Fever Scholars Set Sights on Big Future

Thomas Spragg and Tristan Prattley have a nervous couple of weeks ahead of them as they prepare for the chance of a lifetime, a week training and playing with the Wellington Phoenix as 2010s winners of the Novotel Retro Ricki Youth Scholarship.

The Retro Ricki Youth Scholarship is a partnership between the Wellington Phoenix FC and its unofficial supporters' club, Yellow Fever. Sponsored by Novotel and Nike, the Scholarship gives its winners an all-expenses-paid week of training in a professional environment, alongside World Cup All Whites and under the watchful eye of coach Ricki Herbert.

"It's a fantastic concept, the only one of its kind" Herbert says of the Scholarship "and one that we are very pleased to be a part of. Last year's Scholarship winner Marco Rojas is now an important part of our squad, and who knows, this year's winners might get future opportunities."

Spragg and Prattley will be in Wellington from July 22nd to August 1st and will take full part in the Phoenix's pre-season programme including a game against local opposition Wairarapa United. They get their opportunity after winning both a popular vote of Yellow Fever's members on their website, yellowfever.co.nz, and the approval of Scholarship creator Guy Smith, and Phoenix coach Herbert, who select the final winners together from a shortlist.

"The Scholarship is a great use of the Fever's resources," says Fever founder Mike Greene, "our members get a chance to make a real contribution to the Phoenix, and to these young players, and its great for the game to have these sorts of opportunities. We couldn't do it without the support of our membership and Novotel."

Prattley, the first Scholarship winner from the South Island says he can't wait. "I've been so fortunate over the last 12 months. I've been given a chance with Otago United in the NZFC and that has led to this. I can't thank my club and NZFC coaches enough. I just hope I go alright and make a good impression. I've always wanted to be a professional footballer. This scholorship gives me the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge to help me achieve this."