Kids help bring World Cup to Australia
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced more ‘secret weapons’ to help bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Australia in 2018 or 2022 with the appointment of eight children to the role of FFA ‘Come Play!’ FIFA World Cup™ emissary.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced more ‘secret weapons- to help bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Australia in 2018 or 2022 with the appointment of eight children to the role of FFA ‘Come Play!- FIFA World Cup™ emissary.
The eight winners from each Australian state and territory will travel to Cape Town in South Africa in early December where they will be part of the team that helps present Australia-s case to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022:
• Sara Ralphs, 12 years from West Pymble will represent New South Wales • Claudia Favata, 11 years from Strathmore will represent Victoria • Blake Varga, 10 years from Kawana Island will represent Queensland • Joseph Love, 12 years from Newman will represent Western Australia • Massimo Caiazza, 8 years from Broadview will represent South Australia • Xavier Castaneda, 10 years from West Moonah will represent Tasmania • Kai Thornton, 11 years from O-Connor will represent the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) • Oscar Ferdinands, 9 years from Alawa will represent the Northern Territory (NT) FFA called on Aussie children to tell them in 300 words or less why they think Australia should host the FIFA World Cup™ last month. Thousands of children used pictures as well as words to say why Australia should host the games. However, there could only be one winner from each state.
The winners were chosen by the judges as their entry best captured the spirit and passion Australians have for the bid to host the greatest show on earth in Australia in 2018 or 2022.
FFA CEO, Ben Buckley said he was impressed at the number and quality of entries FFA received.
“It showed the huge community support behind the bid and is a fantastic illustration of the passion Aussie kids have for football.”
“I congratulate each of the winners and hope they enjoy being a part of a significant event in Australian history. Children are the future of football in Australia and will play a crucial role in putting our case across to host the FIFA World Cup™.”
“The football festivities in Cape Town in December are an important part of the bid process as it is one of the few official opportunities to present Australia-s bid before the international football community and media.”
“As the FIFA World Cup™ is hosted by a country, not just a city, we believe it is important to make sure every state is represented and given a voice to FIFA.”
“It really will be a once in a lifetime experience for these children and I am looking forward to sharing it with them,” Mr Buckley said.
The eight winners voiced their excitement about winning their trip to South Africa and being appointed World Cup emissaries:
Sara Ralphs from New South Wales said, “I play football and couldn-t live without it. I believe our vigorous, hearty and enthusiastic country should host the FIFA World Cup™ and I look forward to helping put this forward in South Africa.”
Joseph Love from Western Australia said, “I live, breathe, eat, sleep and dream the game. We live 1200 kilometres from Perth and on the edge of the desert - our club is 350 kids strong. We-re all very, very passionate about playing and the FIFA World Cup™ coming to Australia.”
Kai Thornton from the Australian Capital Territory said, “This is a fantastic opportunity. I am looking forward to being a part of a great event. This will be a big moment in my life and a great experience.”
Oscar Ferdinands from the Northern Territory said, “The last World Cup when Australia did so well got me into playing soccer and I really want the FIFA World Cup™ to be held in Australia to encourage other young kids to play.”
Xavier Castaneda from Tasmania said, “I would love to see Australia host the FIFA World Cup™. We represent many cultures and the rest of the world will feel right at home. We are also a friendly and united country who will welcome other countries with open arms.”
Massimo Caiazza from South Australia said, “I was in my mum-s tummy when she went to the Olympics in Sydney. She has always said how great it was having them here. I think it would be even better if the World Cup was to come here.”
Blake Varga from Queensland said, “I have played since I was old enough to kick a ball. It-s a big part of my life. My family are all huge football fans too and I am really looking forward to helping put Australia-s case forward.”
Claudia Favata from Victoria said, “I really want the World Cup to come here so we get better stadiums, bigger crowds, greater memberships and more imports to our country. Aussies are united behind the game. It would be the best game in the world meeting the best country in the world - Australia.”