I remember post the U17 WC a few years back (pre AFC) the Nix Academy brought in Matt Foord, Gardiner, Walker and one other from that U17 NZ team
LBS was also recruited from outside the Academy after being recommended by Ricki H
But the presence of AFC now makes that so much harder. Especially for any kids based say Taupo north
The Bidois boys are from Tauranga. Riley came to the Nix as a teenager. But AFC started up and so younger sibling Jonty went there
But yeah maybe each summer the Nix Academy could play a few U17 type games in the Sth Island as a scouting exercise. See ChCh United got 2 guys in NZU19s. You’d hope the Nix are looking at both of them
LBS was also recruited from outside the Academy after being recommended by Ricki H
But the presence of AFC now makes that so much harder. Especially for any kids based say Taupo north
The Bidois boys are from Tauranga. Riley came to the Nix as a teenager. But AFC started up and so younger sibling Jonty went there
But yeah maybe each summer the Nix Academy could play a few U17 type games in the Sth Island as a scouting exercise. See ChCh United got 2 guys in NZU19s. You’d hope the Nix are looking at both of them