club began with the development of a senior team and 2 under 14 teams. For the first year and most of the second season, the head coach was ex NFL player, Mark Nua. 2001 saw North Harbour Pride importing American player / Head Coach Joe Ashfield and receiver Matt Wegge, both from Minneapolis. Founded by GNZ pioneer Wayne Wright. Former coach Joe Ashfield is currently an assistant coach with Stanford University. Since the merger of the 2 leagues, the club remains without a Seniors team, but its Juniors team remains very competitive. The club continues with the promise of senior teams to expand into the future. North Peninsula Panthers: West Auckland club from the 2000s Waitakere Typhoon: Another West Auckland club concentrating on juniors grade. Western Wolves: Another recent expansion team of the NZAFF era that has evolved in the new AFA competition. JC Spartans: Founded on the idea of Bart Tamehana-King, a senior student at James Cook High. He suggested getting an American Football team together to help keep students on the straight and narrow. Originally coached by Alex Cunnard. Based in South Auckland at Montfort Park, Manurewa. Green and white jerseys. Papakura Kings: Another new club founded in 2016 by Gaileen Thew. Foundation treasurer Daniel Newman secured funding from the Whanau O Tumanako Charitable Trust to get the club started. Based in Papakura. Like most new clubs, emphasis is on youth football with Juniors and Colts teams. Otara Scorpions: Another new club in the Juniors competition. Founded by Lani Ekepati. References Sports governing bodies in New Zealand American football in New Zealand