World Cup surprise for Marist Thistle women's team

Marist Thistle women’s football team can’t wait to head to Auckland next week for the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals, with flights and accommodation paid for by the TAB. Back row (from left) are Nicola Morley, Pip Eriksen(TAB), Sabrina Street, Leesha Ulu, Zoe Toombs Fran Simpson, Amy O’Rourke, Eden Schollum, Bridget Bethel and coach Mandy Owen. Middle: Jade Schollum, Natalie Stairs, Kirsty Moiser, Denni Naydenova and Kirsten Morris. Front: Amanda Hughes, Jessie-Lee Davis, Kayla Wilson-Moore, Danni Hunter and Pip Thomson. Pictures by Paul Rickard

A World Cup secret has finally been revealed much to the relief of Tatapouri Marist Thistle goalkeeper Eden Schollum, who has been tightlipped about a huge surprise for her teammates since May.

Schollum received an email about becoming part of an elaborate plan to surprise her team with a FIFA World Cup Football experience through cup sponsors the TAB.

It wasn’t easy keeping it quiet and a master plan before it was disclosed included assistance from the Thistle club committee and a men’s football team.

Schollum told her team she had organised a physio to come to their Wednesday night training to teach them about strapping.

It was a ruse to lure them into the clubrooms.

On arrival some of the men’s team and committee were there, conveniently having a meeting so the ladies couldn’t head outside on to the deck.

Once all the women had arrived, TAB general manager of marketing Pip Eriksen popped out of hiding and invited the team to follow her outside.

“3-2-1” was  counted down and floodlights lit up Childers Road Reserve to reveal a container full of Adidas football gear.

“It was like a little Christmas surprise,” Marist Thistle coach Mandy Owen said.

“She (Eriksen) was like, ‘just help yourself — there’s boots, shorts, jackets, socks. Make sure you get one of everything, and grab a ball’.”

Schollum said the team only had playing shirts so the uniform was much needed.

“Huge thanks to TAB. Twenty-two of us got a new strip, kits, boots, balls, new everything. It’s pretty amazing,” Schollum said.

Eriksen said a team from there were picked due to the severe weather and flooding Gisborne had endured, and being geographically challenged when it came to getting to World Cup games.

“We wanted to change that and make it more accessible . . . and provide the equipment and means for these girls to play,” she said.

This was not the only surprise in store for them.

Gisborne Thistle AFC turns 100 next year and coach Owen said the club had a lot planned for their centennial.

This includes the return of former players from around New Zealand to join the celebrations,  and some friendly matches.

“The club has some games organised for other Thistle teams that are in the country and a big dinner,” Owen said.

The team had donned their new attire and were having a kick-around when Eriksen once again interrupted, this time waving a cheque.

“What we’ve also done is brought down a big cheque to pay for centenary uniforms next year,” Eriksen said.

The $11,000 cheque was met with cheers from the team.

But there was more.

Eriksen proceeded to tell the ladies the TAB was flying them to the World Cup quarterfinals in Auckland on August 11.

“They are supplying us with flights and accommodation for all 22 of us to go to Auckland to watch the quarterfinals as a team,” Schollum said.

“That’s pretty awesome.”

Film crews were at the Marist Thistle surprise.

It was scheduled to feature on ThreeNow’s  news and entertainment programme The Project last night.