Naenae Football Club

Naenae Football Club is a soccer club located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Established in 1948, the club has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the local community. Nestled beneath the beautiful Naenae hills, the club provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for members of all ages to come together and enjoy the sport of football.

At Naenae Football Club, they believe in the power of sport to foster community and strengthen relationships. They offer a range of opportunities for participation across various grade levels, from First Kicks for the youngest players to Masters for the experienced ones. The club is committed to being a family-focused organisation, emphasising the importance of participation and wellbeing, regardless of the outcome of the matches.

The club prides itself on its strong sense of community, which they describe as “Whanaungatanga ki Poikiri - Community Through Football. ” They strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, from young aspiring players to seasoned veterans. Naenae Football Club currently has several teams, including the First Team, Royals Wellington, Kiwis Under 15s, Second Team, Dragons Masters, Juniors 8th Grade, Nighthawks Wellington, Mighty Masters, and First Kicks.

Each team is led by dedicated and passionate coaches who are committed to helping players excel and develop their skills. The club's committee, consisting of individuals such as Melinda Boyce, Bjorn van Beusekom, Shaun Gillespie, Rebecca Janes, and more, is responsible for the overall management and organisation of the club.

Naenae Football Club has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1948. It all started with Reg Dicks, an ex-Portsmouth man, and his accomplice Ron Miles, who put up posters around Naenae, calling for individuals interested in establishing a soccer club to attend a meeting. The meeting took place at the home of Reg, with several individuals, including Tom Morgan, Murdo Graham, Jack Middleton, Eric Britton, Mick Goggin, and Jack Wing, in attendance. The committee was formed, and the Naenae Association Football Club was born.

Since its affiliation with the Wellington Football Association, Naenae Football Club has been dedicated to the development of youth soccer in the Hutt Valley. They have achieved their goal of having two boys' teams playing in the Junior Saturday morning competition. The club continues to strive for excellence and encourages anyone interested in becoming a Vice President to join and support the growth of the club.

Overall, Naenae Football Club is a community-oriented soccer club that prides itself on providing a positive and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages to enjoy the sport of football. With a rich history and a passionate committee and coaching staff, they are committed to building relationships and fostering the wellbeing of their members through the power of sport.