OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas and John Walker came together at the Just Play launch to sign an agreement that will ensure both organisations work in close cooperation to deliver the grassroots initiative to around 100 schools across Manukau.
Nicholas says he is delighted to be working with the South Auckland-based charity.
“John Walker’s Find your Field of Dreams is really a great foundation. When we heard about it, without hesitation we knew this would be a good partnership that would benefit young people in South Auckland,” said Nicholas.
He went on to thank Kelly Robertson, FYFOD General Manager Programmes and Operations, for her valued input.
“Kelly has put in long hours to assist the OFC Just Play organisers in the lead up to this launch and we thoroughly appreciate her expertise and cooperation.”
The Just Play programme, led by OFC Head of Social Responsibility Franck Castillo, Technical Coordinator Colin Tuaa and Just Play consultant Vania Kenning, is designed for children aged 6-12 and encourages boys and girls to get active. Olympic Gold Medalist John Walker says it will also help to build confidence and self-esteem while providing a great way for kids to build social skills.
“This programme ticks all the boxes to match the foundation’s strategic goals, including to one day develop future football champions and All Whites,” Sir John says.
“But most importantly, it’s about getting our young people to expect sport and activity is a natural part of their lives, to develop those important building blocks that will ensure those taking part in Just Play will move naturally into club involvement.”
OFC provides teachers and volunteers with a two-day training course to learn how to facilitate the activity programme for children which runs over six schools sessions.
Schools are provided Just Play equipment kits including balls, cones, bibs, whistles and a manual with guidelines for practical sessions to assist instructors. This promotes continued activity beyond the programme, allowing children to take part in an informal way.
Just Play also fosters development in local clubs and associations, which will have direct access to the children taking part in ‘Just Play’ through the school programme.
OFC and FYFOD are working in partnership to deliver this pilot project in Manukau. OFC hopes to establish similar partnerships so that the programme can be replicated across New Zealand.