Twenty-two young football fans had the chance to walk onto the pitch at North Harbour stadium with some of their football heroes in Auckland earlier this month.

The player escorts for the All Whites vs. Malaysia International Friendly match on October 14th came from clubs across Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. All were aged between 10 and 12. 

Nine came from the WaiBOP Region, representing five clubs.

Xanthe Dixon from FC Tauranga Moana walked out with All Whites captain Liberato Cacace. She said the experience inspired her to keep pursuing her dream of one day becoming a Football Fern.

For Te Awamutu’s Rumi Rutherford, it was something she would never forget, and she was greatful to be chosen. 

Brothers Lenny and Nate O’Leary, who play for Cambridge FC and Melville United respectively, gifted custom shinpads from their custom shinpad business to Chris Wood and Alex Rufer. Nate loved the atmosphere, and Lenny thought it was 'boss' meeting Alex Rufer and team (despite it being cold and wet).

Brothers Lenny and Nate O’Leary (far left); Narayan Gonzalez (4th from Left); Dylan Gibson (4th from Right) / Credit: Photosport.nz

Dylan Gibson, also from Te Awamutu, walked out with Ben Old, while Narayan Gonzalez from Lakes FC walked with Alex Rufer. Both said how excited they were to be there, and how they'd never forget the experience. 

Despite being a rainy Monday night, over 8,000 fans turned up at North Harbour Stadium to watch the All Whites beat Malaysia 4-0. 

The All Whites will next play in New Zealand on November 15 in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton in game two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification journey. 

All Whites vs Vanuatu
Friday November 15th | 7:30PM at FMG Stadium Waikato

Get your tickets from Ticketek now!

Chris Wood with Ball Kids / Credit: Photosport.nz

All Photos: Photosport.nz 

Article added: Thursday 31 October 2024