITM Cup in football terms.
Before this year, the closest ASB Premiership club was Waikato FC and did not really incorporate anybody playing in the Bay of Plenty.
The change means there could be a brighter future for young footballers in the area wanting to play in the ASB Premiership.
When I lived in Otago, we would regularly go to Carisbrook to watch Otago United play on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon during the summer.
It is a good standard of football and makes for a great pathway in terms of players wanting to make the most of their talents.
That is where Marco Rojas got signed by the Wellington Phoenix, after a stint with Waikato FC.
Of the two senior football clubs in town, Ngongotaha AFC are also making a mark in the Waibop Federation League.
They have a relatively young team and are only one point back on league leaders AFC Fury, with a good chance of winning the league this year.
It highlights the quality of footballers we produce in the city.
Women's football is also strong in the area with the Rotorua United women's team demolishing every other side in the Bay of Plenty.
That team is also a young side and has plenty of potential stars for the future.
So keep going strong Rotorua, football is on the up in the area.
