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Michael Wood (Born 25 December 1999) is a semi professional footballer who plays for the reserve team of New Zealand club Hibiscus Coast F.C and the Cook Islands U20 team .He is a Defender. Often ranked as one of the most promising players in the U20 Cook Islands National team, Wood, who is also the second youngest, has a lot of experience playing high-level football and has been doing so for a number of years. He is friends with Tom Anderson

Wood started his playing career in his home country of the Cook Islands, playing for a few smaller clubs before moving to New Zealand in May 2013. Very quickly he was picked up by Hibiscus Coast F.C and was promoted to the mens reserves after a year in their premier junior team. Wood quickly established himself as a first team player and has been getting regular game time since being promoted to the reserves.

Wood made his International Debut for the Cook Island U17 National team in January 2015 when he was just 15. He played in 5 games for the Cook Island U17 team before being pushed into the U20 team at just 16. He has since made 6 appearances and scored 1 goal while playing in the U20 World Cup oceania qualifying tournament.

Early life
Wood was born on December 25 1999 in Rarotonga. He spent most of his childhood there growing up with 1 bother and 1 sister. Wood's family moved to New Zealand in may 2013 and has been living there since then. Wood currently attends Orewa College where he studies Physics, English, Accounting, Math, Physical Education, History and Geography.

Hibiscus Coast F.C
Wood has played for 3 years at Hibiscus Coast F.C and has quickly been recognised as on of the young standout players of the club. This was seen in the clubs decision to promote him to the mens reserve team at the age of just 16. Since being promoted to the reserves Wood has made 20 appearances and scored 5 goals including 1 notable goal from halfway in which Wood Chpped the keeper on the edge of his box.

International career
Wood has enjoyed a fine international career first playing for the U17 Cook Island National Team and then the U20 Cook Island National Team. During his time he has made 11 appearances in total scoring 1 goal in the process. Wood has also registered an assist after he won a penalty for the U20 Team after a handball in the box.

Style of play
Wood has a very distinct style of play. He sits deep as a central defender and is known to sweep behind the backline picking up any runs made by forwards. Wood has been praised for his great insight and vision during play and it is said to be an integral part of his skill as a footballer. Wood is also known for his impressive shot power and long shots. He can be seen taking shots from half way regularly and the shots are often successful. Wood is also known for his great jumping and heading ability off corners, which he often pushes up from centre back for.

Personal life
Wood is also very active outside of his football career, where he participate in many hobbies of his, including Manus, (A New Zealand style of jump in which the aim to create a large splash), and playing Touch rugby.

Philanthropy
Throughout his time at Orewa College Wood has participated in many fundraising events in which he has raised a large amount of money for charity. Wood is also a keen supporter of "A Classic Snag" A term given to a typical fundraising event held outside a Bunnings.