Spark NZ has partnered with A-League club, Wellington Phoenix, as their official match day partner ahead of the club’s match against Perth Glory at Auckland’s Eden Park at the end of the month.

With the Phoenix based in Wollongong during the current season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fixture marks the second game back in New Zealand for the club.

The partnership will provide funding for the club to offer their “bus to the nix” programme, offering the chance for over 500 children and their families to attend the fixture, with tickets to the game, lunch and busses to and from the match all included.

Phoenix general manager, David Dome, said he is thrilled the club is giving opportunities to families who would otherwise not be able to attend the match.

“The club is extremely proud that, along with the Football for the Community Development Trust, we can provide something special to our communities,” Dome said.

“It’s a programme we’ve rolled out in the past with great success, so we’re both thrilled to be able to once again contribute to the local community in this manner,” he said.

Spark NZ’s value management lead, Rajesh Singh, said the opportunity is very deserving for the families involved: “Spark is happy to partner with the Wellington Phoenix at their match in Aukland this month, to provide the opportunity for more tamariki (children) to experience the excitement and joy that a football game can bring.”