On Sunday, March 24, Mako Sharks Football Academy embarked on a meaningful journey to Whangārei, where our U9 and U10 teams took part in a full day of friendly yet competitive matches hosted by Northland FC.
This was a special exchange event between two youth football academies committed to development and sportsmanship. With the originally scheduled tournament being reshaped due to limited team availability, both clubs quickly adapted and came together to make the day a valuable experience for all players.
⚽ Matchday Highlights
- U9 and U10 teams played in multiple formats, including 5v5, 3v3, and 7v7 matches
- Each game was full of energy, teamwork, and learning opportunities
- Players showed great attitude, respect, and competitive spirit
- All match results were counted towards a cumulative exchange cup point system, which will continue during the May return leg in Auckland
🍽️ Building Friendships Off the Pitch
After the matches, players and parents from both clubs came together to share a post-game lunch, celebrating the day and enjoying the community spirit. It was a wonderful reminder that football is about more than just the score — it’s about connections, growth, and joy.
🔁 Looking Ahead
We look forward to hosting Northland FC in Auckland this May, continuing this positive exchange and strengthening the bond between our clubs.
A huge thank you to Northland FC for their warm hospitality, and to all the players, coaches, and parents who made this day so memorable.
This is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration – and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.
#MakoSharks #NorthlandExchangeCup #YouthFootball #FootballFriendship #BeyondTheGame
