Soccer-mad school gets into Cup spirit

William Cotter (right) and 'Australian' teammates take on 'The Netherlands' at Victoria Ave School in Remuera. Photo / Sarah Ivey

As soccer fever grips New Zealand, an Auckland primary school is getting behind the All Whites and into the World Cup spirit.

Victoria Ave School in Remuera is this week holding its own version of the Cup in the hope that more students will get into the game.

Each class has adopted a different World Cup team. On Tuesday, the players paraded around local streets during their opening ceremony.

School sports and health co-ordinator Clare Whittington says the event is a great way to get students into soccer in a "rugby-mad nation".

"For some of the younger ones, this is the first time they've played soccer. This is giving them a good introduction at a grassroots level," said Ms Whittington.

Yesterday, the junior school had its turn on the field, with older students refereeing the 5- and 6-year-olds through 10-minute matches.

The seniors take over the event today and tomorrow, with the games moving to the Shore Rd Reserve.

Tomorrow, the school will host the female Football Ferns, which Ms Whittington hopes will encourage more of Victoria Ave's girls to get on board. She said the Ferns' last visit in October had led to some girls enrolling to play at local clubs.