Rotorua United under-12 with shot at title

Rotorua United's Israel Warnes (right) runs the ball against Katikati during a 2-0 win earlier this season. Photo / Peter Smith

The Rotorua United Under-12 Federation football team have punched above their weight all season and on Sunday they have the chance to claim the WaiBop title.

United are the only Rotorua side in the WaiBop Junior Federation Under-12 Boys' competition, which has a total of 14 teams. Otumoetai are top of the table on 18 points and Rotorua are second with 15 points, but have a game in hand which they play against Melville at Puarenga Park at 11am on Sunday. If they finish equal on 18 points they will share the title.

The first stage of the competition was split into two sections, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Rotorua finished second to Otumoetai to qualify for Division 1 in the Championship round. They lost a game to Blue Rovers early on in that round, but have since gone unbeaten.

Coach Mark Chapman said the team had really stepped up this season.

"It's a massive challenge to play Waikato-wide, the boys really stood up and punched above their weight, it's been fantastic. We should've beaten Blue Rovers, but lost 1-0. This game on Sunday gives them a bit of a second chance to finish top. They've played their hearts out all season."

The Rotorua United Under-12 Federation football team. Photo / Peter Smith

Against Melville on Sunday, he wanted to see the same commitment his players had shown all season.

"If the process is correct, the result will take care of itself. They just need to play like they have all season - not worry about the end result, just focus on the process.

"A lot of the boys have been playing together for three or four years and they get on really well. They're enjoying their football as well, which is great to see, that's half the battle. To perform consistently, you've got to be having fun. If you can create a fun but structured environment, you're going to get results like we've had this season."

A testament to the Rotorua players' efforts this season is the fact that seven of them have been selected in the WaiBop Weir Rose team. The prestigious Weir Rose Bowl development tournament, held in Cambridge in October, has been running for more than 60 years and is recognised as being one of the best development tournaments available.

"We usually have maybe two or three from Rotorua, but to have seven boys in the team is awesome. There's huge popularity with the game and the quality of players coming through is improving. That's coming from some good coaches and some good coaching pathways from WaiBop.

"We're looking to keep working on those pathways for the players as well. Linking up with Rotorua United for the Federation stuff and from next year linking up the skill centre and getting them the skills they need to execute on a Saturday," Chapman said.