The North Shore is home to a fantastic range of sports clubs, and this month we’ve spoken with a group of top local captains about their teams and the benefits of getting involved in winter sport. Each highlights the strong sense of community their club offers and encourages others to get involved and be part of it.
North Shore Rugby Club: Donald Coleman
Donald Coleman is the 1st XV Captain at North Shore Rugby Club and was the Senior Player of the Year in 2025. He is also a builder with Trueline Construction, educated at Takapuna Grammar School and raised in Devonport. As a fifth-generation member of the club, his connection runs deep, and Donald says he’s always played and always loved the game.
Channel Mag: How did you discover your love of your chosen sport, and how did you become the captain of your team?
Donald Coleman: As soon as I could play rugby, my parents got me out there. My dad was playing as I was starting as a young fella, so I loved going down to the club to watch him and watch the premiers. My passion grew as I got older, and I wanted to play professionally. I am at the stage now where I just want to keep playing for my club and help the next generation of players through. I want to leave the club in a better place than when I started. I think that helped me put my name forward as captain. I’m really passionate about the club; I lead from the front and put my body on the line every week.
What keeps your team motivated through the dark evenings, cold training sessions, and busy schedules?
A lot of the boys in the team are in the same position as me. We grew up at the club and have always wanted to play for the premiers. The boys are really passionate, and that helps drive us when things don’t go our way. The connection to the community also helps drive us. We have so much support, and the boys just want to give everything for them.
How important are local clubs, volunteers, and supporters to your team’s success?
It’s huge for our club. Without the community volunteering and supporting us the way they do, our club wouldn’t be as successful as it is. We are lucky to have so much support. When there is a home game, the domain is packed, and the club is packed after, too.
What makes your club or team unique within the North Shore sporting landscape?
Our connection with our community is massive. We are the oldest club in Auckland, so the history of the club makes us unique. We are a very proud club, and we make sure we know our history. A lot of old boys still make it down to most games. You will see ex-All Blacks Buck Shelford and Frano Botica down a lot at our games. As someone who has grown up down at the club, it’s always awesome to see old boys come back and support.
What message would you give to younger North Shore athletes considering trying a winter sport for the first time?
Just give it a go. Team sports are huge for kids, especially rugby. You learn good skills, and the people you play with become your good mates. A lot of team sports offer huge opportunities as well. I have been lucky to travel the world with rugby, and a lot of my mates get to do it as a job.
Who is your favourite player in your sport and why do you look up to them?
My favourite player growing up was Richie McCaw. I've always admired what he did and how he led the All Blacks. I play the same position as him, so I would learn from how he played. Recently, I have loved playing with James Little and Sione Teu, a couple of teammates of mine. I just admire how hard we work together and how they put their bodies on the line for the Shore jersey
How can people sign up to get involved in your club?
There are plenty of ways to get involved in the club. I guess the easiest way is to just show up on a Saturday. There’s always plenty of rugby on, and there are plenty of people to talk to. Or visit our website.
Harbour Hockey: Dave Green
Dave Green is Harbour Hockey’s National Hockey Championship Men's team captain. He is from a family of five, and both of his parents are originally from England. He grew up on the North Shore and attended Coatesville Primary. As a New Zealand representative and playing professionally in Europe, Dave says he’s the first in his family to pick up a hockey stick; none of his relatives played hockey, so he’s enjoyed carving out his own path in the sport.
Channel Mag: How did you discover your love of your chosen sport, and how did you become the captain of your team?
Dave Green: My journey began at age nine at primary school. I fell in love with the game instantly, playing through high school and eventually debuting for the New Zealand Black Sticks in 2009. I also spent a decade playing professionally in Europe, which sharpened my tactical understanding of the game. I’ve always naturally gravitated toward leadership roles in representative teams; I believe my teammates respect me because I’m approachable, honest, and I prioritise building a genuine connection with every player on the turf.
What keeps your team motivated through the dark evenings, cold training sessions, and busy schedules?
We maintain an open, high-energy environment where training serves as an escape from everyday stresses. Our philosophy is to train harder than we play, ensuring we give 100% every session, regardless of the weather. We identify as "The Wolves”, a name that defines our culture. We have each other's backs; we travel as a pack, and no one gets left behind during those cold, dark winter sessions.
How important are local clubs, volunteers, and supporters to your team’s success?
They are the backbone of the sport. We rely heavily on volunteers for every event North Harbour Hockey hosts. The committee consists of volunteers. Simply put, without their tireless work behind the scenes, the pathway for our players would cease to exist.
What makes your club or team unique within the North Shore sporting landscape?
As the premier-level team, we represent the pinnacle of the sport on the Shore. We take our roles as the 'face' of North Harbour Hockey seriously, acting as mentors and role models for every junior player who picks up a stick. We aren't just a team; we are the standard that aspiring local athletes strive to reach.
