Papakura
Hi I’m Graeme Thorpe Branch Manager for Youthtown Papakura.
Youthtown Papakura currently run a sports coaching and development programme in over 15 local primary and intermediate schools working with over 1400 students a fortnight in the Counties Manukau area. This programme focuses on motor skill development, physical well-being, and encouraging active engagement and participation in sport, whilst creating a platform for young people to build their self-worth and confidence.
We also run regular holiday programmes catering for 10-14 year olds in the area. They get to participate in a range of exciting activities from hip-hop dance workshops, rock-climbing, team challenges, outdoor adventures, art workshops, sports, cooking, and day excursions. We also have more programmes on the way, so watch this space…
I’ve lived in South Auckland all my life, growing up in Papatoetoe, and attending Papatoetoe High School. I currently live in Manurewa with my wife Emma. I’ve worked with Youthtown for over 7 years now, and I’m passionate about providing young people with opportunities so they can reach their full potential. One of the greatest things about working with Youthtown is that I get to work with an amazing and talented team of staff, and that we get to see the enjoyment and impact our programmes have with the people in our community. The positive feedback from students, parents, and teachers about the influence our programmes are making is extremely rewarding.
Sports Coaching
Available to all South Auckland schools, the Youthtown School Sports Coaching Programme is one of the best in New Zealand for primary and intermediate school children.
We can take care of:
* The running of specialised activities and sports programmes
* All risk management, planning and documentation
* All equipment and expert tuition
Programmes:
Rippa Rugby
We are currently in partnership with Counties Manukau Rugby to deliver the Rippa Rugby programme into schools in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup.
Rippa Rugby is a game for younger players to play as a stepping stone into our national game. It's a non-contact, safe and fun sport for all involved. Rippa Rugby develops a vast number of skills that are transferable into the larger 15-a-side game.
These skills are:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Evasion
- Passing
- Catching
- Fair play
- Teamwork
- Tactical and strategic thinking
- A developed understanding of the game
Soccer
Soccer is the fastest growing sport in New Zealand. It is played by people of all ages, both female and male.
Our aim is to promote the game within the South Auckland region.
Soccer is a fast and exciting game played with 11 players on each team. A team compromises of one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players. There are defenders, midfielders and attackers. All positions play a unique role within the team.
The objective of the game is to outscore the opposition by putting the ball inside the goal.
Basic skills required to play a game of soccer are:
- Passing – using inside and outside of both feet
- Ball control – using different parts of the body e.g. feet, thighs, chest, head and hands for goalkeepers
- Movement – how to evade defenders and to get in behind the defensive line
- Understanding of knowledge and positional play – help kids develop an understanding on what the positions are on the field and where you need to stand in those positions
- Fair play
- Teamwork - gather an understanding of what it takes to work as a team
- Defending – working on body position, one on one defending as well as defending as a team
- Attacking – developing strategies and tactics as a team
- Basic individual ball skills – we encourage kids to have a ball each during sessions to develop and explore different ways to control the ball and individual ball skills
Netball
Netball is the world's most popular team sport for women. It's a fast, skillful game which is based on throwing, catching, running and jumping.
The game's objective is for team members to get the ball to the shooter in the goal circle who will try to shoot and score a goal, which the opposing team will try and stop.
Players are assigned "positions" that define their role within the team and restrict their movement on court. The game is played by two teams of seven players.
During the game, a player with the ball can only step once before passing it, and must pass the ball or shoot for goal within three seconds.
Goals can only be scored by the assigned shooting players. Netball games are 60 minutes long, divided into four 15-minute quarters, at the end of which the team with the most goals scored wins.
Traditionally it's a sport for women but more males are becoming increasingly involved through mixed teams with the introduction of variations to the game such as indoor netball and fast net.
The rules are easy for new players to learn and the best starting point is a school team or club.
Our sessions can consist of the following:
- Passing
- Catching
- Agility
- Vision (identifying space & decision making)
- Positional play
- Attacking/defending - strategies and tactics
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship/fair play
- Rules
- Communication
- Movement
- Co-ordination /timing
- Modified games
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is a free flowing game. It is played worldwide and combines elements of many sports. The aim is for the team that has the Frisbee disc to pass it up the field to the end zone or try line. Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact sport which promotes good competitiveness, fair play and positivity.
These are some skills required for ultimate Frisbee:
- Throwing
- Catching/ hand-eye coordination
- Speed/ stamina
- Agility
- Defensive and attacking strategies
- Teamwork
- An understanding of the rules
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby, or 'touch' as it is more commonly known, is a minimal contact sport that is played worldwide by men, women and children. It is played at a social level around the country. The game is increasingly promoted at school competitions and development clinics as it promotes a variety of skills as well as team play.
The basic skills required to play touch are:
- Passing
- Catching
- Running/ evasion
- Defensive/ attacking strategies
- Speed
- Evasion
- Communication
Active Games
Active Games are a large variety of those which are based on maximising participation and enjoyment levels by all. They are appropriate for all ages and are a fun way of learning new skills and strategies as they offer exciting objectives within those games.
These games develop:
- A large variety of skills
- Emphasizes on individual and team decision making
- Fair play
- Evasion
- Speed
- Stamina
Big Ball Skills
Our Big Ball Skills programme is based around the skill level of the children ranging from new entrants, right up to year 8 students. It covers skills such as catching, throwing, hand eye coordination and installing confidence within individuals. Helping them develop a sense of high self esteem and achievement.
Games that we use to develop Big Ball Skills are:
- Relays (with Balls)
- Catching and passing
Rugby
Rugby is a game played in over 120 countries and is the national sport here in New Zealand. Rugby has rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement.
Children as young as six can enjoy playing rugby (non-contact versions of the game i.e. Rippa Rugby.
Rugby is played both as a 15-a-side game, and is also very popular as seven-a-side.
The object of the game is for two teams of fifteen players to score as many points as possible, by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball with the team scoring the most points being the winner of the match.
Skills required are:
- Tackling
- Passing
- Catching
- Evasion
- Agility
- Speed, strength, power and endurance
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship/ fair play
- Ball into contact
- Defending and attacking strategies
Kiwi Cricket
Kiwi Cricket is a game for boys and girls to participate in. It is used as a stepping stone to regional, national & even international levels.
Cricket is gaining increased popularity with fans and players due to the fast-paced nature of 20/20 Cricket.
Skills we are promoting within South Auckland include:
- Catching
- Throwing
- Batting
- Fair play
- Working as a team
- Enjoyment
We incorporate these skills by using different that games we come up with and then we finish with a game of kiwi cricket once the skills are learnt.
EXPERIENCED IN RUNNING SPORTS PROGRAMMES, PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED COACHES MAKING IT FUN, SAFE AND HASSLE-FREE
Get to know our coaches:
Mark
I've been in the sports industry for 12 years. I enjoy working with children of all ages, especially in the field of rugby development and coaching. I'm enjoying being part of Youthtown and tackling the challenges involved with this a new role.
Jamie
Rugby is my passion; I've played for Counties Manukau, New Zealand Secondary Schools and was selected to participate in the U/20 trials. I hope to go further in my rugby and play professionally. I enjoy working with Youthtown and helping develop students improve their sports skills.
Waka
I've been playing rugby since I was four years old. I've played both professionally and semi-professionally for eight years. My long term goal is to become a teacher and a rugby coach at an elite level. I enjoy working for Youthtown because I'm helping develop children's skills and I get a chance to improve my coaching techniques everyday.
Craig
My football career has spanned over 10 years. I've played in age group national teams as well as been involved with the All Whites. I played a number of other sports before playing professional football for the Kingz. I enjoy working with the team at Youthtown and am looking forward to further developing my coaching skills.
FOR BOOKINGS AND INFO CONTACT:
Please Download:
Sports Programme Term One Booking Form
Mark Ama
Programme Manager
Phone: (09) 297 7386
Fax: (09) 297 7339
Mobile: 027 225 5976
Email: mark@youthtown.org.nz
Holiday Programme
Check out our awesome holiday programmes!
OSCAR Holiday Programme (Ages 10-14)
These holidays let your kids (10-14 yrs) experience our awesome OSCAR holiday programme from the 22nd April - 3rd May, 2013. Amazing fun-filled adventures from watersports, team challenges, outdoor adventures, sports and games, art workshops, cooking and day excursions including trips to the movies, hot pools and the infamous Rainbow's End.
Programmes are recognised by the Ministry of Social Development and built around comprehensive OSCAR (Out of School Care And Recreation) safety policies and procedures. So you can be assured your kids will experience a range of activities in a fun and safe environment.
Parents please note: You may be eligible for an OSCAR Holiday Programme WINZ Subsidy, this is available to parents who are working or studying. You could be getting the programme completely FREE. Please enquire at time of booking. More information is also available at www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz or by calling 0800 559 009.
Spaces are limited.
Check out our full holiday programme and rego form below.
Please download:
Papakura Holiday Programme ages 10-14 - April
Papakura Holiday Rego Form ages 10-14 - April
For more information please contact:
Waka, Holiday Programme Coordinator
Phone: (09) 297 7386 / 027 225 5970
Email: papakura@youthtown.org.nz
Address: Red Hill Community Centre, 163 Dominion Road, Red Hill, Papakura
Break Away Holiday Programme
Break Away is a MSD holiday programme that is FREE to all teens ages 11- 15 from areas around your school. Youthtown works hard to provide quality adventurous activities other than just tag or Frisbee in the park (but we will have some wicked games of tag too).
The Break-Away Programme is intended to help young people:
- Build their social, interpersonal and communication skills, so that they can manage and respond positively.
- To challenge and make positive choices about their lives.
- Avoid high risk anti-social behaviour such as experimenting with drugs or being involved in crime.
- Improve attitudes and engagement with school and improve their self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Learn about the importance of being physically active, gain adaptable skills through participation and become aware of physical activities available in their communities.
Please note: Programme location is at Rosehill College, 5 Endinburgh Avenue, Papakura.
Check out our full holiday programme and rego form below.
Please download:
Papakura Breakaway Holiday Programme - April
Papakura Breakaway Rego Form - April
For more information please contact:
Craig Wylie
Phone:027 225 5973
Fax: (09) 297 7339
Email: papakura@youthtown.org.nz
Postal Address:PO Box 2721736, Papakura
Testimonials
Check out some of the great feedback we have received
Contact Us
Youthtown Papakura
Red Hill Community Centre,
163 Dominion Road
Red Hill, Papakura
Phone: 09 297 7386




