Hybrid football and rugby goals bring joy of sport to Kiwi schools

Children at six New Zealand schools have been side-stepping, tackling, kicking and dribbling their way to fitness with a little help from Packaworld International.

The Wellington-based company provided a set of hybrid football/rugby goals to Wellsford School, Pukeoware School, Turaki Primary School, Grants Braes School, Leeston Consolidated School and Rakaia School after they won a competition on Packaworld’s Facebook page.

The competition called on principals, teachers and send in inspiring nominations for their local schools, outlining why they deserved to win and how the goals would be used.

Pukeoware School in Waiuku received an impressive 15 nominations, more than any other school.

Among the nominations was a particularly inspiring one from Pukeoware supporter Connall Porter, who said: “Here at Pukeoware school we would use these goals to entice and enhance child development outside of the classroom, utilising these as not only a sporting aid but also as a subconscious guide to … seeing goals, setting goals, striving for goals and finally achieving goals.”

The hybrid football/rugby goals arrived at Pukeoware School in June and have already been put to good use. School Principal Malcolm Laurence said the goals were a valuable resource and “very easy to assemble”.

Further north, at Turaki School near Taumarunui, the goals have been used to encourage children to enjoy sport and get active.

Deputy Principal Kyra Leatuafi said they had been a hit with the children. “Our kids absolutely love them,” she said.

Wellsford School, near Auckland, also sent in photos of students enjoying the goals. Teacher Teck Wee said their portability had come in useful during winter as heavy rain often made parts of the school’s fields muddy.

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said the entries received during the competition were impressive and showed an “unwavering passion” from teachers, principals and parents to help children at their schools enjoy the joy of sport.

“We know a lot of schools struggle for equipment that is easy to set up and simple to store. We wanted to do something small but significant to help schools bring the game to Kiwi children, and with the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Rugby World Cup both taking place this year, a competition offering our hybrid rugby and football goals seemed like the logical choice.”

The hybrid rugby and football goals come with a carry bag, air pump and ground anchors. They are also used by some schools and sports clubs to support junior gaelic football games.

More information about our hybrid football/rugby goals can be found on the Junior Rugby/Football Goals page of this website>>