Kale Herbert, left, with Greytown JFC president Gary Hewson. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
FOOTBALL
South Wairarapa’s promising young footballers will soon benefit from the expertise of new Wairarapa United coach Kale Herbert.
Herbert was recently appointed to the position of football development officer at the Greytown Junior Football Club after the confirmation of funding from Air Rescue Services.
His main focus with the club will be leading the Phoenix Pre-Academy, which was established last year through an agreement between Greytown and the Wellington Phoenix, and school engagement and coach education.
Herbert will juggle his new responsibilities with Greytown while leading Wairarapa United’s efforts to secure a place in the National Championship through qualification from the Central League.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Kale on board,” Greytown Junior FC president Gary Hewson said.
“Having someone of Kale’s background and experience in junior and senior coaching is a huge bonus for our club.”
Wairarapa United, Greytown Junior FC, and the Greytown senior club are working closely together, having recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a view to a possible merger in the future.
“It just makes sense to use resources of the three clubs and grow all the coaching [and playing] bases.
“Being able to secure Kale’s services is a great example of how the junior club benefits from collaborating.”
Children are already seeing a positive impact with Herbert’s ‘Football in Schools’ programme being delivered free of charge to schools across Wairarapa.
Despite his young age of 29, Herbert, the son of former All White player and coach Ricki Herbert, has extensive coaching experience already, having taken it up rather than forging ahead with his playing career.
He has coached Northern and National League side Hamilton Wanderers for the past four years in addition to being Technical Director of the Ricki Herbert Football Academy in Waikato.
Hewson said the appointment is great for all young players in South Wairarapa, with boys and girls from all over the region now having access to the club’s pre-academy and in school programmes.
“It can only be good for their development and football in Wairarapa as a whole.”
