Labour Weekend means the annual U19 tournament hosted by Napier City Rovers at Park Island in Napier. Teams from all over New Zealand descend on Napier, with boys and girls divisions tightly contested. This year, Albany United is sending a boys team under the banner of North Harbour FC for the third time. This year's team is full of exciting youth talent from Albany United who will be looking to make their mark on the tournament. 

Coached by Sergio Alva, the team is one of the youngest we have sent in recent times, but that doesn't mean they aren't full of talent. Of the 18 boys in the squad, 3 are returning from last year with Luke O'Malley making his third appearance while Connagh Webb and Josh Vowells will make their second, The rest of the squad will be heading down with North Harbour for the first time. 

The majority of the squad have played together before, either in younger age groups or with the Under 23 team through the 2024 season, so they are all very familiar with each other. The boys have been drawn in Pool D, alongside Tawa FC of Wellington, Otumoetai FC of Tauranga, Taupo AFC, Cambridge FC and Western Rangers of Hastings. It will be a tough group but with tournament football anything is possible. 

The tournament starts on Saturday the 26th, with Quarter Finals the 27th and the semi and final on Monday the 28th. Keep an eye on the North Harbour Facebook or Instagram for updates through the weekend.