Wellington Phoenix Academy Player, Luca Van Dillen has travelled to Fiji to help with the ‘Just Play Football Programme’, which is an aid funded programme for developing countries.
The initiative was developed by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) with support from the Football Federation Australia (FFA), the Australian and New Zealand Governments, UNICEF and Union of European Football Association.
The programme is being delivered to 6-12 year-old children within their schools with the intention of providing a positive and equal environment for children to learn to play football.
Luca plays for the Wellington Phoenix U16 Academy team coached by Lee Padmore.
Luca, along with his friend, Charlie, have been staying next to the BA Academy where they have been assisting the ‘Just Play Football’ coaches and volunteering their time coaching the younger children at their Academy.
Wellington Phoenix Academy Director, Paul Temple, is pleased to see the want to help from the young players and believes this experience will make them better people, aiding their development in football.
“We’re really proud of what Luca is doing, volunteering his time up in Fiji is a preview into his character.
“He is a fantastic young man, leading by example.
“These kind of experiences are great, I know the whole family is very active in their support within the OFC region across a variety of areas, it’s something they have passed down to Luca and we’re fully supportive of it.”
Luca travelled to Fiji last Sunday and will be there for the latter stages of the school holidays.
