Northcote rugby league volunteer Eddie Figota named Bunnings Coaching Legend

Summary

Northcote Tigers volunteer coach Eddie Figota has been recognised as a Bunnings Coaching Legend after 15 years supporting young rugby league players and grassroots sport in Auckland.

Northcote rugby league coach Eddie Figota has been recognised as a Bunnings Coaching Legend for his dedication to supporting young players both on and off the field.

The recognition is part of Bunnings Coaching Legends, a nationwide programme celebrating the volunteer coaches who give their time to help young people, local sporting clubs and communities thrive.

Inspired by the coach who gave him a chance

For Eddie, coaching is about much more than sport. It is a chance to give young people the same support and opportunities he received as a child growing up in Glen Innes.

Eddie has been involved in rugby league since he was six, playing for the Pakuranga Jaguars. From the ages of 12 to 16, his coach Steve Williams would collect Eddie and other local players in a van every Tuesday, take them to training and make sure they arrived home safely afterwards.

Steve’s commitment opened doors for Eddie, including opportunities in Australia, and shaped the kind of coach Eddie would later become.

“Steve showed me that coaching is about much more than what happens on the field. He gave his time, made sure we could get to training and games, and created opportunities we might never otherwise have had,” Eddie said.

“That has stayed with me, and it is what I try to pass on to the young people I coach.”

15 years giving back to grassroots rugby league

Today, Eddie coaches the Northcote Tigers under-14 boys and St Paul’s College First XIII, while also supporting an academy programme.

He has served on the Northcote Tigers committee for nine years, helping junior teams, preparing fields for home games, liaising with Auckland Rugby League and supporting players and whānau.

For Eddie, seeing young people build confidence, push themselves and discover new opportunities through sport makes the commitment worthwhile.

“You do not need to know everything before you put your hand up. Coaching knowledge can be shared and learned, and sometimes the most important thing is simply having the courage to give it a go,” said Eddie.

“When you see a young person develop and know you helped at one stage of their life, that is the reward.”

The lasting impact of volunteer coaches

Bunnings New Zealand General Manager Melissa Haines said Eddie’s story demonstrates the lasting impact volunteer coaches can have in their communities.

“Volunteer coaches can have an influence that lasts long after the final whistle,” Melissa said.

“Eddie knows that first-hand. His own journey was shaped by a coach who generously gave his time and support, and it’s wonderful to see Eddie now paying that forward through his commitment to Northcote Tigers and the wider rugby league community.

“His story is a great example of how one coach can make a difference that continues well beyond one team or one season.”

Bunnings Coaching Legends

Bunnings Coaching Legends invites nominations from players, parents, clubs and communities across New Zealand, with more volunteer coaches set to be recognised this year.

Nominate a volunteer coach through Bunnings Coaching Legends

 

Image: Eddie Figota receives his Bunnings Coaching Legend kit at his local Bunnings store.

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