English-born Adam Dickinson is player/coach for the Forrest Hill Milford United Football Club Men's 1st Team which recently won the NRFL 1st Division and gained promotion into the Premier Division next year. He currently lives in Gulf Harbour with his wife and two children Lucas (aged 5) and Sofia (aged 3). Adam moved to New Zealand 11 years ago from Liverpool to play football over here and reckons it was the best decision he has ever made. Channel's Nikki Davidson was keen to know more about how he has been influenced in the game.
Nikki Davidson: What drew you to playing football initially?
Adam Dickinson: Being from Liverpool, every kid plays football. My parents really pushed me and supported my every game. When I played in Morocco and Japan they would always come over to watch.
ND: How long have you been involved?
AD: Ever since I can remember, so from around 4-5 years old. I think from such an early age I always wanted to play football at the highest possible level. I have managed to travel the world from playing football so I count myself very lucky to do that.
ND: Do you have a role model?
AD: Not really. I had my favorite players when I was younger. Being from Liverpool they were top-scorer Robbie Fowler (nicknamed 'God' by his fans) and also Alan Shearer who was a multiple 'player of the year' winner. They both were amazing footballers and I loved watching them every Saturday or Sunday. I used to watch as much football as possible; for me this was the best way to improve when not actually playing.
ND: How do you keep fit?
AD: Fit is probably the wrong word but at my age, and with my knees, I just do what I need to do to get on the pitch!
ND: You are also the coach of your team: what are the benefits for someone looking to start coaching?
AD: I went into coaching because I wanted to create the environment that I had been looking for within football. For me it goes back to having a goal and wanting to achieve something. Going that extra mile mile to achieve your goal and being able to always see the bigger picture. I think passion is also key as they have to be passionate about what they are doing otherwise why bother.
ND: Can you describe the feeling when you master a new skill or achieve a big goal (no pun
intended)?
AD: We set out the goal of winning the League this year and we managed to achieve that. I think it's an amazing feeling because there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. We are ready for a new challenge next year moving into the top league and once again, we will set a target and do everything we can to achieve that.
ND: Who would your ideal coaching recruit be?
AD: In this day it is difficult to find somebody who would do anything to win. Everybody is taught that we are all winners and unfortunately life doesn't really work like that. So, finding somebody with the attitude of wanting to make themselves a better player is a challenge. The ideal recruit would also know what they want to achieve and set themselves high goals, working hard to get there.
ND: What other sport would like to be involved with?
AD: UFC - I have always wanted to train in mixed martial arts but my wife has banned me from ever fighting (apparently charity events won't count).
In five years time I hope to…
Be in Europe and traveling the world!!!
