The Matamata Domain will host the Ricki Herbert Football Academy’s (RHFA) newest football development programme, with the first session scheduled for Monday February 25.

Herbert, the ex-All White and Wellington Phoenix coach, has partnered with Matamata Swifts AFC to introduce his Academy’s programme to the Eastern Waikato region. In doing so, the opportunity now exists for local Matamata-Piako, Thames Valley and South Waikato children to benefit from access to a top quality football experience as well as having a heap of fun in the process.

This programme will initially run at the Matamata Domain from 4.30pm to 5.30pm every Monday evening and will continue throughout the year. It is open to boys and girls, footballers and non-footballers alike, aged from 6 to 14 years. The seven sessions during term 1 come at a minimal cost of $70, or $10 per session.

“I’m excited to be bringing our academy into a new region,” explained Herbert after announcing the new programme. “We’re very keen to work with as many children as we can and by coming to Matamata we are now that bit closer to some of the smaller communities that may not previously have had access to the type of programme we offer.”

Matamata Swifts President, Dwayne Barlow, is delighted with the move. “As a parent of young footballers I’m pleased that my club can offer this opportunity to local children, over and above the normal junior football we run. The RHFA has a proven record of delivering a quality service, so I’m glad we can tap into that. I’d encourage anyone with young sportspeople to join in or, at the very least, come along on the 25th for a look so you can find out more.”

The RHFA works with partner clubs across the upper North Island and currently has centres in eleven locations. Through this network they offer further opportunities from talent identification and coaching to overseas tours.

Anyone interested in attending the Matamata programme should click HERE for more information.