The Wellington Phoenix are proud the Football For All programme was recognised at the 2022 Wellington Sport and Recreation Awards.
The programme, which the club delivers in partnership with Capital Football on behalf of the Football for the Community Development Trust, was awarded the best community initiative at TSB Arena in Wellington on Tuesday night.
The Football For All programme places tamariki and rangatahi from ages five to 18 into football clubs, futsal teams and school teams by removing potential barriers like registration costs, equipment, transportation and communication difficulties. Free refereeing and coaching courses are also offered to participants and their whānau.
Programme lead Eilish Graves accepted the award on behalf of the Phoenix.
“It’s a great recognition for all of the co-ordinators and clubs that make Football For All a reality,” Graves said.
“It’s also a reward for the work our trustees Rakesh Naidoo, Sue Piper and David Clarke have put in to make the programme successful.
“This year we have helped 217 tamariki and rangatahi play football or futsal in the Wellington region, who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to take part.
“It’s very gratifying that we can use football to foster inclusion, participation and hauora in our community.”
The Football For All programme wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for its primary funder the Lloyd Morrison Trust and a number of other partners, including New Balance, New Zealand Police, New Zealand Community Trust and the New Zealand Football Foundation.
