Help Kiwi Siblings Jack & Mattanja Represent NZ in the USA: Flag Football & Hip Hop!
Seeking community support for Mattanja and Jack to showcase their kiwi talents in the USA!
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
When most kids are content with playing in the backyard or visiting whānau and friends down the road to escape their mums, these two overachievers decided a whole other country was a better escape plan. They got themselves selected to represent NZ and will flaunt their hip hop moves and flag football skills in the USA.
Jack's off first, heading to LA for the USA Flag Football comp, Under Armour Junior International Cup, 17 June.
After catching a few balls from his QB cousin James Walker, this Tauranga Boys College rugby player decided Flag Football might be an alright sport and has been playing for Tauranga City Tridents for the past 1.5 years. Flag football (a Rippa rugby version of American gridiron) is now officially a 2028 Olympic sport, and countries are gearing up for it.
Known for his flair on both Offence and Defence and playing in his Ocean + Earth lilac hat, Jack is ready to make an impact.
While Jack is away, Mattanja will be here making sure their mum doesn’t slack off from mum duties.
Mattanja's got plenty of training as her dance team, SPACE PROTEAM from Tauranga, took 1st place at the HHI Championship- NZ comp and now progress to HHI Championship- Worlds comp. She will head to Phoenix, Arizona, in July to represent NZ and be joined by over 3000 international dancers. Her team of 36 dance buddies will compete against crews from 55 countries.
Mattanja is looking forward to the massive competition and theme park resort Host Hotel, and doing everyone back home proud.
Maraea Walker's involvement (page creator)
These 2 are my offspring.
Use of funds
This last-minute funding campaign will support Mattanja and Jack to represent themselves, their whānau, their community, and their country and help them appreciate their mum, who will be staying in NZ and enjoying the quiet.
Thank you for giving a little.
Other page links
Latest update
They have reached their goal! Thank you. 21 July 2025
With the donations made through this Givealittle page, a young talent grant, and deposits made directly into Mattanja and Jack's bank account, they have reached their goal!
Mattanja heads to the USA in 2 days. Her team will continue to train over there before competing in the Prelims round, 6pm Tuesday 29th (USA time).
Check out the write-up in the July 2025 winter edition of Uno Magazine about Mattanja's dance studio, SPACE.
https://www.unomagazine.co.nz/main-blog/from-tauranga-to-the-top
Once again, thank you all. Takes a village to raise good kids, and we are doing an alright job with these two 😊.
Latest donations
Thanks Brodie! 👍I'll give it a good go.
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