As you are all aware pesäpallo has arrived in New Zealand. We have a good solid following which could always be better, but we are very content with the way things are going.

I have been just so lucky to have been asked by the President and committee of the Auckland Finnish Society to act as coach for pesäpallo. A task I take very seriously and a task that is making me learn so much about pesäpallo and Finnish culture.

I feel the time is here for pesäpallo to now begin the search for new coaches. We need to do this so we can begin the formation of teams or clubs in the various areas of Auckland. For instance teams are forming in the Eastern area of Auckland and I think that teams could be established on the North Shore and Central/West Auckland. This will increase area loyalty and create good competition for the serious players and great comradeship for the social players.

No I am not looking to stop my association with the sport. I want to increase my association by now acting as the training coach to teach coaches to coach. I need the help. The game needs the coaches and the players will require good leadership. Anyone can coach who can first of all form great bonds with players and those wanting to play. Teaching the game is the easy part. So anyone and I mean anyone who wants to offer their services for a coaching role should contact me in the very near future. I gotta tell you there is no wrong way to coach. Just a better way. So get thinking about this and volunteer to be a coach.

There are some up coming events that will require coaches to take teams to Australia. Start now and you could be heading over the Tasman to play against teams based in Australia. There is the World Cup during 2006. We may not get there but we will maybe make the World Cup 2009. We will need coaches for these tasks.

There maybe a chance that competition be established with teams back in Finland coming here and us going there. The opportunities could be endless. But we need coaches.

These coaching roles are not just for the adult level of pesäpallo but we are planning to bring youth to this game and then we need to have coaches who are geared up to lead our youth towards a rewarding experience with pesäpallo. Feel like you can make a difference. Then prove it. Become a coach your game needs you"

Gavin