The New Zealand Football Foundation, established with part of the prize money from the All Whites’ FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, is awarding over $100,000 to 30 successful applicants in its inaugural grant round.
The money is going to a range of causes including paying for expert coaching, improving facilities, talent development and projects such as helping a passionate young fan from Christchurch, who suffers from cerebral palsy, get to see his team play.
NZ Football Foundation chairman Andrew Clements says over 200 applications were received, with requests for over half a million dollars.
“Our main objective in making awards is to support the development of the sport in New Zealand and encourage participation, the two key factors that will help our next generation of stars emerge to represent New Zealand on the world stage,” he says.
Senior All White Ivan Vicelich says he and his fellow team mates are delighted to see the fruits of their success flow through to players throughout the country.
“There can be no more satisfying legacy for our achievement in South Africa than seeing the next generation team follow in our footsteps and hopefully go even further,” he says.
“It is only by qualifying to compete at a World Cup that commercial rewards can be generated to flow back down through to clubs and players.”
Clements says increasing numbers of young people are getting into the sport in New Zealand as a result of the excitement generated by the FIFA World Cup but it is a struggle to provide the facilities and resources needed.
“Better facilities mean better opportunities for those who want to play so helping clubs provide facilities and coaches is one way we can help the growth of the sport.
“We also recognise it is important to engage kids and their families in sport and to keep them playing throughout their teenage years. By making participation accessible to those that want to play, we hope to make a positive difference in the community. “
New Zealand Football’s National Talent Centre received the largest grant at $37,550, which means 280 young players will receive some assistance towards the cost of attending.
The remainder of the money is being allocated in accordance with the foundation’s six criterion which focus on supporting individuals, families, teams, clubs, support organisations, regional football federations and national talent development.
A second grant round is expected in April next year.
About the New Zealand Football Foundation
The New Zealand Football Foundation manages a $4 million endowment fund established by New Zealand Football with part of the prize money it received following the All Whites’ qualification to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The goal of the foundation is to provide on-going funding to support the growth of football in New Zealand and to build on the success of the 2010 World Cup. Currently around 85,000 young people under 19 years are involved in organised football.
In particular the foundation aims to:
– advance education through training and participation in sport
– improve or provide sports and recreational facilities for all members of the public
– promote public health through education on the health benefits of sport and physical exercise
– promote the teaching of football to youth
– award scholarships and grants to reward and encourage achievement and excellence
People can support the foundation through donations, bequests or through Kiwisaver. Donations can be made online at www.footballfoundation.org.nz
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz