3 Feb 2010

Gridiron gaining in popularity in west Auckland

6:47 am on 3 February 2010

American football or gridiron is gaining popularity as a summer sport especially among Maori and Pacific teenagers in west Auckland.

The Waitakere Typhoons under-19 team has qualified for the Auckland finals, in just its first year in the competition.

The Typhoons under-16 side will also make its final if it beats the South Auckland Raiders next weekend.

Michael Mau'u, who coaches both sides, says they are drawing on rugby and league talent in the area, especially from Kelston Boys High.

He told Waatea News there is potential for Maori and Pacific Island players to do well in the American code, as players from American Samoa have done.