The future of New Zealand soccer has been given a kick into life with the introduction of a foundation which aims to help build the sport.
The New Zealand Future Footballers' Foundation wants to support the developmental work being done at national and local levels.
Foundation board memberGuy Smith said the goal of the trust was to help grow the next generation of leading players using methods including financial support, mentoring and ongoing guidance.
"What these younger people often don't have is someone to help open doors of opportunity for them. If we can do that then we will be doing something fantastic for them and for the game," he said.
Smith is joined on the board by several well known figures, including Wellington Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, former New Zealand Football chairman Warwick Gendall and broadcaster Ian Smith.
Herbert said he believed the foundation would contribute to the work that had been done to develop soccer in New Zealand.
"New Zealand Football has done a fine job growing the game in New Zealand but it has limited resources. To that end, it is vital that people in positions such as mine do what we can to broaden the foundations for the long-term success of football in this country."
Among the foundation's upcoming projects is sponsorship of the national secondary school's tournament next month.
There are also plans to implement scholarship and sponsorship deals for young people aiming for careers in the sport.
New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum welcomed the launch of the foundation.
"It's great that this group of people care enough about football to commit their own time, effort and financial resources to help grow the game," van Hattum said.
"Anything that helps someone achieve their football dream has to be good for the sport."
