July Newsletter

Trophy proves popular in Hamilton

Hamiltonians had their first glimpse of the stunning FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Trophy last week as it started its tour around the country.

The impressive silverware, which was made in England, went on display at Sport Waikato, Novotel, St Paul's Collegiate and various other schools and clubs in the Hamilton region.   

However the highlight of the tour was a trip to Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, where the Hamilton City News covered Bob Simcock, the Hamilton City Mayor, and school principal Vicky McLennan being presented with the trophy at the school. Waikato Diocesan is one of four training sites where possibly the USA (CONCACAF 1) and Denmark will train and prepare for the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Students from the school were also able to view and hold the trophy at their full assembly, where they were informed of the upcoming tournament and the opportunity of having these future superstars in women’s football training at their school.

Principal Vicky McLennan and Felicity Johl, the school's sport director, are hoping for the USA team to qualify in the upcoming CONCACAF Tournament in Barbados which will include Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and USA. However they insist whichever team qualifies first will have the full support of Waikato Diocesan at the opening match at Waikato Stadium on October 30.

For many it was a once in a lifetime experience to view and have their photo taken with the trophy - this was especially seen at the very successful Hamilton Volunteer Information Evening. More than 130 people turned up to find out more on volunteering for the tournament.

The trophy was also present at the Melville Football Club on the following weekend where the Young Football Ferns took on the Melville U-15 Boys team and won 4-2 in front of a vocal crowd. Spectators and Young Ferns family members took the opportunity to have their photo taken with the trophy.

The tour then continued with a visit to Rotorua where it was hosted by Rotorua United Football Club.

Here the trophy received a warm welcome with Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters joining club members and supporters in one of over two hundred photos, some of which appeared in the Rotorua Review.

The trophy tour was a real success in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty and has now been delivered to Christchurch where it continues its tour in promoting this exciting international event for New Zealand.