30 NOVEMBER 2009
KIDS EMBARK ON TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO SOUTH AFRICA
Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) ‘Come Play!’ FIFA World Cup emissaries and ‘secret
weapons’ in Australia’s bid to host the World Cup today embarked on a trip of a lifetime
to South Africa.
The eight winners from each Australian state and territory will be part of a team helping
Australia’s case to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 this week in Cape Town.
FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said this week’s football festivities are an important part of the bid
process.
“It is one of the few official opportunities to present Australia’s bid before the international
football community and media.”
“Children are the future of football in Australia and we believe they will play a crucial role
in putting our case across to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022.”
“It really will be a once in a lifetime experience for these children and I am looking
forward to sharing it with them,” Buckley said.
While in Cape Town, the children are scheduled to visit Tygerberg Children’s Hospital
School with FFA Chairman Frank Lowy, visit a local school with Australia’s Minister for
Sport, the Hon Kate Ellis MP and attend the FIFA Media Expo for bidding nations.
Before boarding their flights from their respective homes, the eight winners voiced
excitement about their pending trip and putting Australia’s case forward to FIFA:
Sara Ralphs, 12 from West Pymble in New South Wales said, “I am so thrilled. 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, 12 from Newman in 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 I’m looking
forward to showing why the FIFA World Cup™ should come to Australia.”
Kai Thornton, 11 from O’Connor in 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, 9 from Alawa in 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, 10 from West Moonah in 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 in the World Cup was held here. I am looking forward to showing what a
friendly and united country we are.”
Massimo Caiazza, 8 from Broadview in South Australia said, “I am so excited about going
to Cape Town. 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, 10 from Kawana Island in 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, 11 from Strathmore in 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.”
**Images and vision of the children leaving Australia, as well as their trip to Cape Town
are available**
ENDS
For further information and to organise an interview, please contact: Kate McQuestin on
0419 591 150
NEWS 
