Ricki Herbert heads back to school for Just Play launch

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will take a break from his World Cup squad training preparations next week and go back to school.

It will be a brief but important visit on 5 May to Papatoetoe Central Primary (Herbert’s old school) where he will be joined by former All White Colin Tuaa, who also learned his soccer in Manukau, for the launch of ‘Just Play’.

‘Just Play’ - Active and Healthy for Life - is an Oceania Football Confederation programme now being taken up throughout Manukau schools in partnership with the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation.

“Just Play is an ideal fit for the foundation’s aim to encourage Manukau’s young people to take up an active and healthy lifestyle,” foundation chair Sir John Walker says.

“The goals of the OFC’s Just Play programme mirror ours. We know that football is one of the world’s most popular sports and we’re grateful for the support of Ricki and Colin, at the Just Play launch, to share the message with the youngsters that sport is fun, and for everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.”

‘Just Play’ aims at the six – 12 year-old level, where it can be enjoyed equally by boys and girls. It helps build confidence and self-esteem, provides them with foundation ball skills as well as providing a great way to build up friendships and social skills.

“This programme ticks all the boxes to match the foundation’s strategic goals, including to one day develop future football champions and All Whites,” Sir John says.

“But most importantly, it’s about our getting our young people to expect sport and activity is a natural part of their lives, to build those important building blocks that will ensure those taking part in ‘Just Play’ will move naturally into club involvement.”

OFC chief executive Tai Nicholas says the Just Play programme is about fostering development in the local clubs and associations that are the game’s grass-roots and source of elite development strength throughout Oceania.

“The strong links between schools and clubs and associations will provide the vital links so that children can keep up the fun football activities,” Mr Nicholas says.

“OFC is responsible for developing and improving the game of football at all levels. Just Play is an investment at the grass roots, to use the power of football to help develop our young people in all aspects of their lives.”

‘Just Play’ will reach 106 schools, 1600 teachers and classrooms and 48,000 students over the coming three years.

About Just Play

Children are introduced to games through an activity programme over six school sessions.

Schools are provided with ‘Just Play’ equipment kits so there can be continued involvement beyond the programme, providing an introduction to organised sport and a way for children to take part in an informal way.

‘Just Play’ also fosters development in local clubs and associations, which will have direct access to the children taking part in ‘Just Play’ through the school programme.