The Retro Ricki Youth Scholarship is a partnership between Wellington Phoenix and their unofficial supporters' club, Yellow Fever and was won this year by Thomas Spragg and Tristan Prattley.

Sponsored by Novotel and Nike, the Scholarship gives its winners an all-expenses-paid week of training in a professional environment, alongside World Cup All Whites and under the watchful eye of coach Ricki Herbert.

"It's a fantastic concept, the only one of its kind, and one that we are very pleased to be a part of," said Herbert.

"Last year's Scholarship winner Marco Rojas is now an important part of our squad, and who knows, this year's winners might get future opportunities."

Spragg and Prattley will be in Wellington until August 1 and will take full part in Phoenix's pre-season programme including a game against local opposition Wairarapa United. 

They got their opportunity after winning both a popular vote of Yellow Fever's members on their website, yellowfever.co.nz, and the approval of Scholarship creator Guy Smith, and Phoenix coach Herbert, who select the final winners together from a shortlist.

"The Scholarship is a great use of the Fever's resources," says Fever founder Mike Greene, "Our members get a chance to make a real contribution to Phoenix, and to these young players, and its great for the game to have these sorts of opportunities. 

"We couldn't do it without the support of our membership and Novotel."

Prattley, the first Scholarship winner from the South Island says he can't wait. 

"I've been so fortunate over the last 12 months," he said. " I've been given a chance with Otago United in the NZFC and that has led to this.  I can't thank my club and NZFC coaches enough.

" I just hope I go alright and make a good impression.  I've always wanted to be a professional footballer. This scholorship gives me the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge to help me achieve this."

Player details

Name: Tristan Prattley
Position: Left back
Career highlight: Otago United young player and players player' of the year awards 2009.
Favourite player: Tony Lockhead
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 181cms/75kg

Name: Thomas Spragg
Position: Left or right wing
Career highlight: Selection for the New Zealand U17 World Cup squad for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2009 in Nigeria.
Favourite player: Leo Bertos
Age: 17
Height/weight: 174cms/73kgs