Northlands Top Sports club will be named at the Konica Minolta Northland Sports Awards on 4 December. Over the past few weeks District winners have been announced – these all become finalist for the Sport NZ Northland Club of the Year.

Club of the Year for Districts are judged from nominated clubs for their improvement initiatives and effectiveness in serving their members over the past 12 months.

The Kaipara Districts winner announced at the Silver Fern Farms Kaipara Awards last month was Southern Rugby, Netball and Squash Club. This club selected from six finalists in the district demonstrated a focus on creating a family friendly environment. This resulted in enhanced experiences for p[layers and officials  and provided for 100% recruitment of junior players and coaches over the 2015 year.

In the Far North Kerikeri Rugby Club was named as Sport NZ Club of the year at the recent Far North District Council Far North Sports Awards. The club focussed attention on planning, in particular for training field usage and maximise resource allocation.  There were also structural changes to the committee and the allocation of work within the club was more effective in particular to attracting younger members. The combination with Te Tai Tokerau Touch to run a Touch competition attracting 10 social teams was effective in meeting the needs of players in the off season and maintaining some level of social contact.

The announcement of Kamo Squash Club as Whangarei Club of the year from five other finalists was the last Northland finalist to be determined. A successful Squash in schools programme run by the club attracted a number of young people into the club. The club provides resources for both junior members and those new to the game of squash. Two junior and two senior club nights as well as a “Small Nix” programme for littlies mean that there are many opportunities for members to play squash.

“Club Sport remains as the fabric for participation at all levels in the community. They provide participation experiences for young  people and adults and also a pathway for representation and performance for those wishing to test themselves. We place high value on recognising clubs for how they are working to be effective in the community”, Sport Senior Manager Grant Harrison says.

Tickets to the Konica Minolta Sports Awards on December 4th are available from Sport Northland.