What message would you give to younger North Shore athletes considering trying a winter sport for the first time?
Just give it a go! Hockey is incredibly inclusive, with grades catering to every skill level. It’s deeply embedded in our local schools, and we are fortunate to have some of the most talented coaches in the country right here on the North Shore. It’s a fantastic way to stay active and make lifelong friends during the winter months.
Who is your favourite player in your sport, and why do you look up to them?
While he played a different game (basketball), my biggest inspiration is Kobe Bryant. His 'mamba mentality’, specifically his obsessive attention to detail, his relentless determination in training, and his unbreakable mindset, is something I strive to emulate in my own leadership and preparation.
How can people sign up to get involved in your club?
We’re always looking for new players! Anyone interested can visit the North Harbour Hockey website or our social media pages to register and find more information about our different offerings.
Birkenhead United Football Club: Emily Oosterhof
Emily Oosterhof is the Women's Captain at Birkenhead United Football Club. She’s a golden retriever mother and a registered nurse in an acute setting at North Shore Hospital, so she has a very busy schedule. Emily says she has a passion for helping people and caring for all. She also has a passion for travel, enjoys seeing friends, and loves to stay active and fit by playing tennis, going on hikes and swimming in the ocean.
Channel Mag: How did you discover your love of your chosen sport, and how did you become the captain of your team?
Emily Oosterhof: My family is a very football-dominated one; my mother is English and was brought up supporting Coventry City. My older brother started playing at Birkenhead United, so I first started kicking a ball at three years old. I then put my first Birkenhead United jersey on at the age of four and developed a big passion for football. I was assigned captain last year by my coach. I always ensure my teammates enjoy the environment and the game.
What keeps your team motivated through the dark evenings, cold training sessions, and busy schedules?
Keeping the team motivated can always be a fun challenge. For me, keeping the team motivated is always ensuring we are having fun and enjoying the training. We have a lot of fun, but always stick to maintaining the outcomes we need to achieve in training.
What makes your club or team unique within the North Shore sporting landscape?
Our team is a young but strong team. We thrive on having a great community and culture within our team. We are always welcoming and friendly, sharing similar goals of succeeding high in the league.
What message would you give to younger North Shore athletes considering trying a winter sport for the first time?
Give sports a go, you never know if you’ll enjoy it. As a nurse, the biggest advice I could give is to stay as active as you can. The benefits sports have on the mental and physical well-being of a human are the best medicine you can have.
Who is your favourite player in your sport and why do you look up to them?
Kevin Debrunye is an amazing midfielder. He is calm and composed on the ball and is always doing so much for his team on and off the field.
How can people sign up to get involved in your club?
Sign up to Birkenhead United online and join the great community.
Birkenhead United Football Club: Dino Botica
Dino Botica is the Men's Premier Captain at Birkenhead United Football Club. He was born and raised in Auckland, and his family is from Croatia. Outside of football, Dino is a drain layer by trade. He talks about the community spirit of football and why he loves it so much.
Channel Mag: How did you discover your love of your chosen sport, and how did you become the captain of your team?
Dino Botica: Football has been a huge part of my life since day one. After playing for a few different clubs, I joined Birkenhead in 2019. I feel at home here and hope to stay for many more years. I had the honour of being made captain in 2025.
What keeps your team motivated through the dark evenings, cold training sessions, and busy schedules?
Probably the biggest strength of our team is the culture and how close we are as a group; this helps us get through any challenging times. We are also very driven to win the Northern League premiership, something the club has not achieved yet.
How important are local clubs, volunteers, and supporters to your team’s success?
In my opinion, we have the best supporters in the country. I know the boys appreciate it so much, and it gives us a massive advantage, especially when we play at Shepherds Park. We’re also so grateful for the behind-the-scenes work that volunteers do at the club. Our club wouldn’t be anywhere near the level it’s at without them!
What makes your club or team unique within the North Shore sporting landscape?
For me, it’s the culture that has been built at the club from the top down. There is a real sense of unity and community at Birkenhead. And again, our supporters. I think we have the best in the country, and it means a lot to our team.
What message would you give to younger North Shore athletes considering trying a winter sport for the first time?
Give it a go! Playing team sports like football is a great way to make mates. Some of my best friends to this day, I met through playing football when I was young. Clubs like Birkenhead are built around community, so you feel welcome from the start!
Who is your favourite player in your sport and why do you look up to them?
Luka Modric. Being from Croatia, he’s always been someone I’ve looked up to. What he and Croatia achieved in the 2018 FIFA World Cup are probably my favourite ever sporting moments.
How can people sign up to get involved in your club?
The best way to get involved with the club is to come down to Shephards Park and see what it’s about. There’s always something going on at the club, and all the people are very friendly and welcoming. The website is a great place to get info, too.
