Everything is new for THIRSTY WHALE Hawkes Bay United’s newest import. For Canadian Nile Walwyn this is the first time he has ventured to this side of the world, having freshly touched down in Napier on Tuesday. The trip over unfortunately didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Nile’s luggage had been lost somewhere in transit between Canada and Auckland. Although this was not ideal it did lead to an insight as to how the player is very much focussed on football.

“It’s all good. I’ve got two pairs of boots in my back pack so I’m okay for training tonight, Walwyn explained to Coach Brett Angell and General Manager Shane McKenzie upon arrival.”

Focus does not seem to be a problem for Nile in any area as he has recently graduated from the University of Vermont in America. Nile has a Business and Administration bachelor’s degree, with a concentration in Accounting and Finance with a Chemistry Minor.

Nile was introduced to the national league in New Zealand by a team mate in California. He then researched the league on line and reached out to Brett Angell via email and skype. After communications between the two and viewing of game footage, Nile organised a VISA and headed for Napier. Having played NCAA Division 1 football and Premier Development league in California, we asked the young man what Hawkes Bay United can expect to see on the field from the player this year.

“The fans will see an athletic player with an aerial threat who is good technically. I’ll be vocal and engaging. Engaging the players on the field, the dug-out, the fans, everyone.”

Nile is very much looking forward to experiencing New Zealand life and seeing different parts of the country as he travels for away games. His plan is to build relationships in this part of the world. He wants to hit the ground running when Hawkes Bay United play their first game of the season at Park Island on the 24^th October.

For all involved in Hawkes Bay United, that is very much what we want to see from our new number 19.