Twenty-one Waipā teams braved wild weather to take part in WaiBop Football Federation’s junior 5-a-side tournament in Hamilton on Sunday.
Cambridge players in the club’s traditional red and white stripes encourage each other as they play Te Kowhai at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Despite torrential rain and gale-force winds at the start of the event, children from across Waikato and Bay of Plenty turned up in high spirits for the annual festival at Jansen Park in Hamilton East.
Cambridge fielded 10 teams, Te Awamutu 11, and Tauwhare and Tamahere were also represented. They faced off against traditionally strong clubs like Hamilton Wanderers, Claudelands Rovers, and Northern United.
Organisers estimated that midway through the tournament there were as many as 2500 people – including players, whānau and supporters – packed into the ground.
There were plenty of opportunities for traditional Waipā rivalries with this match between Te Awamutu AFC, in red, and Cambridge in yellow fluoro tops at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
There were plenty of opportunities for traditional Waipā rivalries with this match between Te Awamutu AFC, in red, and Cambridge in yellow fluoro tops at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Te Awamutu AFC in red, takes on Northern United at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
In a show of colour and community spirit, teams and supporters were encouraged to wear pink in support of Positive Vibes Only, promoting messages of encouragement, respect, and positivity.
The focus was firmly on fun, support from the sidelines, and letting kids enjoy the game their way.
Ken Cresswell, WaiBop’s Football Development Manager, said five-a-side was fast, fun, and full of energy.
Clearing the ball in a crowded goal mouth against Te Awamutu AFC, in blue, is a Cambridge FC player wearing the traditional red and white with others in pink tutus to recognise Positive Vibes Only in support of the messages of positivity, encouragement and respect at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Just the Cambridge FC goalie in a pink tutu to beat for this Te Awamutu AFC player, in blue, and she duly knocked it in at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Good game, good game – Te Awamutu, in blue, congratulates Waipā neighbours Cambridge after the game at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Tauwhare, in black, competing against Morrinsville at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Tauwhare, in black, competing against Morrinsville at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
“It’s a brilliant way for young players to enjoy football in a different format and finish their season on a high.
“The smaller space and quicker pace demand quick thinking, sharp skills and good decisions. It’s a great way for players to learn through play, test themselves in new situations, and grow their confidence. This festival is about enjoying the game, supporting teammates, and trying things out without pressure.”
Craigs Investment Partners sponsored the event. Investment adviser Fraser Pease said the sponsorship promoted physical activity and nurtured a passion for sport from an early age.
There were no knockout games, tables, or league winners—just medals handed out at the end to every participant, celebrating effort, enthusiasm, and the joy of the game.
Cambridge FC players wore pink tutus in this match against Te Awamutu, in blue, to recognise Positive Vibes Only in support of the messages of positivity, encouragement and respect. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The Te Awamutu AFC gazebo and its supporters survived the early morning weather conditions at the Waikato Junior 5-a-side tournament. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
