July Newsletter 2025
AISC July Newsletter Update
Message From The President
Where has the time gone? We’ve already entered the final quarter of our season, and all our teams are working hard to secure the best possible placings in their respective grades.
It’s been encouraging to hear how committed and passionate our teams are about finishing strong. Knowing that we’ve built a culture that fosters dedication, unity, and success has been incredibly rewarding. A huge thank you to all our coaches and managers for cultivating such positive team environments.
Last month, we held a successful Club Day at Avondale Turf, where many of our teams played at the same venue. Thank you to Auckland Hockey for organising the schedule and to Western Districts for hosting and letting us use their facilities. While the weather wasn’t in our favour, I was told the turnout was fantastic, with supporters cheering well into the evening. Well done to everyone involved - players, supporters, managers, and our executive committee. These events thrive when our whole community contributes, so thank you for keeping the AISC spirit alive.
This month, our Premier Men’s coach, Blair Tarrant, ran a "Coach the Coaches" session for our club's coaching team. Blair, a former Black Sticks captain with over 200 test caps and coaching experience with the Junior Black Sticks and Southern Alpiners, generously shared his expertise. It was a privilege for those of us who attended to learn directly from him. A special thanks also to Stephen Jenness, who supported the session and brought his own wealth of experience. We would have loved to see more coaches there, but we’re grateful for those who made the effort.
AISC would like to wish Oscar and Luke the very best as they travel with the New Zealand A team on their tour of China.
Congratulations to Deelan Patel for making the Heritage team, travelling to Melbourne later this year, and to Yash Patel for being selected for the Auckland U18 Development team.
On the cricket front, pre-season training is now underway in preparation for the season starting after Labour Weekend. If you’re interested in joining, please get in touch, and we’ll connect you with our cricket coordinator.
Thank you all for representing AISC with pride and keeping our club spirit strong.
Raj Pancha
President
Hockey Update
AISC is proud to welcome Sean Findlay, a current NZ Black Stick, fresh off his Nations Cup win in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sean is known for his energy, skill, and ability to play across multiple positions - he’ll be a great addition to our Premier Men’s squad.
Quick Profile:
Born: 5 December 2001 (Taradale, Napier)
Education: Taradale High School
Position: Midfield
Represented NZ at: Tokyo & Paris Olympics, 2022 Commonwealth Games
Fun Facts:
Favourite Meal: Steak and chips
Favourite Colour: Blue
Favourite Animal: Jaguar
Favourite Indian Order: Tikka masala (medium), garlic naan, and onion bhaji
We’re excited to have Sean join the team and can’t wait to see him in the AISC green.
Premier Men’s Team Update
The Premier Men are continuing their strong run, aiming for a top-four finish after the round robin and a spot in the semi-finals. Points from the intercity competition have carried forward, giving us a good foundation.
Upcoming Matches:
Sat 26 July, 1:10 PM vs Western @ Avondale Turf
Wed 30 July, 8:15 PM vs Southern @ Avondale Turf
Sat 2 August, 1:00 PM vs Somerville @ AGS Turf
Let’s get behind the boys and support them as they push towards the top four!
Division 1 Men’s Report
Our Division 1 Men had a slow start to the season, dropping points in early draws against lower-ranked teams. But the squad regrouped, refined their structure and game plan, and went on to earn wins that secured them a spot in the top six.
Competition has been fierce, with the top five teams separated by just two points after the round robin. In their first top-six match, AISC had a promising performance against the top-ranked University A, ending in a four-all draw after twice leading by two goals.
The team features a great mix of youth and experience, with four young players regularly contributing and developing well at a senior level. A big thank you to Coach Nilesh Patel for his time, guidance, and commitment.
As we approach the business end of the season, we welcome and appreciate all your support to come out and enjoy some exciting hockey!
Division 2 Women’s Report
We were fortunate to assemble a Division 2 Women’s team this season, combining young talent with a few experienced players making their return. The focus has been on rebuilding and creating a pathway for our junior players to grow within the club.
With Raj Pancha coaching, the team has gelled well and produced strong performances. Our current record: four wins, three draws, and five losses. While we missed out on the top six, we’re leading the minor premiership table and are aiming to finish on top with three games to go.
The team plays with determination every week and never backs down from a challenge. Great work, ladies!
Coach the Coaches Session Recap
Held on 16 July at Avondale College, this session was led by Olympians Stephen Jenness and Blair Tarrant as part of AISC’s commitment to coach development.
The aim was to introduce a club-wide coaching structure and to build coaching knowledge across all levels, from junior to premier. Blair and Stephen ran the regular training session, while always being available for questions and discussions.
Session Breakdown:
7:45 - 8:00 PM: How to build training sessions tailored to team needs
8:00 - 8:20 PM: Technical drills and coaching methods
8:20 - 8:50 PM: Full-squad drills with focus on creating opportunities and defensive setups
8:50 - 9:20 PM: Match play scenarios and how to keep training fresh and challenging
9:20 PM onwards: Open Q&A, sharing ideas and insights
Thank you to Blair and Stephen for generously sharing your knowledge!
2025 Hockey Fees Reminder
A big thank you to those who have already paid their fees. We appreciate your support. Just a few payments remain outstanding; let’s aim to get these wrapped up soon.
AISC Bank Details:
Account Name: Auckland Indian Sports Club (INC)
Bank: ASB
Account No. : 12-3066-0072350-00
Reference: Your grade + full name
AISC Turns 90 Next Year! (1936–2026)
Can you believe it? AISC will celebrate its 90th birthday in 2026! It’s a proud milestone that recognises our rich legacy and the people who’ve built the club over generations.
