Big funding boost for the Western Springs Wanderers Down Syndrome Team!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that our Western Springs Wanderers Down Syndrome team has received an incredible boost thanks to the Sport Auckland Tu Manawa fund!

Our football team for super heroes with Down Syndrome aged 5-12 has been going strong since 2017, and this vital funding will directly support our amazing players by helping cover programme costs, purchasing new equipment, and ensuring we’re ready for the Term 4 restart at Point Chevalier Primary School after a successful Term 1.

We are grateful of the ongoing supprort of key partners and sponsors, including the amazing Italian Stone for helping to make this programme happen.

At Western Springs AFC, inclusion, diversity, and participation for all are at the heart of everything we do. This initiative is a perfect example of our commitment to those values, forming a key part our WSAFC Club Strategy (2025 - 2030).

Jacob Zussman, one of our dedicated coaches and physio at Back to Your Feet, has seen first-hand the impact this programme has on our players and their families:

“I have been the “coach” for the Wanderer’s for the last 2 and a half years. The goal is to provide a supportive and fun environment for children of all ages with down syndrome to play football. From a developmental perspective we are trying to develop the kids fine motor skills as well as muscular strength and fitness, while nurturing an enjoyment and increased understanding of playing football!

While the success of these varies from week to week, one thing is a constant, the 45-minute sessions at Point Chevalier Primary School are a highlight of my week!”

We’d like to express a huge thank you to Sport Auckland and Italian Stone for their generous support. We can’t wait to see the positive impact this funding will have on our current super heroes and the ongoing growth of the programme.

Know someone who would love to be part of the team? We’re always welcoming new players!

Email Justin Lopes at justin@backtoyourfeet.co.nz to learn more.