June 4, 2026

Group of five people standing close together on a sunny lawn outside a white building. One person in a black jacket and sunglasses gives a thumbs-up gesture while another person beside them touches their arm. A shorter person in the front wears a purple top and pink pants, standing in the center. Two others stand slightly behind, one wearing a bright green vest and another wearing a yellow vest with the visible text “INTER FOOTBALL.” The background includes grass, a paved path, and a white building with windows, with clear blue sky and strong sunlight casting shadows.

Choices NZ recently set up a walking football pitch at Arahunga School in Whanganui, where Choices NZ Facilitator Terry Jones works with two students in the Transition from School (TFS) programme, Charlotte and Kaitlyn. The whole class took part and had a fun time in the sun.

Terry said the session was a hit, with students enjoying the chance to get active, build confidence and have fun together.

Walking football is a slower-paced version of the game that makes football accessible to more people while keeping all the teamwork and enjoyment that makes the sport so popular.

Collage of outdoor “walking football” activities on a grassy lawn beside a low building. In the largest image, a group of people—some wearing bright green vests—stand and move around together near a leafless tree under a clear blue sky. Other smaller images show pairs and small groups practicing skills, including passing a white football, standing near a small portable goal, and walking across the lawn. One close-up shows a person in pink pants reaching both arms forward. The background features hedges, a fence, and painted walls, with long shadows suggesting sunny daytime conditions.