We’re planning a special celebration next year and will share details in the coming months - watch this space!
Strategic Plan Update
We’re in the final stages of completing our Strategic Plan. Thanks to the guidance of Sport Auckland and the dedicated efforts of a diverse sub-committee, we’re shaping a plan that reflects the voices of our whole community.
The group consists of past and present committee members, life members, players, coaches, and parents, who met on 8 July for a facilitated workshop. Despite our diversity, the discussions revealed shared priorities and a clear direction. A draft is now being finalised, after which it will be circulated to the wider community for feedback before being adopted.
Vijay Patel
Governance Director
AISC Awards - Nominations Now Open
It’s time to honour those who go above and beyond! Nominations are open for:
Club Service Award
Presidential Award
Life Membership Award
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Submit to: secretary@aisc.org.nz
Please include:
Full profile of the nominee
Their roles within the club (e.g., player, coach, umpire, admin)
Achievements and duration of service
The award you are nominating them for
Full criteria for each award can be found below.
Please complete the information below:
Profile:
Name of nominee:
Address:
Contact No:
History: The details to include the nominee’s activities, and his/her duration with the club, period of service to the club.
One or all of the below, to be completed as fully as possible, as applicable. Insert dates and duration, and level at each activity.
Player:
Coach:
Manager:
Umpire:
Administrator: club, and affiliated associations:
National and International Representative:
Social service provider: Additional comments in support of the nominee: (such as achievements for the club and personal honours)
Award for which this nomination is submitted: (Select from one of the below)
Award (1) Club Service Award
Award (2) Presidential Award
Club Service Award
Eligibility criteria
This award is intended to provide encouragement and recognition for individuals who have volunteered their services to the club, beyond the role of parents or supporters.
Minimum service required for this award is a total of 5 years of any of the following:
5 years coaching or managing cumulatively at junior, youth or senior level, (basis 2 years junior, 2 years youth, 1 year premier grade)
5 years cumulative as a Premier One-level player or Umpire at the same level
5 years cumulative Social service provider
5 years cumulative as a club Administrator
Presidential Award
Eligibility Criteria
This award is to recognise long service (minimum of 10 years) by individuals who, through their passion and commitment, continue to support and serve the club. The capacity of that shall include any of the following roles: coaching, managing or providing social service work, administration or premier level representative honours at national, NZISA or International level, (most likely after receiving the above Club Service award, although not a pre-requisite).
A requirement for this award is an additional service period, to that of the above Club Service award, and shall comprise any of the following:
5 years cumulative as a coach or manager at any level.
5 years cumulative social service provider.
5 years as player, administrator, umpire or manager at National premier, NZISA, and International representative.
5 years additional as a club Administrator.
Life Membership Award
General eligibility criteria
The purpose of conferring life membership upon an individual is to recognise long and significant voluntary service, in the running or development of the club and or if the individual has brought credit to AISC and thereby contributed to the advancement and objectives of the club. The minimum period of service for consideration in this award category shall exceed 15 years of voluntary service.
The position is an honorarium; the individual should be worthy and humble to be recognised by their peers.
No monetary payment or donation to club funds shall be regarded as a consideration whatsoever as a requisite for nomination
The nominee generally would need to meet the requirements outlined below:
A player/coach/manager who has made a long and significant contribution to the sport, at club, national or international level, generally enhancing the profile of the club.
An individual who has provided long and significant social services, i.e. catering, fundraising, etc, at club-organised, social and sporting events.
An administrator for long and significant contribution to the promotion and advancement of the club, i.e. President, chairperson, secretary, treasurer, committee director, club delegate, etc.
An individual who has, over time, provided services in all of those above-mentioned areas and is considered to have made a significant contribution.
An individual who demonstrates good leadership, role modelling, good demeanour and general attitude
Name of Nominator:
Address:
Contact number:
The information submitted is accurate and can be verified.
Signature:
Seconded by an executive member of the committee.
Name:
Address:
Contact phone:
Signature:
Date of submission:
Signed by secretary on receipt:
Acceptance and Deliberation Process
Nominations submitted shall be checked, verified and signed off by an elected nomination scrutinising committee (NSC), to confirm that the nomination and information meet the criteria for the award. Additional information can be sought by the NSC. If the information is correct and the nomination is appropriate for the award, the NSC will forward the nomination to the executive committee for final deliberation. If not accepted, the nomination will lapse, and the nominator shall be advised of the outcome. The executive committee’s role shall be to discuss and generally formalise acceptance of the nomination and propose a resolution for approval by a general meeting, which shall be by a majority vote. However, if mitigating circumstances arise precluding the nomination from proceeding, the executive committee, by majority vote, may decline the nomination, and it will lapse. The nominator is to be advised of the outcome. The club secretary is to notify the nominee of the final decision. The executive committee's decision on that nomination shall be final.
If approved, the nomination will be presented to the next general meeting for final ratification.
NZISA Newsletter
Catch up on all the latest from Indian sports clubs across NZ in the newest NZISA Newsletter. Read updates, stories, and more from around the country right here
AISC Event Calendar – Save the Dates!
Team Photos: Thursday 7 August - Mahatma Gandhi Centre
Senior Prizegiving: Saturday 4 October - Ellerslie Football Club
NZISA Golf Tournament: Sunday 19 October - Russley Golf Club, Christchurch
That wraps up our July newsletter! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Executive Team or email us at info@aisc.org.nz.
Warm regards,
AISC Executive Team