Sam Caldwell achieving on and off the field

It's not just what you do on the sporting field that makes you stand out, it's also your personal conduct off the field that leaves a lasting impression.

The teachers who help with Tahuna football have known Sam Caldwell is a great footballer, we've also just learned what a wonderful representative he is for Tahuna and our values.

Sam has played in the Tahuna 1st XI over the two years he's been at our school and we've known he's achieving big things at club level too. Recently Tahuna received an extremely complimentary email from a club coach for whom Sam had been playing up two grades for this season. 

Marcus Deedman – Coach DCRFC U15 FSDL Squad says in his email:

Sam joined the South City Royals U1 5 FSDL Football Team at the beginning of the season. Sam fitted in instantly and has been instrumental in the development and success of the team this season even though he is the youngest player in the squad and playing with and against some players in school years 9, 10 and 11.

Sam had an instant impact and has continued to perform week in, week out to a standard that he set himself to achieve. Off the field I am sure that you are aware Sam is a quiet character, however when he crosses the white line it is a different person; someone who is passionate, and delivers in his performances, excelling at what he is doing.

Sam came to the team this season with three other young men from other Schools (all High Schools) and with their help and the commitment to improvement from the existing players have achieved what was not thought possible. Last season the team finished bottom of the league only winning two games all year, to this year finishing second in the league, only losing one game to the team that won the league and conceding only 16 goals in the process.

On top of this at the National Tournament in Timaru in the October School Holidays, as coach I set the team the goal of making the top eight which they succeeded in doing, finally finishing in second place, losing a close final to Christchurch United 2-1 and only conceding 3 goals all tournament.

It should be noted that Sam is a key player in the team and looking forward is one of the players to watch over the next couple of years having had the experience as a junior member of the team his growth as a leader is anticipated.

With hot competition throughout the team Sam was also awarded the Development / Developing Player Award for the team and was a pleasure to coach over the last 6-7 months with his commitment to improve not only himself but also the team.

Many of our students at Tahuna are involved in numerous sporting pursuits involving clubs, representative and national honours. But each time a student leaves our gates they're representing us all and our values.

Ngā mihi Sam! Everyone involved in Tahuna football and the entire school population is enormously proud of you and we can't wait to see what you achieve next. 

Well done from Team Tahuna!