Impact and stories
Stories from the field
Meet some of the young people, whānau and community groups we’ve worked with, and hear what taking part has meant to them.
400+
young people supported into sport since 2016
2,600+
Dabble Day attendances since 2019
2,000+
items of donated sports gear re-homed since 2021
Figures from WaterBoy programme records, to 2025.
What taking part can offer
The benefits can reach beyond the sport itself, from a regular routine to new friends and growing confidence.
Physical health
Regular activity, new skills and the fun of being active.
Confidence
Learning a skill or reaching a goal gives a sense of progress.
Friendships
Teams and clubs offer encouragement, mates and a place to belong.
Community
Sponsors, schools, clubs and whānau working together for young people.
Watch their stories
Coen’s story
WaterBoy sponsors and local businesses came together to support Coen. Watch his story from our archive.
A Fighting Chance
Sons of Boxing offers a place to train without membership fees. See how G.J. Gardner Homes supported the gym and its community.
Emanuel: Kicking Goals
Emanuel wanted to join a team and make friends after moving to New Zealand. His story shows why fees and gear matter.
Jessie’s story
Jessie wanted to play netball and rugby league. Her story explains the cost and transport barriers her whānau faced.
Help make the next story possible
Become a sponsor, make a donation or refer a young person who needs support.