Helping Kiwi Kids to thrive – 12 schools and seven football clubs score visit from AIA Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Coaches

Empowering young football players across Aotearoa New Zealand

Sport has the power to change lives and with the goal of inspiring active lifestyles through sport, AIA NZ is delighted to announce the schools and football clubs who have won a visit from touring AIA Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Coaches, Shannon Moloney and Tegan Burling. 

From 2-11 August, the tour will visit 12 schools and seven football clubs across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – engaging with local communities, fostering a love for the game, and promoting women's football development in New Zealand.

“Sport can play a vital role in strengthening the wellbeing of children and young people, empowering them both physically and mentally, whilst also building confidence,” says AIA Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Coach Shannon Moloney.

“We’re thrilled that more than 300 schools and football clubs registered to win a visit and we’re looking forward to encouraging Kiwi kids, especially girls, to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, by staying active through sport.”

Our winners – 12 schools and seven football clubs across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

Five schools and two football clubs were selected from the Auckland region. All winners demonstrated incredible passion, including Belmont Primary School, who showed fantastic community spirit and an eagerness to come together and learn from others.

• Hillpark School, Manurewa
• Glen Eden Intermediate Glen Eden
• Mahurangi College, Warkworth
• Belmont Primary School, Belmont
• Glenbrae Primary School, Glen Innes
• West Auckland Football Club
• Hibiscus Coast Football Club

Three schools and three football clubs were selected from the Wellington region, including Stokes Valley Football Club, who showed both their passion and dedication to football, as well as a commitment to development, inclusion, and enjoyment of the beautiful game.  

• Berhampore School, Berhampore
• Tairangi School, Porirua
• Naenae Intermediate, Lower Hutt
• Western Suburbs Football Club
• Stokes Valley Football Club
• Petone Football Club

Four schools and two football clubs were selected from the Canterbury region, including Rangiora High School,who stood out for their enthusiasm and commitment tosports,as well as their desire to excel in what they love to do.

• Kirkwood Intermediate, Upper Riccarton
• Marshland School, Marshland
• Rangiora High School, Rangiora
• Sefton School, Sefton
• Coastal Spirit Football Cub
• Waimak United Football Club

Inspiring active lifestyles through sport

Having played for Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s team for seven consecutive seasons, from 2013 to 2018, Shannon understands the importance of supporting women in sport from a young age.

“I am honored to be part of an initiative which inspires young people, especially women and girls, to consider sport as more than just a hobby, but a career path too,” says Shannon.

“In my role with Spurs and AIA, we're one step closer to achieving this through our work encouraging local communities to foster an environment which uplifts young women in sport."

The coaching sessions, led by the Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Coaches, will cover technical skills with ball drills and skills, and a presentation from Shannon on how she became a Tottenham Hotspur player and the role of exercise and nutrition as part of her journey. Participants will have the chance to learn from the best in the game and be inspired by their passion, hearing from these inspirational women at the top of their sporting game.

Angela Busby, AIA NZ Chief Customer Officer, says AIA NZ is proud to be encouraging children to be active and stay in sport.

“At AIA NZ, we want to partner with New Zealanders to support their health and wellbeing throughout their lives. By taking small steps to build healthy habits when they are younger, our children can grow strong and thrive,” says Angela.

AIA is the proud Global Principal Partner of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, and AIA NZ is excited to share the Spurs’ love of football with young Kiwi fans this winter.