Soccer: Kids get chance of World Cup place

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The All Whites are not going to this year's World Cup finals, but one lucky New Zealand youngster will.

In an unusual promotion, as part of the Small Whites programme, all children - boys and girls - aged between six and 10 who register with a soccer club before March 31 have a chance to win the trip of a lifetime.

The names of all registered players will go into a draw, with the seven winners - from the country's seven federations - going through to a final draw on April 30.

The promotion involves New Zealand Soccer and McDonalds, which, as part of their player escort programme worldwide, have been given the opportunity to have a young player at one of the world's biggest sporting occasions.

The winner, and a chaperone, will fly to Korea on May 28 and see the opening match between defending cup-holders France and Senegal the following day. They will return to New Zealand on June 1.

The prize includes air fares, accommodation, match tickets, souvenir package and sightseeing. The competition is open to players aged between six and 10 on January 1 this year.