Football: Towers is not short of ambition

Rotorua footballer James Towers (right) has been named in the Waibop United youth team this year. Photo / Stephen Parker

They told James Towers he was too short to be a goalkeeper.

But what he lacks in height he makes up for in athleticism.

Towers, 18, has thrived as a goalkeeper in New Zealand, after moving here from England at age 9.

He was recently named in the Waibop United youth team to play in the upcoming 2014 national youth league, as their number one goalkeeper.

Despite his relatively short build, Towers has impressed at football clubs in Rotorua and Waikato during the past couple of years.

"I still get the job done," he explained. "My agility is the highlight of my game." This is his third season in the Waibop United youth team (formerly known as Waikato FC) but his first as the number one keeper.

He will travel with the team across the country this year, competing against the best young talent in New Zealand.

He said he was really looking forward to the opportunity.

"We started training last Wednesday, working up to our first game in a few weeks' time down in Palmerston North," he said.

"I have grown a lot in confidence this year, especially playing at men's level, and I feel like I have improved." Towers is in his final year at John Paul College and said he hoped to play for Hamilton Wanderers' first team next year. He said his goal was to go as far as possible in the sport.

"I want to go as far as I can and enjoy it, and hopefully make it professional." Towers was a crucial part of Ngongotaha's senior team this season and even saved an important penalty in the Chatham Cup, which helped Ngongotaha progress to the top 16 clubs in the country.

Last year he was based in Hamilton, on a football scholarship, where he played club football for Hamilton Wanderers in their reserve team.

He decided to return home to Rotorua this year and has really enjoyed his football at Ngongotaha. "Since I played last year I was not very confident but this year I have been confident as." He said the highlight of his year was saving a penalty in the Chatham Cup against Hibiscus Coast, which helped Ngongotaha win 3-2.

"That was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had," he said. "I just guessed it right and got lucky. I went to my left and [was told later] it was going towards the post." Towers said he started goalkeeping in Year 8 at John Paul College.

"I first got into goalkeeping when I went to the Aims Games tourney. I was Year 8 and I ended up hurting my foot and jumped in goal, and I loved it." He said it took a while to convince his dad, a central midfielder, to let him play in goal, but he came around.

There will be one fixture at Rotorua International Stadium this year for the Waibop United youth team and senior team on December 20 against Hawke's Bay.