The Wellington Phoenix have rolled out a new programme to help give underprivileged children across Wellington the opportunity to play football this season.
'Football for All' is paying for boots, shin pads, and playing kit for the season ,as well as registration fees and travel to and from games.
Eleven-year-old Fazi Khalili is one of those kids, who wouldn't have gotten the chance to play if it wasn't for the programme.
"I really enjoy football,and I love watching," Khalili tells Newshub.
Until now, he hasn't been able to play for a club. But the Wellington Phoenix have stepped in to ensure he's got the means to do so.
"I kind of felt lucky, because there's still people out there that don't have as much gear as we do,"says Khalili.
"It's a great opportunity for these kids to experience football not just turning up and playing but having the kit to enable them to play, it felt like Christmas for me as well," Football Capital Chair Helen Mallon adds.
The Phoenix have eliminated financial barriers to help nurture the next generation of talent.
"To think that we would never have some elite pro sportspeople in this country just because they couldn't get the money" Wellington Phoenix Trustee member Rakesh Naidoo says.
It's reportedly cost hundreds of thousands of dollars but it goes well beyond just sport. For kids like Fazi and his little brother, it's a priceless opportunity.
"Now I know we both play, it's kind of making me feel happy," Fazi says with a smile.
