Kids' sports team's coach and manager high fived for dedication

A young boy's efforts to recognise his sports team's coach and manager have paid off.

Sean Gapes plays football with Rotorua United in a team of 13 and 14-year-olds and he nominated the team coach and manager for The Hits and Dilmah Community High Fives initiative.

It asked people to nominate someone in the community who deserved recognition for their work.

Sean said he nominated coach Rawiri White and manager Sam White because they always turned up to games and trainings and put in time for the team.

Rawiri and Sam White (centre) with members and family of the soccer team they coach and manage. Photo/Ben Fraser

"They turn up to all our trainings and games, even when it's really cold.

"She (Sam) gives us things like player of the day."

Sean said he was surprised but happy to hear the Whites had won the prize.

They won a Dilmah tea prize pack and morning tea at Robert Harris, Rotorua.

Sam said she was shocked to hear they had been nominated - and won.

"We do this because it's the right thing to do. We don't do anything special so to be nominated and acknowledged shows what a great bunch of kids we are coaching and managing."

She said the couple didn't think it was right to enjoy the prize without the team that got them there so the team went for morning tea at Robert Harris together after their Saturday game.

Rawiri said he was overwhelmed with the win.

"The support from parents has been huge. It's very touching and a little bit overwhelming.

"We couldn't ask for a better bunch of kids."