Firm helps grow New Zealand's football talent

Trans-Tasman law firm DLA Phillips Fox is supporting an initiative that aims to help talented young Kiwis make their way in the sport of football through the establishment of a new charitable trust - the New Zealand Future Footballers Foundation.

The firm has provided pro bono legal advice to the foundation, which has been established by a group of sporting and business leaders.

Guy Smith, a Wellington-based corporate lawyer at DLA Phillips Fox is one of the foundation's trustees. He is joined on the foundation’s board by Wellington Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, High Court judge and former New Zealand Football chairman the Honourable Justice Warwick Gendall, Auckland accountant Steve Williamson and former New Zealand cricket international and high-profile broadcaster Ian Smith.

The foundation aims to create clear career pathways for young people involved in football in New Zealand and is unique in that its focus is on developing talent right across the code – from players and coaches to referees, administrators and academics.

Smith said the aim was to help grow the next generation of leading football exponents in New Zealand using a variety of assistance methods, including financial support, mentoring and ongoing guidance.

“We want to help anyone involved in football who wants to get on a professional pathway in the game. Hopefully the foundation can play a role in ensuring that talent is not lost to the game and allowing young Kiwis access to the myriad opportunities that football offers,” Smith said.

For more information contact:

Guy Smith
Solicitor
T: +6444743234
E: guy.smith@dlaphillipsfox.com

Sarah Smith
Communications consultant
T: +64 9 425 9901
M: +64 21 660 951