Hard work pays off for young footballer

Dedication swings award for footballer

KENT BLECHYNDEN/Fairfax NZ

FOOTBALL FAN: Award winner Gabriel O'Connell, 11, with Ricki Herbert.

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He used to just kick the ball in any direction on the pitch, but in the last year Gabriel O'Connell's football skills have come a long way.

In recognition, he yesterday picked up a Frances Clarke Memorial Award, an honour for young people with Down syndrome in the Wellington region. Gabriel was recognised for his dedication to training, kicking goals and keeping up the morale of his team.

The award – complete with trophy and framed certificate – was presented to a beaming Gabriel by Phoenix and All Whites coaching legend Ricki Herbert.

The achievements recognised by the Frances Clarke Awards will have taken determination, application and perseverance.

Herbert, who was guest speaker at the event at Government House, said the awards were inspirational and suggested some of his Phoenix players could learn a thing or two from Gabriel's commitment.

The 11-year-old scored his first goal this season.

Gabriel's mum, Carmen Slater, said he just loved to run with his brothers and everyone else. "We are very proud of him. It was wonderful to hear he would get the award."

Also recognised was 12-year-old Charlotte Elliott for showing independence at her first school camp and for devoting herself to her schoolwork, classmates and performing with StarJam, a performance group.

In the senior category, Daniel Howard won the trophy for his dedication to karate and for being a high achiever in drama and film-making. Daniel, 18, said his dream was to be a horror movie star either in Wellywood, or preferably in Hollywood.

Daniel's mother, Debbie Howard, said the awards were very special, particularly because Daniel had lost his father earlier this year. "I can't set any limits on him. He can do anything he wants."

- © Fairfax NZ News