Youth Justice Sports Academy reaches halfway milestone
Published: July 8, 2026
Young people at our youth justice residence Korowai Manaaki are given the chance to push themselves in a pilot Sports Academy.
Up to 10 young people at Korowai Manaaki are taking part in the pilot Sports Academy. The 12-week programme is based on sport, fitness and nutrition. Read more about the programme
Celebrating milestones
The young people taking part have marked the halfway point of the programme by taking on staff in a friendly football match.
Score! A win for the young people
Around 30 youth justice social workers, FGC coordinators, practice advisors and managers travelled from across Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond to face the young people in a spirited game on the field.
The academy training was clearly paying off, with the young people displaying strong fitness and teamwork skills to secure a convincing 2-0 win.
National Manager Youth Justice Services Jono Brooker attended the day. He reflected on the pride he felt watching the young people walk down as one onto the field.
Seeing the togetherness they showed, the pride they displayed, and the ability to stay calm when things didn't go their way on the field was truly outstanding.
Jono Brooker , National Manager Youth Justice Services
Acting Team Leader of the Sports Academy, Jamie Henry, said the day gave rangatahi an opportunity to showcase their individual talents while working together as a team.
“Many were new to football, so staff put a huge amount of effort into building their skills and confidence in the lead-up to the game.”
Sideline support
With music playing in the winter sunshine, strong sideline support and plenty of good-natured banter throughout the day, the match highlighted a positive atmosphere across the residence.
Sharing kai together afterwards was another highlight.
Reflecting on the impact of the day, Brooker said, "Under all of the bravado, they truly appreciated people coming in to spend time with them."
Former All White Harry Ngata supported the social worker team on the day. Harry Ngata is now Head of the AFC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Auckland Football Club.
They have been strong supporters of the academy, including engagement with the programme and donating football boots for the young people.
Winning off the field
While defeating the kaimahi was undoubtedly a highlight, the day was about much more than the final score.
Brooker said the event highlighted the importance of connection, positive role modelling, and community support.
“For our young people, seeing staff from across youth justice give up their time to encourage, challenge and stand alongside our rangatahi reinforced an important message: there are many people in their corner, invested in their success,” said Brooker.
Seeing everyone get behind our rangatahi was fantastic. The day showed what can be achieved when people work together to create positive opportunities.
Jono Brooker , National Manager Youth Justice Services
Henry was also acknowledged for leading the event and stepping in as referee on the day, alongside Team Leader Clinical Practice Luke Wilson, whose support helped bring the event together.
With another 6 weeks remaining in the Sports Academy pilot, the programme continues to focus on developing sporting skills, as well as teamwork, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.