A new project providing prisoners with a recognised football coaching certificate to support their reintegration into society has kicked off today (Jan 12) at Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility.
Known as the Twinning Project and first launched in the UK back in 2018, the initiative will see 16 prisoners embark on a six-week coaching course designed to support with their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
This is the first time such a rehabilitation project has happened in New Zealand and is the result of a collaboration between Auckland FC, FIFA Foundation, The Twinning Project, The Department of Corrections, and ASCF operator Serco.
As well as providing a recognised coaching certificate, the course teaches lessons in teamwork, resilience, respect and leadership.
The Twinning Project has been made possible for the first time in New Zealand thanks to FIFA Foundation funding, which extends to support two additional cohorts of prisoners.
Globally the Twinning Project has successfully partnered with corrections facilities across the world, including in the USA, South Africa, Romania and Italy. In the UK it has worked with nearly every professional football club, from Liverpool FC to Luton Town.
The FIFA Foundation, part of FIFA’s commitment to using football as a force for good, works to create positive social impact. This launch is part of a wider rollout supported by the FIFA Foundation, with additional programmes set to begin in other countries across Asia-Pacific and beyond as the initiative scales globally in 2026.
This long standing partnership with the Twinning Project, reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration through football.
How it works:
- Sixteen near end-of-term prisoners selected to take part based on safety and suitability
- Participate in six-week coaching course delivered by Auckland FC coaches
- Involves six hours of learning each week in both classrooms and on pitches
- Participants graduate in week seven and those that complete the course receive a recognised coaching qualification
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker:
“Football is a sport that unites, that brings people together and can provide people with invaluable life skills. By working with the Twinning Project, the FIFA Foundation, Corrections, and Serco in this way we’re aiming to assist with the rehabilitation of offenders back into society and into the communities that we as a club value.
“When we said we would be a club for all of Auckland, a club for the community, we really meant it, and I think initiatives like this are a great way of living our values.”
Hilton Freund MBE, Global CEO of the Twinning Project:
“The Twinning Project is a globally proven prisoner upskilling and rehabilitation initiative that delivers significant benefits to participants’ physical and mental wellbeing, while also contributing to safer communities by reducing rates of reoffending.
“I am delighted to see the programme now being implemented in New Zealand, in partnership with Auckland FC, The FIFA Foundation, Corrections, and Serco.
“We look forward to following the progress of this first cohort, and we are confident that this marks the beginning of something truly transformative for everyone involved.”
Gerry Smith, Prison Director, Auckland South Corrections Facility:
“At Kohuora, our focus is on rehabilitation, helping the people in our care to develop skills and attitudes that will help them successfully transition back into the community after their release from prison. We support initiatives like this because they support prisoners to lead better lives. Successful reintegration results in safer communities.
“A huge thanks to everyone who has made this happen. I know the men are excited to participate and we’ll be keenly watching to see how it impacts behaviour.”
Mauricio Macri, Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation:
“This partnership demonstrates how football can help build safer, stronger communities, and we are proud to support its expansion to new countries worldwide.
The launch in New Zealand is a key part of this global effort, reflecting the FIFA Foundation’s commitment to using football as a catalyst for rehabilitation and opportunity, helping people rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.”
