Matipo teacher coaches five sports teams

Top Juggler: Amanda Whitehead is kept on her toes with the five sports teams she coaches. 

By Justin Latif

Busy Amanda Whitehead coaches five different sports team and plays top level gaelic football.

The energetic 31-year-old says she is motivated by seeing her kids develop and a strong competitive spirit.

"I do like to win," the West Harbour resident says. "What else is the point of playing?"

The Matipo primary teacher started her own sports club - the All Stars - for ex students who wanted to keep playing under her tutelage when they left primary school.

The club now has five teams - all coached by Amanda - who play basketball, netball and junior waterpolo.

"It's for kids who can't get into a team but still want to play sport," she says.

Miss Whitehead grew up playing basketball and netball but more recently has taken up gaelic football.

She is heading to Australia at the end of the month with an Auckland team to play in the Australasian Gaelic Games.

Miss Whitehead was nominated as Waitakere's Newcomer Coach of the Year earlier this month and is keen to keep the club growing.

"I have great parental support," she says.