Local bus operators are ensuring young Wellington Phoenix fans from disadvantaged communities can see the team play this month.
Transdev companies Mana Newlands Coach Services and Howick & Eastern Buses will transport hundreds of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to and from the Phoenix’s homecoming matches at Sky Stadium and Eden Park respectively.
They will be collected from a number of locations across wider Wellington and Auckland and will also receive tickets, food vouchers and Phoenix merchandise for the games.
‘Bus to the Nix’ is an initiative run by the club’s Football For All programme, which aims to foster inclusion, participation and hauora by using football as a vehicle.
“Being able to bring the tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau from disadvantaged communities to support the Phoenix and have a taste of football at time when sport has been so scarce in the country is a privilege,” Mana Newlands Coach Services CEO Craig Chin said.
“Transdev is happy to support such a great initiative providing accessible transport options for all members of our community.”
Phoenix general manager David Dome has thanked Transdev for their support.
“It’s important to us that our young fans from underprivileged communities in Wellington and Auckland aren’t denied the chance to see the Phoenix play live,” Dome said.
“As soon as our matches in New Zealand were confirmed we wanted to make sure Bus to the Nix could happen.
“It was a great success last year and it’s fantastic Craig Chin and Sheryll Otway and their teams at Mana Newlands and Howick & Eastern have stepped up to make it a reality in 2022.”
The club would also like to thank Sky Stadium for helping facilitate ‘Bus to the Nix’ in Wellington.
The Football For All programme is delivered in partnership between the Phoenix and Capital Football, and on behalf of the Football for Community Development Trust.
The programme places tamariki and rangatahi from ages five to 17 into football clubs, futsal teams and school teams by removing potential barriers to play such as registration costs, equipment, transportation and communication difficulties for participants. This year free referee and coaching courses are now offered to participants and their whānau.
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 and New Zealand Police.
