From the Plains to the Pitch

In this special edition of From The Plains to The Pitch , we sit down with three stars from Auckland FC for a rapid–fire series of interviews that dive into mindset, pressure, opportunity, and the future of football in Aotearoa. Featuring: 🔹 Cam Howieson - A remarkable story of resilience — from an eight–year break from professional football to becoming a key figure in Auckland’s midfield. We tal...

In this special Movember episode, Matt, Jack, and Alex sit down with Robert Dunne , the Country Lead for Movember New Zealand , to talk about men’s health, community, and the power of conversation. Robert shares what it’s like leading one of the world’s biggest men’s health movements, some unforgettable stories from Movember’s early days, and how family and sport continue to shape his approach to...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT | Falling in Love with Sport 💬 This week on From The Plains to The Pitch we’re joined by someone who truly embodies passion, balance, and leadership both on and off the field.  Natalie O’Neil — Thames Valley Vixen, women’s rugby advocate, and this year’s Players’ Player and Rookie of the Year in the Waikato Women’s Development Competition — shares her story of: 💪 Becoming a...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE PREVIEW | Falling in Love with Sport 💬 This week on From The Plains to The Pitch we’re joined by someone who truly embodies passion, balance, and leadership both on and off the field.  Natalie O’Neil — Thames Valley Vixen, women’s rugby advocate, and this year’s Players’ Player and Rookie of the Year in the Waikato Women’s Development Competition — shares her story of: 💪 Becoming...

This week, we sit down with Craig Bulloch , founder of MATES Matter NZ , for an honest and deeply personal conversation about mental health, resilience, and the power of connection. Craig opens up about his early life, the illusion of success, and the difficult moments that led him to the edge — and how his brother’s actions saved his life. Together, we talk about how sport and physical exercise c...

“You matter.” Two words that can change everything. 💛 This week, we sit down with Craig Bulloch , founder of MATES Matter NZ , for an open and powerful conversation about mental health, resilience, and why checking in with your mates really does make a difference. From personal struggles to the power of connection through sport — this episode reminds us that we’re never alone, no matter what we’r...

Episode 8 – Adam Matete: Family, Footy & Food Presented by Laser Electrical and Paton Kitchens This week on From the Plains to the Pitch we welcome Adam Matete — a true local legend. Adam has lived and breathed team sport his whole life. A passionate rugby league coach, proud family man, and advocate for junior sport , Adam brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field. In this episo...

Episode 8 – Adam Matete: Family, Footy & Food Presented by Laser Electrical and Paton Kitchens This week we’re joined by local legend Adam Matete — rugby league coach, family man, and passionate advocate for junior sport. Born and raised in Ngatea, Adam shares his story of growing up in the community, the role sport has played throughout his life, and why team culture is so important both on a...

Episode 7 – Junior Special Presented by Paton Kitchens Ngatea This week we sit down with Liam Gordon , Wolves goalkeeper and club captain, to hear about his junior football journey and the experiences that shaped him into a leader today. We also head pitchside for the final junior football weekend of the season , with the Lions, Tigers, and Hawks all playing at home. Expect the sounds of the sidel...

This week we’re joined by Wolves midfielder Lachlan McHaffie — a lifelong football fan, team leader at the local council, and proud Arsenal supporter. Lachy sits down with us to reflect on the Wolves’ season, what football means to him, and how leadership on and off the pitch goes hand in hand. We also cover: 🐺 A full review of the Wolves’ 2024 season, including the recent 0–0 draw with Melville...

🎧 Episode 5: Where Football Meets the Future Presented by Paton Kitchens Ngatea This week, we’re recording on the road at Hauraki Plains College — our local school for students aged 13–18 — to explore how sport, education, and career pathways all connect. We’re joined by: 🏫 Jono — Deputy Head at HPC and Wolves first-team player 🎓 Pippa Lawlor — Careers Advisor at HPC Together, we discuss: ⚽ Ho...

This week, we’re taking From the Plains to the Pitch back to school — literally. 🏫⚽ We sit down at Hauraki Plains College with Deputy Head (and Wolves player) Jono and Careers Advisor Pippa Lawlor to talk: 🎯 How sport shapes young people 🧠 Building strong mindsets through education 📈 Career pathways in and around football Then we switch gears with a deep dive into the professional game — chat...

🎧 Episode 4: Football and Family Presented by Laser Electrical Ngatea This week, we’re joined by one of the most football-mad families around — the Rawnsleys. Mum Sarah manages our U12 Pythons, Liam plays in the junior squad, and older brother James now suits up for Kaimai Rangers. In this episode: 👨‍👩‍👦 The ups and downs of managing a junior football team ⚽️ What it's like growing up in...

This week, we’re joined by one of the most football-mad families around — the Rawnsleys. Mum Sarah manages our U12 Pythons, Liam plays in the junior squad, and older brother James now suits up for Kaimai Rangers. In this episode: 👨‍👩‍👦 The ups and downs of managing a junior football team ⚽️ What it's like growing up in a football family 🧠 Coaching advice and youth football culture 🎯 Our Swit...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Scott and Natalie from WaiBOP Football to explore what it takes to develop the game from the ground up — in clubs, communities, and classrooms across the region. We dive into: Coaching juniors vs seniors Progression for coaches and referees in NZ football Growing the women’s game and keeping girls in football Building strong, inclusive club culture Careers a...

🎧 Episode 3: Developing the Game Scott and Natalie from WaiBOP Football join us to talk coaching pathways, women’s football, grassroots growth, and building better clubs. Plus: our Wolves match review, junior highlights, and the Switched On Challenge powered by Laser Electrical Ngatea. Presented by PATON Kitchens

In this episode, we sit down with Auckland City FC defender Alfie Rogers to hear how a grassroots footballer found himself playing on the global stage at six FIFA Club World Cups. Alfie shares his development journey, the demands of international club football, and the lessons that started on local soil. We also bring you:– Juniors Corner: match recaps and standout young players– The Switched On C...

From muddy boots to the biggest stage in club football. ⚽️🌍 This week we’re joined by Auckland City FC’s Alfie Rogers , who shares how he went from grassroots beginnings to competing at six FIFA Club World Cups — representing his club on a global stage. Honest, inspiring, and packed with insight for any player chasing big goals from small towns. - Listen to this teaser. Full episode launches thi...

In our very first episode of From the Plains to the Pitch , we dig into the 41-year story of Hauraki Plains FC — from its grassroots beginnings in 1984 as a junior-only club to launching its first senior men’s team in 2023. Joining us is Wolves centre-back, junior coach, and all-round club legend Phil J . We talk about his journey from the backline to the sidelines, coaching our U12 all-girls team...

Our story starts here. 🐺⚽️ 41 years of history, a brand new senior men’s team, and one man who’s been at the heart of both — centre back, junior coach, and proud Wolves dad Phil J joins us for the very first episode of From the Plains to the Pitch . 📻 Real voices from the past 🟰 Honest chats about building something from the ground up 💬 Coaching, community, and club culture 🔌 Plus: our first...