Fans pose with the world cup in Dunedin. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
Football fever has spread to the deep south. Excitement is building in Dunedin for the FIFA Women's World Cup as the trophy landed in the city on Thursday, just four weeks before the tournament kicks off.
A group of about 60 intermediate-age girls were first to lay eyes on the trophy when it was unveiled in Dunedin.
They were treated to some drills, skills and games first, but Alex King was in no doubt as to what was the star of the show.
"Seeing the trophy," the 11-year-old said. "It was very cool."
The girls also practised with some drills during the event. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
Dunedin will play host to the Swiss team during the tournament.
Amanda Dyer, from the Dunedin City Council, said they were looking forward to it.
"We're setting up a team base camp for the Swiss out at Tahuna Park - they're going to be with us for about three weeks.
"We've got all sorts of exciting things happening out at Tahuna Park and we can't wait to have them here."
There was plenty of demand for tickets to the city's six games.
Southern Football girls' and women's development officer Jessica Fuller said it was huge for the city.
"I didn't get to see a Football Ferns game until I was 15, so I think it's really important that young girls and boys get these great world-class players here in Dunedin at the stadium because you can't be, what you can't see."
Fuller has played the game since she was eight, so she knew just how much it would mean to the kids to see their heroes, on the biggest stage, in person.
"I think it's awesome. Growing up, football wasn't always cool for girls and a big part of this tournament . . . is making football cool for girls. It's incredibly important the visibility the tournament is going to bring, not just to girls and women's football but for women's sport in New Zealand. It's going to be huge."
Lauren Scarth says the chance to see the trophy is "cool". Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
For Lauren Scarth just seeing the trophy was already getting her to dream big.
"It was really cool to see the trophy," the 11-year-old said.
When asked if she hoped to win it one day, she only needed one word: "Definitely".
But for now she was just looking forward to what was coming over the next couple of months as she was very excited for the world cup, especially the chance to see the Football Ferns live.
"I'm going to Switzerland versus New Zealand," she said.
That game, at Forsyth Barr Stadium on 30 July, was shaping up to be a blockbuster.
The Football Ferns have never qualified for the knockouts at the tournament and victory over the Swiss in their last pool game might be just what they need to make history.
Fuller smells an upset.
"I'm backing the girls. I know they've been getting a bit of stick in the media but I'm backing the girls and hopefully we can get through."
She was not alone and dozens of excited fans had a simple message for their heroes - "Go Football Ferns!"
As well as Switzerland, the Philippines and Norway are in New Zealand's group for the world cup.
Dunedin North Intermediate students pose with the cup. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown