From first arrivals to future stars: Young refugees inspired by Spurs

Recently arrived refugee children and young people at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre swapped their usual routines for football boots and training drills, taking part in a special coaching session delivered by Tottenham Hotspur's international development team.

The visit was made possible through a partnership between Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Northern Football, NZ Football and Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham Hotspur's New Zealand tour formed part of the New Zealand International Football Festival, proudly supported by the Government's Events Attraction Package. Before their 2-0 win over Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday, members of the club's international development team spent time with refugee-background children and young people at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and experience the power of football to bring people together.  

The visiting delegation included Shannon Moloney, Tottenham Hotspur's Head of International Development and a former Tottenham Hotspur player, alongside Kevin Moffatt and Tyler Blackwood, International Development Coaches who deliver football development programmes across the Asia-Pacific region. The group was also joined by Ledley King, a Tottenham Hotspur Ambassador, former team captain and one of the club's most respected former players.

Tottenham Hotspur running a football clinic with recently arrived refugee children and young people.

Participants took part in football activities, games and coaching sessions led by the experienced coaches, before receiving footballs to take home as a memento of the day. 

For many of the young people involved, football is more than just a game. It provides an opportunity to connect with others, make friends and feel part of their new communities as they begin life in New Zealand. 

The children and young people who took part recently arrived in New Zealand through the Refugee Quota Programme or were previous residents. The programme provides people forced to flee conflict and persecution with the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety. Refugees spend their first weeks at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre before settling in communities throughout the country. 

Head of Immigration New Zealand Andy Milne said the event highlighted the important role sport can play in helping people settle and thrive. 

"Football is a language understood around the world. It has a unique ability to connect people, build confidence and create a sense of belonging, regardless of culture, background or language. 

"For many of the young people taking part today, this was a truly memorable experience. Being able to learn from experienced coaches and former professional players sends a powerful message that they are welcomed, valued and part of the New Zealand community."

Andy Milne and Ledley King.

The event builds on a longstanding partnership between NZ Football and the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre. 

Over recent years, NZ Football has supported refugee-background young people through a range of initiatives, including donating footballs, boots and equipment, connecting young people with local football clubs, and providing opportunities to attend community football matches and events. 

These opportunities help young people build social connections, develop confidence and become involved in their local communities beyond the resettlement centre.

Tyler Blackwood, Ledley King, Shannon Moloney from Tottenham speaking at the refugee centre.

Mr Milne said successful settlement relies on strong partnerships across communities. 

"Helping refugees settle into a new home is about much more than practical support. It's about creating opportunities for people to participate, connect and feel they belong. 

"Partnerships like the one we have with NZ Football demonstrate the important role community organisations play in supporting successful settlement outcomes. Their ongoing commitment has helped create lasting opportunities for refugee-background young people both on and off the field." 

Mr Milne thanked Tottenham Hotspur and NZ Football for helping make the experience possible. 

"We're incredibly grateful to Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Football for their generosity and commitment to these young people. 

"Today's event shows what can be achieved when sporting organisations, community partners and government work together to create positive experiences and opportunities for people starting a new life in New Zealand." 

He said the day was also about inspiring young people to dream big. 

"These young people have already shown incredible resilience in building a new life in New Zealand. Today is about creating a memorable experience, but it's also about inspiring them to dream big. 

"Who knows – one of the children kicking a ball around today could one day pull on the All Whites or Football Ferns jersey and represent New Zealand on the world stage. The next generation of New Zealand football talent can come from anywhere."