BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FESTIVAL 2026

Central Football is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the 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.
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The 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 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

Info the follow..

MILO Fantails Festival | 7-12 year old girls

Info the follow..

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.

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

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Saturday 21st March at WEMBLEY PARK

The event is open to anyone aged 12 – 16

Girls and Boys Sections

ENTRY FEE: GOLD COIN DONATION ON THE DAY

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

Info to follow...

Walking Football | Ages 16 - 99 years