The second allocation of funds from the New Zealand Football Foundation’s endowment fund will see more than NZ$100,000 distributed to individuals and clubs throughout the country, just a month out from the start of the All Whites’ first 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
While the latest grants include money to support talented players, a significant amount has also gone to helping communities provide better facilities for those wanting to play.
Foundation chairman Andrew Clements says making money available to rural communities where clubs are often struggling to provide facilities for young people is particularly gratifying and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the 2010 All Whites.
He says a number of noteworthy grants stand out from the nearly 100 applications received.
“For example, the grant to the Hokowhitu Junior Football Club in Palmerston North will subsidise affiliation fees for newly-settled refugees and unemployed young people desperate to play the sport,” he says.
“Also, the Marist Soccer Club in Whangarei will get money to help talented children get the development coaching they need but were unable to afford. Funds are also going towards expansion of facilities in Kawerau, an area struggling to provide resources for players.”
He says the foundation has been able to help a number of individual families struggling with the costs of getting their children to coaching and competitions around the country.
Money is allocated in accordance with the foundation’s six criteria, which focus on supporting individuals, families, teams, clubs, support organisations, regional football federations and national talent development.
All White Ivan Vicelich says he and his fellow teammates 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 having the next generation follow in our footsteps and hopefully go even further,” Vicelich says.
The fund was established with money from FIFA as a result of the All Whites’ World Cup achievements. It allocates funds twice each year and the first round of payments was in October last year. A third funding round is expected this October.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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