Selfless volunteer Tarena Ranui is in line for the trip of a lifetime after being named as the McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year for 2019.

Tarena coaches a junior team for the Northern United Sports Club and was the regional finalist for the WaiBOP Football Federation.

She was selected as a finalist along with six other worthy recipients from each federation, who were drawn from nearly 700 nominations from across the country.

Nominations were encouraged for positive behaviour both on and off the pitch, including supporting players from the touch line, introducing new players to the game and helping out in the local community.

“Over the past two seasons, Tarena has developed both individual and team-based skills for a group of 9th and 10th grade girls who now play a brand of skilful, structured and passing football that is almost unique in that age group,” her nomination stated.

“Tarena is a well-qualified coach and experienced player who utilises these assets to maximum effect in devising training sessions and setting up teams on game days. She also possesses top-class communication skills and natural empathy with the girls that she coaches,” the nomination went on to say.

“She also works with Ngaruawahia school kids where she teaches. It is a very low socio-economic area and she coaches, transports and parents a number of kids to and from football and futsal competitions.”

As a finalist, Tarena received a coaching pack, apparel kit and a trophy.

As national winner, she will now also receive a trip for two to the United Kingdom to attend an English Premier League match including four nights’ accommodation and spending money.

The overall winner’s prize pack is valued at $10,000 NZD.

Article added: Friday 23 August 2019