WLT - Papakura football club fit for champions

Article by Wiri Licensing Trust - see original HERE

Author: Sheryl Blythen 

When you have VIP guests coming to visit, you want to make sure your house is in tip-top shape.

So when Papakura City Football Club (PCFC) was given the chance to host the Spanish team for a 10-day preparation camp prior to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it was an excellent reason to do a full makeover of its facilities, from top to bottom. Since starting the project, $1.4 million has been invested in the renovation.

Club president Dave Johnson says that even before talks with the World Cup organisers, PCFC was looking at how it could upgrade its facilities and improve the playing space for females.

“We’ve also done a lot of work in schools and dedicated volunteer time to creating separate programmes for female players to ensure they feel more comfortable.”

Spain went on to win the Women’s World Cup, making the team’s stay at Papakura even more special for the young women from the club who were invited to attend a few training sessions with the international stars.

“It’s clear to me this was an experience these budding young female footballers will long remember and be inspired by.”

Wiri Licensing Trust supported the club’s initial application to Trillian in October 2022 for funding for the renovation project. Dave says some of the projects had to be shelved in the first round of work, but a more recent second round of funding has provided a new kitchen and referees’ room.

The Trust’s General Manager, Kim Green, says it’s fantastic to support a club that is working hard to grow football, provide amazing opportunities for junior and youth players, and attract more young women to the sport.

“The club’s had a significant increase in playing numbers in the junior space and it’s going to become a hub of activity as housing around McLennan Park increases.”

Papakura City Football Club began in 1959. From humble beginnings, it’s grown to having 1,000 players in the 2024 season, with male and female teams in junior, youth and senior grades. It also has junior and youth teams competing in Futsal, the five-aside indoor game.

But it couldn’t have achieved this level of growth without support from organisations such as Wiri Licensing Trust.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Wiri Licensing Trust. Clubs are too often forgotten about by many sporting intermediaries, and trusts like WLT are the last bastion for financial relief.”

When the funding comes, it provides real momentum for the club, which inspires volunteers to keep striving for better outcomes, Dave says.

He would encourage other clubs in the area to reach out for support because failing to engage with funders can mean projects take longer. “And time is precious to volunteers.”

“My advice to anyone is to get on the phone and find out what specific funders want to do and contribute towards. They are all different. Share your project and be bold. Trusts love to be part of bigger things.”

Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.

Author: Sheryl Blythen