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| PRIDE FOOTBALL HISTORY |
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| 1 DENIM PLACE ALBANY 1311 AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND TEL: 021 745418 |
| The North Harbour Pride were formed in 1999 with the formation of a senior team and 2 under 14 teams. The first year was a struggle with only a senior 7-man team competing. The North Shore area of Auckland has a long history of teams forming and folding over the years. Club CEO, Wayne Wright, was determined to make the club last and this resulted in the country's first junior age group teams being formed. For the first year and most of the second season, the head coach was ex NFL player, Mark Nua. Work commitments meant he couldn't carry on the role and 2 American coaches were brought to the club from Minneapolis, USA. Nua continues to assist at the club when work permits. In the second season, the Pride and Waitakere Fury clubs amalgamated their senior teams as Northwestern. Together they competed in the first National League, finishing 3rd. That same season saw the formation of 2 under 16 teams and an under 18 team at the club. This season, the Pride returned to autonomy and the Fury folded. Gridiron New Zealand has expanded further, with youth leagues formed at under 13, under 15, under 17 and under 19 age groups. In addition, a women's league has been formed and the senior men's competition revamped to include flag, 7s and 11 man competitions. The Pride are proud members of Gridiron New Zealand, we support that organisation's vision and commitment to our sport and athletes. There is more than one American Football organisation in this country and The Truth about American Football in New Zealand makes interesting reading. |