Auckland City FC - Keeping Children And Youth Active

Auckland City FC’s dedication to youth development is exemplified by its strong relationship with Mt Roskill Intermediate, a partnership that has flourished over the year, but the club is making a game-changing impact in many other schools across the city , championing accessibility in sport for local youth.

With a mission to remove barriers and ensure every child has the chance to play, the club has delivered free coaching and essential equipment to eight schools this year, positively influencing over 2,471 students across 28 hours of coaching throughout two terms.

Additionally, 17 students from these schools have received free fees and playing kits to join Central United FC this season, strengthening opportunities for young athletes.

At the heart of this initiative is a simple yet powerful goal: keeping kids active, engaged, and thriving. Reports from participating schools show remarkable results, from improved attendance to better student behaviour, proving that sport isn’t just about competition, it’s a vital force for personal growth and community connection.

One standout success story comes from Wesley Intermediate, where financial hurdles threatened to sideline Year 7 and 8 students ahead of key tournaments. Faced with a lack of boots, shin pads, and uniforms, the school turned to Auckland City FC and Central United.

Thanks to the leadership of Kris Bright and Ashleigh Taylor, alongside the generous support of Sport Auckland and Lotto Sports, every player in need received boots and shin pads, ensuring they could compete with confidence.

“Our big focus is just getting kids active, making sure they have the opportunities they want and that football is bringing the community together,” says Taylor.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about helping kids stay involved, make friends, and enjoy the game.”

The impact of these donations has been deeply felt by the players. Earlier in the year, at a futsal competition, Wesley students had been the only team without goalie gloves.

“We ran our first full-day session at Wesley Intermediate, and the kids really loved it,” Taylor recalls. “During lunchtime, a group of kids came up saying they wanted to play football, and by the end of the day, five students who had never played before signed up for weekend matches. The club supported them by covering fees and providing secondhand uniforms, making sure they could take part.”

Further community-driven support has made an impact beyond just new equipment. Auckland City FC members have stepped up, providing second-hand boots to students at Mt Roskill Intermediate and playing kits to Central United FC members in need, reinforcing the club’s commitment to inclusivity in sport.

“As the tournament approached, the deputy principal called and asked for support with coaching and gear,” Taylor explains. “The kids couldn’t enter without football boots and shin pads, which many of them didn’t have and couldn’t afford. With the help of our partners at Lotto Sports, we secured a deal to provide gear for 14 students, allowing them to participate.”

Auckland City FC’s commitment to youth development is highlighted by its strong relationship with Mt Roskill Intermediate. The school has been a key beneficiary of ACFC’s community coaching programs, with more than 200 students actively participating in football initiatives that provide lasting opportunities for young athletes.

This connection was further strengthened during the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour in March 2025, when Mt Roskill Intermediate hosted a special event celebrating Auckland City FC’s historic qualification for the tournament.

The occasion was marked by a traditional whakatau, a Māori welcome ceremony led by students and local kaumātua, reinforcing the deep cultural ties between football, community, and indigenous heritage.

Beyond coaching, Auckland City FC’s influence extends into infrastructure development with the Mt Roskill Schools Project, a multi-million dollar initiative set to provide state-of-the-art sports facilities for the local community.

This project will further strengthen the connection between football and education, ensuring young players have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Currently funded by Sport Auckland, the initiative continues to deliver crucial support to eight schools throughout Terms 1 and 2, with Mt Roskill Intermediate receiving additional backing from Four Winds.

The momentum continues to build, with a major milestone on the horizon—the finalisation of the Ministry of Education Lease of Land with the Trust, three years in the making.

This landmark achievement, soon to be officially announced, highlights the impact of long-term dedication to community-driven efforts in shaping meaningful opportunities for young athletes.

Auckland City FC’s commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a love for football remains unwavering. With the passion of its leaders and the backing of key partners, the club is ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines—because football is for everyone.

Auckland City FC has two games left in New Zealand before departing for the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA on 2 June 2025.

They take on West Coast Rangers on 30 May at Fred Taylor Park at 7.00pm in Northern League action before fronting up the very next day to face Onehunga Mangere United in the Chatham Cup at Kiwitea Street at 2pm.

If you want to catch all the action and adventures of Auckland City FC at the FIFA Club World Cup sign up to DAZN to watch history in the making.

For further inquiries, please contact the club at: media@aucklandcityfc.com.

ABOUT AUCKLAND CITY FC: 

Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.

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