Hamilton / Cambridge, New Zealand — October 2026 — APL and the Coach for Life Foundation are pleased to announce a new partnership focused on strengthening the development of school sport coaches in the Waikato.

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The partnership will support the onboarding and ongoing engagement of secondary schools in the Waikato region as part of Coach for Life | