Thousands of volunteers give up their time for the good of football and futsal all over Aotearoa New Zealand, and it’s this dedicated group of people that New Zealand Football is looking to shine a spotlight on during National Volunteer Week / Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu (20-26 June).

The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is Time to Shine / He wā pīataata. The annual campaign by Volunteering New Zealand seeks to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of the Aotearoa New Zealand’s approximately 1.2 million volunteers to sport, social development, the economy and the environment.

The contribution of volunteers to football and futsal can’t be understated, says New Zealand Football community development manager Shane Verma.

“Whether it be coaching, refereeing, administering or waking up early on cold Saturday mornings to set up fields, without the contribution of all our volunteers nationwide, thousands of people would not be able to enjoy the beautiful game,” he says.

“It is important to recognise and appreciate our volunteers that give so much time and commitment to support our game,” says New Zealand Football referee development manager Lindsey Robinson.

To this end, New Zealand Football will shine a light on our volunteers with a federation-based initiative that will see some of the game’s volunteers thanked for their efforts. The top 10 volunteers in each region, selected by the federations, will be recognised with a $50 Prezzy Card.

To nominate a volunteer in your region, click here and fill out the form

Nominations close midnight on Sunday, 26 June 2022.

Article added: Tuesday 21 June 2022