Auckland, New Zealand – The question of identity looms large for those nearing release from prison. Will they be defined by their past, or will they forge a new path? At the Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility, a unique program is attempting to answer that question through the beautiful game. Auckland FC, in partnership with the FIFA Foundation, is piloting a program that uses football coaching as a bridge back to society, offering inmates a chance to redefine themselves and acquire skills for a future beyond bars.
The initiative, known as the Twinning Project, began at Kohuora on January 12th, and represents a shift in thinking about rehabilitation. It’s a concept rooted in the words of Nelson Mandela, whose quote was cited by then-Minister of Corrections Sam Lotu-Iiga upon the facility’s opening in 2015: “No one knows a nation truly before they have been in its prisons. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” The program isn’t about tactical drills or formations; it’s about preparing men for life after incarceration, and exploring whether a coaching certificate can be more than just a piece of paper.
Beyond the Game: A Pathway to Reintegration
The Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility, a high-security men’s prison located in Wiri, Auckland, opened its doors in May 2015 and currently holds up to 960 sentenced male prisoners. Operated by Serco New Zealand under a Public-Private Partnership with the Department of Corrections, the facility’s contract emphasizes sentence compliance, reducing reoffending, and improving outcomes for Māori inmates. This new program aligns with that broader mission, offering practical skills and training with the aim of translating into realistic employment opportunities upon release.
The Twinning Project, initially developed in the United Kingdom in 2018, brings professional football clubs into correctional facilities to deliver football-related training courses. At Kohuora, the six-week course involves six hours of instruction each week, culminating in an official coaching certificate. This certification allows graduates to pursue coaching roles at amateur clubs, youth academies, or recreational programs. The program isn’t simply about teaching football; it’s about offering a new identity – a chance to be known as a coach, not an ex-inmate.
Sixteen men on the cusp of release were selected for the inaugural Kohuora course based on security assessments, suitability, and a demonstrated commitment to utilizing the opportunity. The curriculum covers training session planning, exercise instruction, and team management. Crucially, it also emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and respect – qualities that extend far beyond the football pitch.
A Certificate with Real-World Value
What sets this program apart from many others offered within the prison system is its tangible outcome. The coaching certificate isn’t a symbolic gesture; it’s a qualification that holds weight in the outside world. In a country where a criminal record can be a significant barrier to employment, this credential offers a potential lifeline. The period immediately following release is often the most precarious, and a certificate promising legitimate work can provide crucial stability.
The concept of using sport for rehabilitation isn’t new. Research, such as that conducted by London-based criminologist Rosie Meek, demonstrates that participation in group activities built on fairness and collaboration can positively influence behavior both inside and outside prison walls. The focus isn’t solely on physical fitness, but on fostering a sense of belonging.
Auckland FC’s involvement stems from a desire to establish a unique identity within the New Zealand professional league. As a relatively new club, it’s seeking to differentiate itself beyond on-field results. CEO Nick Becker has stated that football has the power to connect people and impart valuable life skills. Whether What we have is a genuine commitment to social responsibility or a strategic marketing move remains to be seen, but the impact on the participants is undeniable.
Global Reach: The FIFA Foundation’s Role
The expansion of the Twinning Project to New Zealand is largely due to the support of the FIFA Foundation. The foundation provides financial backing and drives the program’s global expansion, with locations now including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, Uruguay, and several European and African nations. Partner clubs like Melbourne City, Bahia, Young Lions, and Montevideo City Torque are all part of this growing network. The underlying question driving these initiatives is: what can a football club achieve beyond the confines of the game itself?
New Zealand’s receptiveness to this type of program reflects ongoing debates about reducing recidivism rates and finding the right balance between punishment and rehabilitation. The country’s correctional system has seen a growing emphasis on education, sport, and transition management programs. The Twinning Project fits seamlessly into this evolving landscape.
A Chance for Serco and a New Approach to Security
For Serco, the private company operating Kohuora, the program presents an opportunity to reshape its public image. The company has faced criticism in the past, and partnering with a rehabilitation project allows it to demonstrate a commitment to positive social impact. Gerry Smith, the prison director, hopes that the acquired qualifications and soft skills will empower inmates to successfully reintegrate into society, navigating the challenges of finding housing, employment, and rebuilding their lives.
This seemingly small initiative is interwoven with complex threads of criminology, global sports politics, and New Zealand’s ongoing discussions about justice. The FIFA Foundation aims to showcase the positive role football can play, moving beyond its association with authoritarian regimes. Whether that goal is achieved remains to be seen, but the program undeniably raises essential questions about images, perceptions, and responsibility.
Two additional groups at Kohuora are scheduled to participate in the course in the coming months. Researchers and practitioners will closely monitor the program’s impact, examining changes in participants’ daily lives and the long-term effects of the training. Initial findings from other countries suggest that the feeling of being part of something meaningful – rather than simply being an object of control – is a key factor in successful rehabilitation.
University of Waikato criminal psychologist Armon Tamatea describes prisons as places where individuals can either become trapped or find a new direction. He argues that fostering a sense of community within prison walls is essential, and that activities like sport can help diffuse tensions and prevent violence. Programs like the Twinning Project, in this view, are not merely acts of charity but a form of security strategy – an investment in the overall atmosphere of the facility.
The success of the program remains uncertain. However, it’s conceivable that within a year, one of the Kohuora graduates will be coaching a youth team in South Auckland, using a stopwatch and guiding young players. Their journey from inmate to coach may not be immediately apparent, but the impact they have on the next generation could be profound. The Twinning Project operates on the belief that mistakes can be transformed into experience, and that a club committed to serving the entire community should extend that commitment even behind prison walls.
What’s Next: Further groups will be participating in the Twinning Project at Kohuora in the coming months. Researchers will continue to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and long-term impact on participants’ lives.
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