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Wellsford AFC is just one example of a sports club that owes its existence to the energy and enthusiasm of its volunteers.
Club coordinator Cushla Smith says that while football may be the reason many players first arrive at the club, it is the dedication of volunteers that keeps the organisation thriving, both on and off the field.
With 19 winter teams and 22 summer teams, Wellsford AFC provides football opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. The club’s philosophy extends beyond the game itself, focusing on creating a welcoming environment where young people can build friendships, develop confidence and feel part of their community.
The club competes in a local seven-a-side league alongside teams from the Kaipara region, allowing young players to enjoy competitive football close to home while strengthening connections with neighbouring communities.
Talented players are also encouraged to take part in Auckland-based tournaments, giving them opportunities to test themselves at higher levels while proudly representing Wellsford.
Wellsford AFC also hosts an annual friendly football festival that brings together teams, players, families and supporters from across the region. This year it will be held on Sunday July 5, and will be a day to celebrate grassroots football, sportsmanship and community spirit.
But behind every match, training session and tournament is a team of volunteers working tirelessly to make it happen.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Wellsford AFC operates entirely through volunteer effort. There are no paid staff and no one on the payroll. Instead, the club relies on a dedicated group who generously give their time, skills and energy for the benefit of local football.
Club representatives say volunteers are involved in every aspect of operations, from coaching and managing teams to maintaining facilities, organising events and supporting players and families throughout the season.
The importance of that support is evident in the club’s recent transformation. Over the past five years, under the Rodney Otamatea Soccer Association, Wellsford AFC has undergone significant change.
Facilities have been extensively upgraded, the club has been successfully rebranded and major improvements have been made to both the clubhouse and grounds.
Club officials say these achievements would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, including Civil IQ, Triton Plumbing, Hammer Hardware, Justin Farr, Auto Colour Matrix, and the many local families who continue to donate their time, skills and resources.
“We are thrilled to now share our space with the Wellsford Boxing Hub,” Smith says.
She says community spirit remains central to the club’s identity. For Wellsford AFC, football is about far more than results on the scoreboard. It is about creating opportunities for young people, fostering a sense of belonging and building a stronger community – goals made possible by the volunteers whose commitment ensures the club continues to grow and prosper.
“Numerous coaches, volunteers and even current parents once played on the very same fields as their children.
Seeing new generations pull on the blue and yellow jersey creates a special connection to the club’s history and reinforces the importance of preserving a strong local sporting environment for future generations.”
Smith says she is continually humbled by the generosity and support of the Wellsford community.
“Every season I’m blown away by the number of people who step up to help, whether that’s coaching, refereeing, setting up fields, running events or simply encouraging our young players. The effort that goes into every training and game day is something special, and it’s a real credit to our community.”
Club information can be found at: www.wellsford-afc.com or email wellsfordafc@gmail.com.
Worrying decline
About 500,000 to over one million volunteers support the sport and recreation sector annually, making it one of the largest volunteer forces in NZ. They operate across coaching, officiating, administration and parent helping, with organisations like Hockey New Zealand noting that the majority of their 300,000-plus coaches are volunteers.
The sector is currently navigating a significant retention crisis. Research from the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association shows that the average number of volunteers per grassroots sports club has dropped by more than 40 per cent, falling from 31 to 18. This decline is largely driven by increased compliance paperwork, child safety rules and an over-reliance on a small handful of individuals. Sport NZ
