More than 1000 players, coaches, supporters and family members are expected at Saxton Field as part of Mainland Football’s 2026 South Island tournaments next month.
40 teams will contest the Tasman Regional Tournament which is supported by longtime backer Nelson Pine Industries.
“NPI is proud to support youth football and the positive impact it has on our children. As parents, there is nothing better than watching a child develop confidence, make new friends and enjoy being part of a team,” says Nelson Pine Industries chief executive Kai Kruse.
That support makes a real difference to the tournament and is something Nelson does well, according to Mainland Football chief executive Martin Field-Dodgson.
“These nine to 17-year-olds have just come off full seasons with their clubs. For a lot of them this is the one weekend, in the year, they play a festival tournament against teams from all over the South Island. It is about fun, friends and football,” says Martin.
The tournament will take place on 6-7 October, preceded by the Jack McKnight Cup, for mixed 11th grade teams, running in Nelson 2-4 October.
