NZCT
​​​​​​​BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FESTIVAL 2026

Central Football is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the NZCT Breaking Down Barriers Festival on Saturday 21st March at Wembley Park, Whanganui. The inaugural event took place in Hawke's Bay in 2021, followed by Manawatu in 2024 and Taranaki in 2025, with the goal of raising funds and celebrating the sport we all love - football.
​​​​​​​

The NZCT Breaking Down Barriers Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to individuals, clubs, and schools seeking support to participate in football and futsal. Eligible parties may apply to Central Football for assistance, which includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Provision of playing apparel, boots, and shin pads.
  • Provision of resources and support to low decile schools to facilitate football activities.
  • Promotion and introduction of new community programmes or the expansion of an existing community programme.

Central Football aim to ensure that, where possible, financial constraints do not hinder individuals or organisations from engaging in football/futsal. By offering financial support, the Federation strives to create equal opportunities for all, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the football community.

The NZCT Breaking Down Barriers Festival is a one-day football event aimed at both promoting various levels and versions of football whilst looking to fundraise to add to the existing fund. The Breaking Down Barriers Fund has already helped numerous clubs, individuals, and schools since its inception in 2021.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday 21st March and join us for a day of fun, excitement, and most importantly, to help break down barriers through the beautiful game of football. We can't wait to see you there!

If you or your club wants to get involved please email: kara@centralfootball.co.nz

HOW TO GET INVOLVED...

Tiny Tots Carnival | 2-4 year olds

CALLING ALL 2-4 YEAR OLDS!!

As part of our Breaking Down Barriers Festival we are excited to bring you.....

Little NUI Tiny Tots Carnival

Bring your little one down to do some fun football drills - Gold coin donation and each child receives a certificate!

To register your child please


✅ Football fun for kids aged 2 - 4 years old
Giveaways & prizes up for grabs!

📅 Save the Date!
📍 When Saturday 21st March 
📍 Time 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Where Wembley Park
​​​​​​​📍 Cost Gold coin

​​​​​​​Register here - https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/500934

Girls Only Games | Girls 5 - 12 years

⚽ Come on down and play a hour of fun small sided games - teams will be put together on the day.


✅ Football fun for girls aged 5-13
Giveaways & prizes up for grabs!

📅 Save the Date!
📍 When? Saturday 21st March |
​​​​​​​📍 Time? 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
📍 Where? Wembley Park
​​​​​​​📍 Cost? Gold coin

Don’t miss out—bring your friends and be part of this incredible football festival! ⚽💙

This Festival is open to girls from any clubs.​​​​​​​

🚀 See you there!

​​​​​​​Register here - https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/500159

Walking Football | Ages 16 - 99 years

WALKING FOOTBALL TASTER | ⚽️ 🥅

As part of our Breaking Down Barriers Festival, Central Football are offering the opportunity for the public to have a go at Walking Football.

This is a gold coin donation event open to individuals or teams to register. Games are 6 aside.

Register now and hit the ground walking 🥳🥳

👉 https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/500297

Think you know someone who should give this a try - tag them below!

#Breakingdownbarriers #CFCommunity #Walkingfootball

Kids vs Parents (adult) | Kids of all ages

Grab a parent (adult) and sign up below!


This event is open to all ages. We will be putting teams together on the day to play small sided games.


📅 Save the Date!
​​​​​​​

📍 When? Saturday 21st March |
📍 Time? 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Where? Wembley Park
​​​​​​​📍 Cost? Gold coin


Click below to register -
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/498381



​​​​​​​

Youth Skill Challenge | 12-16 Year Olds

Register below to take place in the YOUTH SKILLS CHALLENGE at the BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FESTIVAL

Show your skills in CROSS BAR CHALLENGE, SPEED DRIBBLING, PENALTY SHOOT OUTS vs CENTRAL FOOTBALL STAFF, JUGGLING (HIGHEST NUMBERS) & FREESTYLE JUGGLING

📍 When? Saturday 21st March |
📍 Time? 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
📍 Where? Wembley Park
​​​​​​​📍 Cost? Gold coin

The event is open to anyone aged 12 – 16

Girls and Boys Sections

As well as prizes for the winners, there will be additional spot prizes on the day.

Register here -  https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/498393

MILO Fantails Festival | 4-12 year old girls

To celebrate Girls & Women's Month and the Breaking Down Barriers Festival, Central Football and Whanganui Athletic are teaming up to bring you an unforgettable Milo Fantails Festival!

Whether you're kicking a ball for the first time or already love the game, Fantails is all about fun, friends, and football in a safe and supportive environment!
​​​​​​​

Football fun for girls aged 4-12

When Saturday 21st March | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where Wembley Park

Cost Gold coin donation

This Festival is open to girls from any clubs. Spaces are limited so get in quick!

Register here https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/499617

Junior Games | Boys & Girls aged 5 -13 years

⚽ Come on down and play a hour of fun small sided games - teams will be put together on the day.


✅ Football fun for girls and boys aged 5-13
Giveaways & prizes up for grabs!

📅 Save the Date!
📍 When? Saturday 21st March |
📍 Time? 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
📍 Where? Wembley Park
​​​​​​​📍 Cost? Gold coin

Don’t miss out—bring your friends and be part of this incredible football festival! ⚽💙

This Festival is open to kids from any clubs.​​​​​​​

🚀 See you there!

​​​​​​​Register here - https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/500168