Soccer to get a boost

Press, 4 August 1977, Page 6

Soccer to get a boost

PA Wellington New Zealand soccer’s “Mr X” has finaUy been revealed. In a bid to clear its $50,000 deficit, and put the national team on a sound financial basis for the next World Cup. the New Zealand Football Association has appointed the Wellington Diamond United secretary, Mr Graham Moore, as promotions manager. A former N.Z.F.A. secretary, Mr Moore has a proven fundraising record; he has lifted W.D.U. from the financial doldrums and made it one of the wealthiest clubs in the Rothmans league. And although the four-vear N.Z.F.A. appointment is only a part-time job. he is confident that he can do the same for his new masters.

“I have no financial target. The sky’s the limit.” he said. “But I will be very disappointed if 1 can’t eliminate the deficit within two years.” The basis of his fund-raising will be such tried and true methods as tours and raffles. “But coordinated through one office thev should be handled with greater efficiency and give greater profits.” He also wants to promote the sport as much as simply raise money for it. “I want to see money coming in from sources relevant to the sport—for example, I would like to get the national team playing on a regular basis.” Towards this end he will immediately begin looking for a

major sponsor for an international series.

‘ldeally, 1 would like it to be a recurring aeries, with various nations invited to participate on an Australasian-Asian circuit basis.

“Each team would take it in turns to tour, which would mean we would have five home games during a season, and it would be played - on a two or three-year cycle to give time for the World Cup build-up. and also leave the World Cup year free. “But It would be expensive The New Zealand team would have a three-week trip to Australia. Indonesia. Singapore, and Hong Kong to plav their awav matches.

“I’m looking tor a homespun sponsor exporting to these nations to offer both a substantial prize to attract these teams, and give some money to the N.Z.F.A. to run it. In return. the tournament would be named after the sponsor,’’ he said.

The Australian connection will be strengthened with moves afoot to stage a trans-Tasman club championship. “The Australians want the winner of their national league to play New Zealand’s Rothmans champions on a homo and away basis—probably in October, when they complete their league programme,” he said.

Closer to home, one of his top priorities will be to find a reElacement sponsor for the Chatam Cup, after confirmation of

persistent rumours that Lion Breweries would withdraw their $ll,OOO sponsorship after four years.