North Harbour Water Polo Club: Bridget Layburn
Bridget Layburn, Senior Women’s Player of the Year at North Harbour Water Polo Club, grew up on the North Shore and attended Westlake Girls High School. She earned a scholarship to the University of Hawai'i, competing in Division I water polo for four years before graduating in 2023 with a BA in Psychology. Now back home, Bridget teaches English and Psychology at Westlake while also coaching and playing locally. A member of the national team since 2018, she has competed at four world championships, including Singapore in 2025, and is working toward her long-held goal of qualifying for the Olympics in Los Angeles.
Channel Mag: How did you discover your love of your chosen sport, and how did you become your team's captain?
Bridget Layburn: I discovered my love for water polo because of my sisters. We grew up swimming competitively at NSS, and each of us dabbled in several other sports. When my eldest sister started playing water polo in year seven, it was a natural trajectory for my sister and me to follow suit. Though they each found passion in other sporting endeavours and stopped playing in high school, I found myself obsessed with water polo right away. It was my involvement in North Harbour's development squad in 2013, coached by Steve Knights, that allowed me the competitive and fun sporting environment I needed. That was also the team where I was gradually pushed into becoming a goalkeeper. There isn't exactly a timeline for becoming captain of our women's team (The Hammerheads). As a goalkeeper, it's my duty to do a lot of the directing (yelling) during defence. I think it's because of this that I tend to be seen as a leader in teams, as do most goalkeepers. To me, being 'captain' means upholding the positive and competitive training environment we're proud of, and it also means absorbing responsibilities that my teammates shouldn't have to worry about. Being captain is about making everyone else's jobs easier, allowing them to just focus on playing the game.
What keeps your team motivated through the dark evenings, cold training sessions, and busy schedules?
Being based indoors at AUT Millennium helps, but we still juggle a lot: school, work, training and coaching. This is a real family club, and that connection keeps things positive and fun. We’ve had strong success, but just as important is the team’s culture; everyone chooses to show up, work hard, and support one another. Our women's team is made up of people who have all been playing and coaching for NHWP for many years. Water polo is not a glorified sport in New Zealand, and there's certainly no money or fame in it. Our national team only recently got enough HPSNZ funding to make most of the overseas trips free. At Harbour, we have a standard of success, and that standard is to win. This isn't a cut-throat environment where we're competing with one another for the starting spot. Of course, we work hard at training, but every team does, so we're also enjoying each other's company and camaraderie, and fostering the kind of team chemistry that no other team can compete with.
How important are local clubs, volunteers, and supporters to your team’s success?
Particularly in a small sport like water polo, our volunteers and supporters are everything. NHWP is made up of extremely passionate individuals, all united by their love of water polo. The local community around our team is a huge factor in our success. We have coaches, managers, maybe even some fans if we're lucky, who give up their weekends to keep our league running. Water polo is all about community, and we can feel the support in our team at every game. It makes us immensely happy to be in the Hammerheads.
What makes your club or team unique within the North Shore sporting landscape?
Our senior teams are known for their inclusive and fun culture. Every season, our men's and women's teams support each other, going to watch games, celebrating successes, and attending our traditional team bonding events. In our women's team, we always have a huge range in ages and experiences. Our youngest members this season will be just 16, and our oldest player is 27. The most important thing to our team is that everyone is having a good time. We don't need to say out loud, 'We want to win' or 'We have to win this season'. Everyone already knows what the expectation of our performance is. What we do in the process of getting there is far more than just grinding in the pool. Sure, some trainings are painfully hard and/or long, but no one ever gives up. No one leaves the pool in a worse mood than they arrived in. In fact, no matter how tiresome the day was, training always puts a smile on my face.
What message would you give to younger North Shore athletes who may be considering trying a winter sport for the first time?
To play a sport, any sport, is to challenge yourself. There is a sporting endeavour out there to suit everyone. Being involved in sport will not only keep you warm, it'll also encourage you to spend time outside, make connections with new people, and develop a skill. Sport can seem daunting, especially if you've never tried it before, but I think the most valuable thing you can bring to any team is your energy and your willingness to learn. You learn the most about yourself when you're uncomfortable.
Who is your favourite player in your sport and why do you look up to them?
My favourite player and teammate is Emily Nicholson. She's currently competing overseas with a team in Barcelona, but we've been on the Hammerheads and the national team together for many years. Emily is my favourite player because she's an incredible teammate. When we're at training, she only ever wants everyone to give their absolute best. I have often heard her say to her defender, "Just go 100% - imagine this is a game." She never chooses the easy option. She is also extremely competitive without ever being cruel or overbearing. She encourages me to be a leader who makes every single teammate energised and excited.
How do people sign up to get involved in your club?
Signing up to play water polo with NHWP can be done easily via our website. Just search northharbourwaterpolo.co.nz and head to registrations. There, you can sign up for trials for the age groups you fit into.
