As we wrap up a successful first year for the Long Bay College Sports Academy, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how the programme has developed and acknowledge the community partners who have helped make it possible.
In its first year, the Football Academy has exceeded expectations. Our Year 9 students have thrived in a professional, player-centred environment, developing their skills, confidence and understanding of what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. The results have been impressive, with our Under 13 teams competing in Auckland’s top division, while several academy players stepped up to play in the Under 14 top division, an outstanding achievement for students of their age.
The growth of the programme has also generated significant interest, with strong demand from both boys and girls keen to join the academy in 2027. Building on this success, Long Bay College is excited to expand the Sports Academy model into additional sporting codes, with Netball and Basketball set to launch next year. These programmes will provide even more local young athletes with access to expert coaching, athlete development opportunities and a professional sporting environment.
None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to North Harbour Ford, one of our valued Gold Sponsors.
Supporting the Football Academy was a natural fit for the North Harbour Ford team, many of whom have grown up playing and following football themselves. Their commitment to supporting young people and giving back to the local community has helped create opportunities that will have a lasting impact on our students.
North Harbour Ford also joined us at the recent Alumni Sports Day, bringing along a fun football activation challenge where students could test their skills by attempting to score through a deceptively difficult target goal. Every successful shot earned an entry into the draw to win a LEGO Ford Mustang. What looked simple quickly proved to be anything but, with plenty of students lining up for multiple attempts before finally finding the back of the net. One staff member, however, made it look effortless. PE teacher Paul Fields casually stepped up, scored with his first kick, and walked away as though it was the easiest thing in the world!
Congratulations also go to Year 9 student Adam Cudrak, who was the lucky winner of the LEGO Ford Mustang prize draw.
Long Bay College is incredibly grateful for the support of North Harbour Ford and all of our Sports Academy sponsors. Their investment in young people helps create opportunities that simply would not exist otherwise. As the academy continues to grow and expand, we look forward to building even stronger pathways for aspiring young athletes in our community.
Exciting times lie ahead for Long Bay College sport, and we cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings.
