Proud dad Andy Corsbie said his son has been playing football for over a decade, after giving up rugby, as he preferred the round-ball game.
Xavier Corsbie, who was born in England before coming here as a young child, has played for Marist and now Onerahi, and started playing in the men’s grade at 15, with the tougher competition – and rougher players – giving him a taste of what to expect as he moved up the grades.
Xavier Corsbie and Leslie-Ellis earned the opportunity to train with West Ham and George Cowie Football after progressing through Cowie elite development camps in both New Zealand and Australia.
“He went along [to the Whangārei camp] and they were impressed with his football skills and his attitude and then they took him for a week-long camp in Australia,” Andy Corsbie said.
And he impressed so much there that he won the right to go to West Ham and train with the team, under the eyes of talent scouts from some of the biggest teams in Europe in the George Cowie Football 2026 UK Development Tour.
Whangārei footballer Xavier Corsbie, pictured here playing for his Onerahi team, is off to the UK and a chance to train with some of the best young players from around the world with Premier League team West Ham United.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Xavier to test himself in a professional academy environment,” Andy Corsbie said. “We’re extremely proud of his dedication and commitment.”
The total cost of the tour is $17,000, covering flights, accommodation and training expenses and the family are now seeking sponsorship support from the local community and businesses to help make the opportunity possible. The family have set up a fundraising plan to help Corsbie get there.
Corsbie, a right-footer who plays on the left wing, said the trip was an opportunity of a lifetime. It is his dream to play professional football and the Premier League was the pinnacle.
Being born in England, before coming to New Zealand as a young child, Corsbie doesn’t have a particular team he supports but has footballers he admires and follows – mainly England greats Sir David Beckham and Harry Kane.
He said it was surprising that only six Kiwis have had a Premier League career, and he has high praise for Wood – “he’s just an amazing player” – and he hoped to one day join them.
“Playing in the Premier League would be a dream come true, but I know there are plenty of people wanting to get there so I have to show what I can do [at the camps] and that I am worthy of playing there. I’m just going to go there and play and train the best I can.’’
He has been doing extra training at Onerahi most nights, with the club working him hard to make sure he is prepared for the rigours of such intense pressure.
Anyone keen to help can email Info@northernprojects.co.nz or ring Andy Corsbie on 021 021 74444.
■ Chris Wood is the highest-profile current Kiwi Premier League player and has a three-year contract with Nottingham Forest, including an estimated $10.5 million.