Socceroos player, Lucas Neill, today encouraged junior football clubs around Australia to capitalise on world cup fever by taking advantage of Telstra’s Football Assistance Fund, which gives clubs funding for essential football equipment.

“By providing some much needed funding Telstra is helping attract more people to football, which is great for the community and the future of the sport in Australia. I urge clubs across the country to apply for funding,” said Lucas Neill.

The Telstra Football Assistance Fund is part of Telstra’s sponsorship of Football Federation Australia. Telstra said since the introduction of the program last year, the company has provided over 200 football clubs a total of $200 000 of funding and equipment.

Telstra said the World Cup has created an increased interest in football this year so the number of applications is expected to grow considerably.

See: www.beinvolved.telstra.com/football