From Hillcrest High School to the World Cup stage, former student Jordi Ditfort has embraced every opportunity that has come his way.
Now based in London, Jordi is balancing work, travel, and his passion for futsal, playing for both LDN Movements and the Futsal Whites.
A defining moment in his career was achieving his long-time goal of competing in the Futsal World Cup—a journey that was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Reflecting on his time at Hillcrest High School, Jordi credits his two years there as pivotal in shaping his aspirations. It was during this time that he discovered futsal, a sport that would become a central focus in his life. His time at Hillcrest also encouraged him to dive deeper into subjects he was passionate about, ultimately influencing his academic pursuits.
Jordi still applies many of the lessons learned at school, from completing his university studies to navigating new social environments—something he had to master after joining Hillcrest in Year 12. His fondest memories include spending time with friends, the structure and simplicity of school life, and the excitement of tournament weeks. He holds a deep appreciation for teachers who played a crucial role in his development, particularly Mr. Groom and his family, whose unwavering belief in him gave him the confidence to push his limits in futsal. He also acknowledges Miss Brougham, who transformed a subject he initially struggled with into something he genuinely enjoyed—helping pave the way for his university education and future career.
During his school years, Jordi was heavily involved in football and futsal, with brief ventures into volleyball and even a one-game appearance for the Second XI cricket team. Outdoor education also played a major role in his experience, allowing him to embark on adventures that created lifelong friendships.
Looking back, Jordi’s advice to his high school self would be to stress less and enjoy each day. For current students, his message is clear: “Get involved! If you’re thinking about joining a sport or a club—just do it. You never know what could spark a lifelong passion.”
Looking ahead, Jordi plans to continue playing sport for as long as his body allows. After more travel, he hopes to return to New Zealand and pursue a career in teaching. His parting advice to the Hillcrest community? “Take every opportunity—especially the ones that let you explore the world!”
