Volunteer coaches keeping grassroots sport alive across Aotearoa are being put in the spotlight, as new research shows clubs are under growing pressure.
Volunteer numbers in grassroots clubs have fallen 28 percent since 2018, leaving fewer coaches to carry more responsibility. Many are giving more than 12 hours a week to trainings, weekend games, planning, organising and supporting players.
Bunnings has launched Coaching Legends, a national campaign to recognise the volunteer coaches who help keep local sport moving.
The initiative is backed by some of New Zealand’s biggest sporting names, including Shaun Johnson, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Francis de Vries, Amelia Kerr and Brook Ruscoe.
Woodman-Wickliffe says volunteer coaches often shape young athletes well beyond the playing field, helping build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of sport.
Bunnings says 86 percent of the grassroots sport community believes the work of volunteer coaches is often overlooked.
Through Coaching Legends, people can nominate a volunteer coach from their club, team or community. Winners will receive prizes including coaching kits, club support and athlete-led clinics.
Five standout coaches will also be invited to attend the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards in February, where the Bunnings Coaching Legend of the Year will be named. The overall winner will receive $25,000 worth of Bunnings products and materials for their club.
Sport NZ has welcomed the initiative, saying volunteer coaches play a vital role in helping young people participate, build life skills and improve their wellbeing.
Bunnings New Zealand says the campaign is about recognising those who run trainings, organise drills, support players from the sidelines and create inclusive spaces for communities.
Nominations for Coaching Legends open on 22 June 2026 at bunnings.co.nz/coachinglegends.
