That young cricketer was Tim Siefert, who is now a New Zealand Black Cap in the short forms of T20 & One day cricket.
Read the below article from 5 years ago
A Waikato secondary school pupil is providing hope for New Zealand cricket. He recently hit an amazing 230 for Waikato Valley Mens vs. Northland, has been selected for New Zealand’s Under 19 cricket team to play Australia later this month at Lincoln, and is a member of the Northern Districts Knights extended squad.
But not being content to rely on his undoubted cricketing skills, Tim Seifert is guaranteeing a future full of possibilities by taking vocational training with NZ Sports Turf Institute, partner of the Primary Industry Training Organisation (ITO).
Tim is part of a pilot programme that will see him gain additional NCEA Level 2 credits, as well as unit standards towards a Level 3 Sports Turf Management qualification.
His schedule is a busy one. Tim completed the academic components of his course in February and is now looking to apply this knowledge in practical (on-job) units associated with managing and preparing cricket pitches, plus their subsequent renovation and aftercare.
Tim is allocated 8 hours per week studying and working under the guidance of both a NZ Sports Turf Agronomist and Jonathan Huntley, Senior Groundsman at St Peter’s School.
Tim’s father, Marty Seifert, is pleased with his son’s willingness to take part in the programme.
“The Sports Turf programme offers a great mix of theory and practical learning,” he said “Tim is a hands-on person so this style of studying suits him very well.”
Job Prospects Galore
At this stage, Tim is aiming to pursue a career as a professional cricket player while knowing he has other options in retail, coaching or turf management. For him, it all depends on the opportunities.
The Sport Turf Management programme has great potential for students with an appetite for sport but wanting the extra security of workplace skills. An interest in turf naturally stems from their sporting passion and an aptitude for practical learning.
