From hockey turfs and swimming pools to open‑water training and bike paths, youth sport helps young people across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty stay active, make friends and grow in confidence.
Through recent funding, TECT Community Trust is backing youth programmes run by Tauranga Hockey, Tauranga Water Polo and Triathlon Tauranga. Three local sporting organisations that are working hard to make sport welcoming, affordable and accessible for young people.
While the sports themselves differ, the goal is the same. To give young people positive early experiences, help remove cost and access barriers, and create places where they feel supported and included.
TECT exists to help improve the quality of life for people across the Western Bay of Plenty now and into the future. As a long‑standing part of the region, the Trust backs local organisations that help young people build healthy habits, strong connections and a sense of belonging during their key growing‑up years.
That includes funding local programmes that are community-led, understand local needs and are creating real opportunities for young people to get involved.
Tauranga Hockey reaches more than 4,000 young people each year through school‑based and community programmes delivered across Tauranga and 14 satellite venues throughout the Western Bay.
Children can be introduced to hockey from as young as five, through Fun Sticks, Hockey Hubs and “Have a Go” sessions that focus on learning basic skills, building confidence and having fun. Programmes are taken directly into schools and local communities, making it easier for families to get involved without needing equipment or travel.
Investing in Tauranga hockey youth programmes is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our association, schools, and the sport of hockey within our community, says Megan Cleverley, General Manager of Tauranga Hockey.
“Youth programmes create a positive first experience with sport, helping children develop a lifelong love of physical activity while building a strong foundation of skills and values,” says Megan.
TECT funding helps Tauranga Hockey deliver these programmes widely and keep participation costs down.
“TECT funding has been instrumental in allowing us to deliver our youth programmes both in Tauranga and across 14 venues in the WBOP in a meaningful and sustainable way. The funding helps lower participation costs, making programmes more accessible to families who may otherwise struggle with fees, equipment, or transport,” says Megan.
At Tauranga Water Polo, youth participation is central to the club’s future and to building a strong, connected water polo community.
Local young people are introduced to the sport through school competitions such as Flippa Ball at primary level, before progressing into intermediate and college water polo. Those who want to continue can move into club teams, with opportunities to compete locally and nationally.
A strong link between school and club programmes means young people can move smoothly along this pathway, supported by coaches, volunteers and families.
Beth Kyd, Junior Club Coordinator at Tauranga Water Polo says the club plays a wider role in the community by providing team sport opportunities that help keep young people active, connected, and engaged.
“It also provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through coaching, refereeing, and volunteering, with many participants giving back to the sport as they progress through it,” says Beth.
With pool and lane hire costs continuing to rise, funding support plays an important role in keeping the sport accessible.
“That support ensures young people can get involved in the sport with less of a financial barrier. It helps families keep children involved, allows players to train and compete regularly, and means more young people can stay connected to a positive team environment,” says Beth.
Triathlon Tauranga offers year‑round youth programmes for primary, intermediate and secondary-aged students, introducing young people to swimming, cycling and running in a supportive, team-based environment.
The club runs weekly sessions, holiday camps and training weekends, with equipment provided so new participants can give the sport a go without needing to invest upfront. Programmes are designed to fit around school, other sports and family commitments, while still helping young people build fitness, independence and time-management skills.
“TECT funding has allowed us to have a contracted person whose job is purely to focus on the delivery and expansion of our youth program. This has been the catalyst of taking our program from 30 regulars to 90. Without this role we would be completely reliant on volunteers and our coaches would go largely unpaid,” says Blake Miller, Triathlon Tauranga’s Youth Development Coach.
TECT Trustee Peter Blackwell says supporting youth sport is about much more than competition or results.
“When young people are supported to take part in sport, the benefits go well beyond the physical. They build confidence, friendships, resilience and a sense of belonging,” says Peter.
“By supporting local youth programmes, we’re helping communities support their own young people and build a stronger future together.”
By continuing to invest in sport and recreation, TECT is helping ensure young people across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty have opportunities to be active, supported and connected, now and in the years ahead.
Information on school leagues, local programmes, school visits, holiday camps and overall pathways for each sport are available with each code directly. Head to the Tauranga Hockey Association, Tauranga Water Polo and/or Triathlon Tauranga websites and social media accounts.
