Because the next generation isn’t just watching.
They’re already in the game.
Keep it in
play
Ball boys and Ball girls have long played a key role in elite sport; from Wimbledon to the FIFA World Cup, adding professionalism, pace, and energy to the match day experience.
Now, it’s time to bring that same legacy to hockey.
The Vantage Ball Crew programme gives young fans the chance to be part of the action, supporting their sporting heroes while gaining leadership, teamwork, and event experience along the way.
They’ll walk in the shoes of past Vantage Black Sticks stars who once served as ball boys and ball girls and now wear the fern on the world stage. Players like George Baker, Joe Morrison, Hope Ralph, Katie Doar, Olivia Shannon and Emma Findlay all began their journeys on the sideline before becoming Black Sticks representatives.
Those selected will be lucky enough to be guided through the Ball Crew Programme by these very players!
Your 2025 Ball Crew!
Hannah Hudson-Owen - Whangarei
Emma Everson - Whangarei
Samara Holder - Whangarei
Kelly de Beer - Whangarei
Luke Bint - Whangarei
Braylee Goffin - Whangarei
Noah Hillerby - Auckland (LEP)
Ethan cibulskis - Auckland (LEP)
Caitlyn King - Auckland (LEP)
Isabel Davies - Auckland (LEP)
Giuliana Gianesini - Auckland (LEP)
Jory Li - Auckland (LEP)
Brooke Day - Auckland (North Harbour)
Zara Andrea Brabant - Auckland (North Harbour)
Sophie Atkinson - Auckland (North Harbour)
Brody Neves - Auckland (North Harbour)
Joel Henwood - Auckland (North Harbour)
Luke Harris - Auckland (North Harbour)
Summer Kwok - Hamilton
Grace Pilmore-Evans - Hamilton
Marlie Candelaria - Hamilton
Cooper Moulin - Hamilton
Dylan Quilter - Hamilton
Morris Grant Rennie - Hamilton
Mason Kingan - Dunedin
Hamish Casey - Dunedin
Isaac Jago - Dunedin
Lila Flannery - Dunedin
Tessa Wright - Dunedin
Talia Hargreaves - Dunedin
Tom Nicol- Dunedin
Ben Burkin - Napier
Oscar Foote - Napier
Harry Cornes - Napier
Harper Delatour - Napier
Olivia Gunson - Napier
Erin Bradbury - Napier
Mackenzie Barrett - Christchurch
Hayley Rita Cleghorn - Christchurch
Liam Bond - Christchurch
Seth Atkinson - Christchurch
Sia Johnston - Christchurch
Xavier Eveleigh- Christchurch
James Harbrow - Wellington
Thomas McIntyre - Wellington
Iris Edwards - Wellington
Alice Haywood - Wellington
Maddi-Grace Switzer - Wellington
Jordan Tomas Ward - Wellington
2025 Applications closed.
Hockey fans aged 12–16 (Years 8–11) from across New Zealand are invited to apply.
No experience required; just commitment, fitness and passion. By applying you acknowledge you will be available for all league games.
Ball Crew for The Grand Finals selected at a later date.
What’s
Included
Official PHL Uniform
Personalised uniform and valued at $300, this kit is seriously cool.
Swag Bag
On top of your uniform, you’ll get a swag bag with a PHL cap, drink bottle, snacks and merch.
Catered Game Days
We’ll make sure you’re watered and fed in your very own dedicated chill-out zone with the rest of your new ball crew buddies.
Meet & Greet Moment
Organised moments with your favourite players - many of who are Vantage Black Sticks!
Certificate Of Recognition
A certificate to recognise your new on-field role (CV never looked so good!) and the chance to return as a Senior Ball Crew Member at International test matches.