A group of football parents recently asked the question: “How do we raise money, in this climate, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for our boys?”
What they came up with is an event that will hopefully achieve their goal, while also offering their Waikato community the chance to have an entertaining, informative, and fun night out.
Based on the Sportsman’s Dinner concept, which is prevalent in the United Kingdom, An Evening With … Nate & Ricki brings together two top New Zealand sportsmen, Nathan Harris and Ricki Herbert, with the Between Two Beers podcast duo, Steve Holloway and Seamus Marten, in a pub setting.
Main photo: Nathan Harris (left) and Ricki Herbert will share the stage with podcasters Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten.
The event organisers are delighted with the support of everyone involved.
“The guys are all looking forward to it, and the team at the Merchant of Matamata, the venue, have been really supportive too,” said organiser Dwayne Barlow.
“It’s come together nicely. Hopefully, we can now get the support of the community, by seeing value in what we’re doing, both in terms of the event itself and the opportunity it will help provide for our boys.”
Barlow’s son, Theo, is one of four local youth footballers who are travelling to Melbourne in October as part of a regional team. Ryley Bruce, Tom Harty and Jack Wilson are also in the squad.
They will compete in the 2023 Shepparton Cup, one of Australia’s largest youth football tournaments, as well as spend time with one of Melbourne’s professional clubs.
“Both Nate and Ricki have genuinely interesting stories, from their time at the top of their respective sports to what they’re involved in now,” explained Barlow.
‘A couple of Kiwi lads who have performed on the global stage’
“They’re a couple of Kiwi lads, from Te Puke and Papatoetoe, respectively, who have performed on the global stage and are now giving back in unique and different ways.
“Steve and Seamus run one of New Zealand’s leading podcasts, regularly interviewing interesting people. Between Two Beers have produced hundreds of hours of incredible stories, career highs, lows, and moments of raw vulnerability.
“Bringing these guys together, right here in our community — for one night only — offers Matamata locals the opportunity to have a special night out with friends.”
Barlow is hopeful this event will attract a lot of local curiosity from sports fans and business groups alike.
“We want to put on a good evening, that people enjoy and leave thinking: ‘That was cool. I’d like to do it again.’ And if we can raise some decent funds for the boys’ trip then that’ll be a huge bonus.”
Event details
Where: Merchant of Matamata, 44 Broadway, Matamata
Date: Friday August 4, 2023
Starts: 7pm
Cost: $45pp*
*includes your first drink at $5pp (for house beverages or non-alcoholic), and canapes
Tickets for An Evening With … Nate & Ricki can be purchased online.
The special guests
Nathan Harris
Nathan Harris is a former All Black who played as a hooker for Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He made his international debut for the All Blacks in 2014, as a replacement for the great Keven Mealamu.
He made his first international start in his second test for the All Blacks, scoring the opening try against the United States.
After being forced into retirement due to injury, Nate has qualified as a PE teacher. He has also spent time sharing his engaging life story with sports groups, schools, and businesses.
Ricki Herbert
Ricki Herbert is a former player and head coach of the All Whites, New Zealand’s national football team.
Herbert played for New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain and coached the All Whites at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, famously leading them through the tournament unbeaten.
He was also the inaugural coach of the Wellington Phoenix, coaching them for six seasons. As the founder and director of the RH3 Football Academy, Herbert remains heavily involved in football in New Zealand.
Seamus Marten & Steven Holloway
Marten and Holloway, co-hosts of the Between Two Beers podcast, like asking good questions — and they love great answers.
After 20 years of friendship, they bought a microphone and started a podcast, allowing them to sit with, and learn from, the most interesting, successful people they can access.
READ MORE: Football-friendly Between Two Beers podcast gains national recognition >>>>
Tell Friends of Football your news
Please let us know what’s happening at your club.
Either send us your media releases or send us a link to your announcement/story on your website.
If we think it’ll interest football fans and our members, we’ll do our best to share your news.
Email us at editor@friendsoffootballnz.com – thanks.
Use our logo
Please add our logo to your club’s website and invite your members and supporters to check us out.
More football stories
