From THE HERALD
Age-group players must cough up to represent the country overseas, says NZ Football
Fred De Jong. Photo / Richard Robinson
New Zealand's top young soccer players are being asked to pay to play at October's Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
And in future, all national age group players will be expected to pay.
The 35 players in the extended under-17 men's squad were told this week that they would be expected to contribute $2000 towards costs, New Zealand Football confirmed. A letter was sent to parents yesterday.
NZF high performance director Fred de Jong said he supported the "pay to play" edict even with his son Andre in the extended squad, which will soon be trimmed to 21.
"If Andre is selected, I'm fine with it as a parent," said de Jong.
"When you look at what they get in terms of top-class coaching and the overseas experience, it is not a huge demand. I think it is fair and reasonable."
In cases of hardship, the national body would look at it on a case-by-case basis, de Jong said.
"We are not going to say only rich kids can play for New Zealand."