Former All Whites legends Bobby Almond and Aaron Clapham are helping to kick off World Cup celebrations across Christchurch, visiting local schools and sharing memories of their time competing on football's biggest stage.
The two Christchurch locals, who represented New Zealand at different World Cup tournaments, visited Waitikiri Primary School on Friday to speak with students about their experiences. For both, the arrival of another tournament brings a flood of memories and a renewed sense of excitement.
Almond was a key defender in the legendary 1982 team that captured the nation's heart by qualifying for the World Cup for the very first time. That squad embarked on an unprecedented and arduous journey, playing 15 qualification matches across the globe to secure their spot in Spain. Their odyssey included matches in Fiji, Taiwan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and a final dramatic playoff against China.
Inspiring the next generation
Almost three decades later, midfielder Aaron Clapham was part of the 2010 squad that achieved a historic unbeaten run at the tournament in South Africa. That team famously drew all three of their group matches against Slovakia, defending champions Italy, and Paraguay, finishing as the only undefeated team in the entire tournament.
Clapham says that while he is focused on normal life most of the time, the global event transports him back to that unique period. “I forget all about it during normal life and then something pops up.or someone asks you a question about it and the memories start flooding back,” he says. “We’re in the moment of the World Cup right now, so it gets exciting. It brings back some amazing memories.”
The duo spent Friday morning answering a host of questions from enthusiastic students, signing autographs and sharing their passion for the game. “It’s lovely to see the energy of the kids and how enthusiastic they are and how many questions they had,” Clapham says. He notes that football's popularity at a grassroots level is a major strength for the sport in New Zealand. “Football is the most popular participation sport and our junior and youth numbers are way above other sports in our country, which is amazing.”
He also points to the health of the professional game, with the Wellington Phoenix established in the A-League and a new Auckland FC side set to join, as a sign of a bright future. The success of major sporting events in the city, such as the Te Kaha Super Round which delivered a $13.1 million windfall, shows the city's capacity to host top-tier sport.
A 'religion' for many
Almond, who experienced the global fervour of the sport first-hand in 1982, agrees that the game’s stature is growing domestically. “For a lot of countries, football is a religion. It’s a way of life,” Almond says. “It’s starting to come to the fore more here in New Zealand.” The country's passion for sport is well known, and even brands like Adidas are tapping into a similar trend in the US college system to recruit future stars.
Both men expect local interest to surge when the All Whites begin their campaign against Iran on Tuesday. Clapham recalls the explosion of support during the 2010 tournament. “There was a good buzz before it, but when we got a result in that first game, it went crazy,” he says. “I definitely think it will pick up because we love any sport where New Zealand are playing. If we can get a result in the first couple of games, it will explode.”
The passion extends to the city's diverse communities. For Christchurch's Brazilian population, the tournament is a cherished opportunity to celebrate their culture and connect with home. Resident Cheila Oliveira says the event helps bridge the distance to their homeland.
This makes us feel a little closer to home, even if we are far away. It warms our hearts, this feeling of cheering for a common team and gathering with friends.
Oliveira says her friends and family will be celebrating “Brazilian style” with barbecues and traditional food. “We gather a group of friends and prepare food, barbecue and a menu that reminds us of Brazil, so that we feel even closer to our country,” she says.
Venues prepare for fans
Christchurch's hospitality scene is also gearing up for a busy month of early mornings and passionate crowds, with many venues planning to screen games throughout the tournament, adding to the city's packed winter events calendar.
Dux Central owner Richard Sinke says supporting the World Cup is a core part of his business's identity. “Dux has had its own football club since 1980, so we’ve been involved with football for 46 years,” he says. Sinke, a lifelong player himself, believes the tournament has a unique power to unify people. “It unites the whole world, doesn’t it? A common love of sport, of football.”
The popular central city bar, featured in guides to the city's best venues, will continue its tradition of showing matches, as it has for previous World Cups. Other venues are also getting in on the action. Almond’s Centre Circle charity is promoting watch parties at O’Sheas Public House, and supporter groups Southern Front and Flying Kiwis are organising an All Whites viewing event at The Rambler.
With the official tournament underway, Sinke says his team is ready to welcome fans from all nations.
