Where it all began and where we're headed

2010 - A Moment That Changed Everything

In 2010, the All Whites made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa - only the second time New Zealand had reached football's biggest stage. On the pitch, the team went unbeaten through the tournament, earning three draws including a remarkable result against reigning world champions Italy. Off the pitch, the moment sparked something just as significant.

When nations qualify for a World Cup, FIFA distributes funding to the national governing body. The board of New Zealand Football made a visionary decision - to invest a portion of that allocation into a permanent legacy fund for the future of the game. The New Zealand Football Foundation was established in 2010 with money received upon the All Whites' qualification. Ryan Nelsen, who captained the All Whites through that unbeaten campaign, launched the Foundation at a function at Sky City in Auckland.

The vision was simple: no one is left on the sidelines.

Building the foundation

Through careful stewardship, the initial $4 million FIFA grant was grown into an invested fund of nearly $7 million - ensuring the Foundation could give more, year on year, without depleting its capital base.

Over 10,600 footballs were distributed to schools, clubs, federations and community organisations across Aotearoa through the Foundation's BallDdistribution initiative. The First Footballs for First Kicks programme ensured every child registering for football for the first time had a ball of their own, regardless of their circumstances.

In 2021, New Zealand Football launched the Green Shirt programme with the Football Foundation's support - placing trained volunteers at grassroots matches to promote positive sideline behaviour and support referees.

In 2023, the Fantails programme was launched by New Zealand Football to encourage and enable young female players aged 12 and under to participate in football and futsal. The Foundation has been proud to back its growth ever since, with the programme now reaching over 70 hubs and thousands of girls right across the country.

‍

Today - and what comes next 

Since 2011, the Foundation has granted over $2.2 million to community football projects across Aotearoa - funding hardship grants, diversity initiatives, referee programmes, school equipment and much more.

And now, with the All Whites qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the story has come full circle. The moment that created the Foundation is being echoed by a new generation - and we're more committed than ever to ensuring the legacy of that qualification is felt in communities across New Zealand for decades to come.

The Foundation continues to forge the same path: using football for good, for today, for tomorrow, and for the years to come.

‍

‍Below are the players and staff who made history in South Africa - and whose achievement sparked the creation of the New Zealand Football Foundation. We honour their legacy every time we fund a programme, remove a barrier, or keep someone in the game.