Millichips look forward to Japan

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 27 November 2016

An opportunity-of-a-lifetime is in store for Nic Millichip after the Katikati FC volunteer was named national winner of the McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year competition.

The reward for the well-deserving Millichip is a trip to the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan this December – including a behind-the-scenes experience with Oceania representatives Auckland City FC – and he admits he is still trying to get his head around the amazing news.

“It’s a fantastic prize and a great honour – it’s all pretty humbling,” he says.

“It was completely unexpected and it’s just one of those great things where you get rewarded for doing something you really enjoy.

Millichip, who mentors the Gunners 10th-grade team for Tauranga-based Katikati, had already enjoyed some recognition after earlier being named as one of seven federation-based regional winners in the McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year competition, which brought an equipment pack to be used for training and games.

The Seven Sharp TV programme and Bay of Plenty Times were both on hand to capture the moment and it was one Millichip will not forget in a hurry.

The Millichips were guests at the Navy Blues Stirling Sports Premiership match with Hawke's Bay United yesterday and took time out with first team players Nicolai Berry and Ryan De Vries.

"It's an exciting prize for the Millichips and we're happy to have them with us for what we hope is a long stay in Japan," said De Vries.

The FIFA Club World Cup is set to take place in Japan from December 8 to 18.