“A goal machine”

Fourteen-year-old Arzan Todywalla, a member of the small Zoroastrian community of Auckland, New Zealand is gaining recognition both nationally and internationally as one of the best soccer players of his age. One of his coaches goes so far as to call the young lad "a goal machine.”
Recently Arzan was selected to undergo trials at the Birmingham City Club in the United Kingdom. His coaches were so impressed with Todywalla’s skills that they selected him to play for the under 13 Birmingham City Club team and later in Derby. The ultimate reward for him was a tour of the famous Manchester United Museum and the Old Trafford Stadium.
The year 2014 proved to be one of edging towards recognition. In Australia he played as captain of the Auckland Futsal — Indoor Soccer Team and won the "All Star Team” title. Over 500 players from both New Zealand and Australia aspire to become a member of the "All Star Team” but only a select few earn this distinction.
Todywalla’s soccer journey began soon after he migrated to New Zealand at 18 months of age with his parents Viraf and Pearl Todywalla and sister Afrin. The young parents went through all the normal struggles as new migrants to ensure their children did well in life.

Arzan Todywalla (r) on soccer field; (right): with parents Pearl and Viraf

It was on his third birthday that Viraf noticed Arzan kick a ball, at the "speed of a rocket.” Recognizing that their young son possessed an unexplainable talent, they secured his admission to the popular and successful Fencible’s United AFC Soccer Club when he turned six. They expected that after some years of practice, their son would be ready for competitive playing. Arzan proved himself within the very first year itself winning his initial trophies including the Golden Ball Award and The Most Valuable Player of the Year Award in 2007.
He plays mainly as a striker and occasionally at midfield, states Viraf. His proud and supportive parents stand behind their successful son in every endeavor he takes up, encouraging him to achieve well beyond and above his own aspirations and ability.
Arzan joined "Coerver Coaching New Zealand” to improve his soccer skills from the method developed by Netherlands Champion UEFA Cup winner Weil Coerver. He also trained with Auckland Futsal and the Roger Wilkinson Premier Skills Academy. His parents hope to see him win international recognition and a career with the best and most renowned soccer clubs of the world.
Arzan considers his present coach Justin Green at the Fencible’s United Soccer Club as his mentor. It was his coaching and mentorship that gave Arzan the opportunity to travel to the UK to train at the famous Birmingham City Football Academy. His participation helped the Fencible Soccer Club, his childhood training ground, win the preseason Rangitoto College Tournament. He has also been honored with the Fencibles United Player of the year (Grade 13) Trophy.
In the current year he has won two major awards. At the prestigious Indian Newslink Newspaper — Indian Sports Awards Presentation ceremony in April in Auckland he received the Best Young Sports Achiever (9 to 14 years male) award and The Under 20 Soccer Player of the year award.
Along with soccer, Arzan is also a good all-rounder athlete and he makes his mark in every sport he undertakes. Recently winning the first prize in high jump, 100 m and 200 m sprint, he created new records for Pakuranga College where he studies.
He was made a member of the international tournament team, setting a record for his school. He also won Sports Person of the Year (Grade 15) award. Arzan has been selected for a week long special training camp organized by the National Training Centre, a rare privilege accorded to very few.