Ruawhare gets shot at US dream

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 14 January 2022

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC U-23 striker Jeremiah Ruawhare is off to the US on a college scholarship.

The 19-year-old forward was outstanding for the club's Lotto NRFL U-23 side last year as the team secured the league title.

The Māori Football protege scored ten goals in 17 matches for the Navy Blues including a crucial brace in the 3-1 win over nearest challengers Birkenhead United.

Ruawhare spoke with 1News and Te Karere about his move to the USA and his opportunity with Biola University in California.

VIDEO - Jeremiah Ruawhare scores for Auckland City FC U-23

GOAL!!! Jeremiah Ruawhare scores from the penalty mark on 24’ for #NavyBlues U-23s over Birkenhead United #ACvBU 1-0 pic.twitter.com/EhBNG6xoeb
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) May 8, 2021

"Some people say its pressure I like the leadership and good to be inspiring others through my actions and Māori football has given me a glimpse of what I can actually achieve,” Ruawhare said.

Ruawhare's footballing dream is being made a reality thanks to one of New Zealand's greatest Māori players.

While Reid's last gasp equaliser against Slovakia at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 might be Reid's biggest on the field, it's his youth foundation which is set to have the biggest influence on New Zealand football.

"It's something that had its genesis in 2015 when I met with Winston in London and there was an idea that we did the world cup together but how do we realise opportunities for young Māori,” Winston Reid Football Academy co-founder Phil Warbrick said.

Realising young Māori potential is part of the legacy Reid wants to leave behind.

“He's got the heart to give other people the same opportunity, he was a young Māori who went to Denmark and rose through the ranks and wanted to see if he could create a pathway for others,” Warbrick added.

VIDEO - Jeremiah Ruawhare scores the first of two against Birkenhead United

45’ | 1-2

GOAL!!! Well, well, well - Kristoff Muller is axed down and it’s a penalty which Ruawhare tucks away with aplomb #U23 #LottoNRFL #StrengthInUnity #NavyBlues pic.twitter.com/duZbxY8TfB
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) August 14, 2021

The foundation is rushing to get his US visa approved as classes begin next week.

"He's sponsored me for my funding, huge ups to him aye, my goal is MLS and then move to Europe and then come back to Māori football and give back. I'm grateful for everything, picking me up for training and dropping me off, I didn't know how expensive gas was until I got my own car, "Ruawhare said.

Ruwhare is currently in camp with fellow Māori Football players preparing for their Clash of the Cultures matches with New Zealand Secondary Schools at Bill McKinlay Park.

The matches see two Māori Football squads take on their New Zealand Secondary School opponents in two age groups this weekend (January 15-16, 2022) at Bill McKinlay Park.

The kick-off times are 11.00am and 1.30pm both days.

Ends

Aspects of this story reproduced courtesy 1News and Te Karere

Extra Information

Player Profile
Name: Jeremiah Ruawhare
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Club appearances: 17
Club goals: 10
Honours:
Māori Football representative
Lotto NRFL U-23 League winner