Introducing Players Scholarships - Backed by the Best in Sport
Applications Open · 13 February, 2025
At Players Sports, we believe that passion, dedication, and the right support can take keen young athletes far. That’s why, in conjunction with our new Greenlane store opening next month, we’re launching an exciting new initiative - the Players Scholarships Programme.
This programme is designed to support and celebrate promising young Kiwi sports people aged 10-15 by providing them with world-class gear, mentorship, and exclusive opportunities from the biggest brands in sport. The goal? To help them grow, compete, and proudly represent the brands they love - just like the stars they admire.
This will be an annual programme, ensuring each year new exceptional young athletes receive the support they need to thrive. Beyond receiving free premium sports gear, these 16 scholarship recipients will become ambassadors for Players Sports and their chosen brand, featuring in social media, and even possibly in-store displays, and brand promotions - while also gaining mentorship and support from professional athletes in their sport.
If your child lives and breathes their sport, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
What’s on Offer - 16 Scholarships with World-Class Brands
Each Players Scholarship is fully backed by a global sports brand, providing recipients with top-tier gear to support their development.
Here are the 16 scholarships available:
Cricket (4 scholarships): Gray-Nicolls | Gunn & Moore | Kookaburra | New Balance
Football (3): adidas | New Balance | PUMA
Hockey (2): Grays | Kookaburra
Netball (1): ASICS
Rugby (2): adidas | ASICS
Rugby League (1): ASICS
Tennis (2): HEAD | Wilson
Touch Rugby (1): ASICS
You can only apply for one scholarship - so choose wisely! We’re looking for kids who are not only passionate about their sport but also diehard loyal to their chosen brand. Whether they dream of scoring in adidas boots, winning a Grand Slam with a Wilson racket, or smashing sixes with a Gray-Nicolls bat, this is their chance to represent the brand they love - just like the pros.
How to Apply
To apply, send an email to info@playerssports.co.nz with the subject line:
"Players Scholarship Application - [Scholarship Name e.g., ASICS Rugby]"
We encourage applicants themselves to answer the following in their own words (take it easy on ChatGPT!):
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Your full name, age, and location
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The Players Scholarship you are applying for (e.g., ASICS Netball, Wilson Tennis)
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Tell us about your sporting history over the past two years - What teams, clubs, or competitions have you been part of? Any notable achievements or milestones?
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What are your sporting goals for 2025 and 2026? - What do you want to accomplish in the next two years? How do you plan to improve and push yourself?
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Why have you chosen this specific scholarship? - What makes this sport and brand the perfect combination for you? Why is this brand your favourite?
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Who is your favourite player sponsored by this brand, and why? - What do you admire about them?
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Who is your biggest role model outside of professional sport? - A parent, coach, sibling, or someone else who inspires you?
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What does being a great teammate mean to you? - How do you support and encourage others in your team?
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What would it mean to you to be selected for this scholarship? - Why would this opportunity be special to you? How would you make the most of it?
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What was the last product you or your parent/guardian purchased from Players Sports?
Applications close midnight Thursday, 27 February 2025.
Scholarship Benefits - What’s Included?
Each recipient will receive a carefully selected Players Scholarship Pack, tailored to their sport and brand.
Product Allocations by Sport:
Rugby, Rugby League, Football, & Touch Rugby
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1 x Boots
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1 x Shin Guards (football only)
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1 x Running Shoes
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1 x Gym Bag or Backpack
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Training/Lifestyle Apparel (at the discretion of the brand)
Tennis
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2 x Rackets
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1 x Tennis Bag
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1 x Tennis Shoes
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String & Training Apparel (at the discretion of the brand)
Cricket
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1 x Bat
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1 x Batting Gloves
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1 x Batting Pads
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1 x Cricket Shoes
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1 x Wheelie Bag
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Training/Lifestyle Apparel (at the discretion of the brand)
Netball
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1 x Netball Shoes
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1 x Running Shoes
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1 x Gym Bag or Backpack
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Training/Lifestyle Apparel (at the discretion of the brand)
Hockey
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1 x Stick
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1 x Shin Guards
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1 x Stick Bag
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1 x Hockey Shoes
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Training/Lifestyle Apparel (at the discretion of the brand)
Terms & Conditions
Applicants must be between 10 and 15 years old as of 1 April 2025 and must reside in New Zealand.
Applicants, or their parent/guardian, must have made a purchase from Players Sports (in-store or online) within the last six months (before 27 February 2025) and be subscribed to our email list.
Each applicant can only apply for one scholarship - we want you to be loyal to your sport and brand.
Scholarships are valid for 12 months, starting 1 April 2025.
Gear allocation is at Players Sports & the brand’s discretion and cannot be exchanged or transferred.
Scholarship recipients must be willing to be featured in Players Sports and brand social media content and may appear in in-store graphics.
Attendance at the Players Sports Greenlane VIP launch event in late March 2025 is encouraged, but any travel and accommodation costs (for recipients outside Auckland) will be the responsibility of the scholarship recipient and their family.
By applying, the applicant and the parent/guardian agree to these terms.
Final Thoughts
The Players Scholarships Programme is about more than just free gear - it’s about recognising and supporting the next generation of Kiwi sports stars. With the opening of our new Greenlane flagship store, we’re creating a sports gear hub for New Zealand’s high performance sports community - and these young athletes will be foundation ambassadors for Players Sports Greenlane and will hopefully build longstanding connections with the brands that backed them at this stage of their sporting careers.
This is your child’s chance to be part of something special.
Encourage them to apply today!