Roskill South Raiders Sports Academy 2013

Reflection: Jon Riki - Academy Manager

The Roskill South Raiders team this year was by far the most involvement and support by the community. The number of players at training ranging around 50-60 boys enough for two teams and subs. On game day with a playing squad of 30 plus boys depending on how many we could transport not including managers, coaches and supporters the support from everybody was overwhelming. We still have had the same committee running the team for the past three years with the same amount of core players.

We ended up only having one official team in a comp but we also ran a state of origin comp with a close organization who works with similar young people in the community next to ours. this meant we could play our U17 and U14 teams to great success especially because the games were close to the hood.

 However this year interest was sparked by the idea of a open age team which attracted a lot more boys. There were many groups who played a part in the success of the project including Auckland Council, the competition organisers (Auckland Tongan Sports Association), Mark Roiall from Langi Sports and The Salvation Army and most importantly the Roskill South community.

If you noticed anything around the community after the raiders season has ended all the people involved are alot closer, it has given the chance for the boys in the community to connect through a common interest and build new friendships as well as strengthen existing relationships. The relationships built has not only worked within a certain age group but connected young and old as well as culturally. 

The biggest long term effect that has come from the project would be the connections they are strong now and through other things going on in the community will be maintained. 

This year was a successful season in terms of community and youth development for Roskill South, but as for everything there was some things that could be improved on for the next season of the Raiders. The grounds where the competition was held in Takanini was quite a travel from Roskill South which meant we were not able to fit everybody in our vans but thanks to the financial support and fundraising there was money for gas for the following cars to make numbers.