June Newsletter

Auckland school keen to cheer on past pupil

Ponsonby Primary School will be sending all of its 370 students to the opening match at North Harbour Stadium to support Young Football Fern and ex-student Rosie White. Principal Anne Malcolm is making the most of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup schools promotion which allows school children to get in for just $5.

“Our school will be right behind Rosie and the kids can look forward to hopefully meeting her after the game,” said Mrs Malcolm.

Rosie, who turned 15 last week, attended Ponsonby Primary along with her two brothers. She is currently recovering from a knee injury that has seen her unable to train with the team for the past four months. Mrs Malcolm is crossing her fingers the striker will be fit and rearing to go come October.

“I have told Rosie’s mother to get her well for the tournament,” she said.

As well as supporting a past pupil, the Ponsonby Principal is also keen to back a world class tournament involving talented young women. 

“It’s an international event happening in New Zealand which the kids can get excited about. They’ll be able to write stories and learn about the countries that will be playing here.”

Ponsonby Primary found out about the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup schools promotion through Maia Jackman and Hayley Moorwood who work with the FIFA Venue Organising Committee in Auckland. The two New Zealand internationals spoke with the school's sports co-ordinator Amber Taylor at an innercity sports cluster meeting and explained that students could attend the opening game for just $5. Transportation to the games will also be organised by the venue organising committee and a school curriculum will be provided to the school.

The schools promotion is also taking place in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. To find out how your school can get involved click here