Thriving Communities Project

In South Auckland a new Thriving Communities project is underway, aiming to break down barriers and increase accessibility to football, and help to build a more inclusive football community.  

The project will focus on providing support to new New Zealanders, as well as Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive football network, where local clubs are thriving and understanding of the needs of their whole community. This project is not just about providing a service, it’s about listening, understanding, and meeting people where their needs lie.

The project, led by Northern Region Football, will be delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation and New Zealand Football, while the Football For The Community Development Trust (supported by NZCT) provide funding for Football-for-all deliverables. Football-for-all is a programme that originated in Wellington and is now sweeping the country with funding support (covering club fees, gear and transport) to help children to get into the game.

This multi-partner approach seeks to extend the programmes reach and amplify its impact. The Football Foundation provided a $50,000 grant towards delivery of the project across 2025-2026. And with investment and alignment across multiple partners, more will be achieved than if any one party worked in isolation.

Newly appointed project lead Mahalia O’Connor (pictured) is the connector-in-chief with the communities and clubs to strengthen and improve access to football. Her role involves supporting identified, priority clubs to enhance their inclusivity and connect them with community football providers, as well as implementing the Football-for-all programme. Additionally, her role supports the Health of the Club Network program to further strengthen club environments.

Since stepping into the role, Mahalia has been out in the community, getting to know the people, schools and clubs that create the South Auckland football landscape. She is taking the time to understand what is working and what’s not, where the gaps are and where support is needed. It’s clear that football means different things to different people, and Mahalia has found that the amount of unaffiliated football taking place, outside of clubs, in parks, in schools or through informal gatherings is eye opening. Playing football doesn’t always have to be part of a weekend match or wearing an official kit. For many it’s a quick game in the park after school, or a tournament day that gives a first experience of organised sport.  

Since the start of the year 75 people have registered for regular, ongoing football activities. This includes club and school programmes, festival days and community-led sessions. At a recent multi-sport festival day, led by Moana Pasifika Rugby, children who had never played football before had the opportunity to play. 27% of participants were girls and 99% Pasifika.

Another key initiative supporting this work is the Football Foundation's football distribution programme. In 2025 1,600 footballs will be given out to young children across the country at a number of community events. Together, these national initiatives with local impact are helping to transform football experiences for young New Zealanders.