Cops court world indoor soccer title

BY MELANIE VERRAN

Twin coppers Andrew and Christopher Gwilliam are taking on fellow boys in blue from around the world this weekend in a battle that takes them away from the front-line.

The 25-year-olds are representing the New Zealand police at the Worldwide Indoor Soccer Police Association tournament at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama.

Teams from Ukraine, Russia, China, Ireland and Brazil arrived in Auckland on Wednesday, spent a day sightseeing yesterday and have their first games today.

The Kiwis take on Brazil in the opening game at 11am this morning.

The team was chosen after trials last month. Four of the 10 members also play for East City Futsal Indoor Soccer Club.

Andrew, a constable at Auckland central police station, has been in the police force for six years and is organising the New Zealand team.

Christopher left the army to join the police after finding out his brother was on a much healthier salary. He is now a constable based at Mt Wellington and, like Andrew, works mainly in emergency response.

Indoor soccer is a bit of a Gwilliam family affair. Both men have been playing for 20 years and their mum Barbara is the chairwoman of the East City club, based at ASB Stadium.

Christopher has taken on the job of tournament director and Barbara is managing the competition.

Getting the 10 team members together for practices is no easy feat. They had just their second training last night.

"Because we’re all working in different areas and different types of policing it’s hard to even talk to them really," Andrew says.

The fast-paced, five-a-side game is a smaller version of outdoor soccer but with no throwing and more goals scored.

"You have to be pretty quick and agile," Christopher says.

It will be the ninth Worldwide Indoor Soccer Police Association tournament but its first time in New Zealand. The Police Association has contributed to running costs.

Barbara says the event wouldn’t have been possible without the manpower and equipment donated by East City members.

Group matches are today and tomorrow with semis and finals on Sunday. Information and a games schedule at www.wispa09.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News