Football (soccer)

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and is one of the sports that is undergoing a lot of growth and development in Special Olympics New Zealand.

Currently, Special Olympics New Zealand offers mixed football in 5-a-side, 7-a-side and 11-a side games. We are also introducing futsal, an indoor version of football.

In addition to game play, there is a skills-based component offered at events and during training . Skills learned such as passing, dribbling and shooting are important for game play.

Special Olympics New Zealand is working with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to further develop and strengthen its football programme.

Watch Special Olympics New Zealand athlete Mark Liggins play in the Special Olympics Unity Cup at the FIFA World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa in July 2009.

Download Special Olympics Guides and Rules:

• Football Coaching Guide
• Football Home Training Guide (PDF 1.13 MB)
• Football Quick Start Guide (PDF 1.72 MB)
• Football Rules (PDF 330.37 KB)