{"id":3852,"date":"2023-08-18T12:46:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T03:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theasiangame.net\/?p=3852"},"modified":"2026-09-25T14:38:39","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T05:08:39","slug":"manaaki-magic-sparks-a-flame-as-phoenix-look-to-build-on-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theasiangame.net\/ro\/manaaki-magic-sparks-a-flame-as-phoenix-look-to-build-on-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Manaaki magic sparks a flame as Phoenix look to build on World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"
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True World Cup magic often happens away from the spotlight.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certainly this has been the case in Wellington, New Zealand where the country\u2019s only professional football club has taken full advantage of the cross-cultural learning opportunities major tournaments such as the FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Manaaki Invitational<\/em> was an international youth tournament hosted by Wellington Phoenix in July, contested over three days with players and coaches taking time out to attend several Women\u2019s World Cup group stage matches at the local Wellington Regional Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese club Shonan Bellmare, Soccer.com and California FC from the US and, of course, Wellington Phoenix were the four clubs to put forward female youth teams, with all sides playing each other at least once in a highly productive exchange of football culture and styles of play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking with The Asian Game<\/em><\/strong>, the Phoenix\u2019s female development lead, Katie Barriott, detailed the fundamental reasons for hosting this exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe knew of teams from various countries visiting New Zealand and saw this as an opportunity to welcome them into our home and show them what we do as an academy,” she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Equally it\u2019s a great learning opportunity for our players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Taka Ishihara (Photo: Supplied)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Offering a visitor\u2019s perspective, Bellmare Girls U15 head coach, Taka Ishihara, was in full comprehension of the benefits such an opportunity brings for his team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a chance for our young Japanese players to gain confidence when communicating with and competing against players from overseas,\u201d Ishihara said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn addition, this was also an opportunity for coaches from various countries to exchange ideas and concepts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst Japanese players are often perceived to struggle when pitted against international opponents as a result of the difference physicality, their well harnessed technical ability receives regular praise and admiration, as Barriott was quick to point out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think the technical foundation of every one of their players was exceptional,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was really exciting to watch and they\u2019re just a group of players that clearly love playing football.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is fair to say that the football styles of Japan and New Zealand are somewhat polarising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the one hand Japan cherishes technique and organised passing sequences, while New Zealand tends to place more emphasis on strength and physical attributes. How these two cultures might rub off on each other is a point of interest to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Last week, we held the Manaaki Invitational where our U17s girls played Shonan Bellmare, https:\/\/t.co\/YpVX7Sq6Ii<\/a> & California U14s at Fraser Park \ud83d\ude4c

Here is a recap of the event from last week! \ud83d\udc4a

\ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udda4 pic.twitter.com\/oE9edhFqZA<\/a><\/p>— Wellington Phoenix Academy (@WgtnPhoenixAcad) August 1, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>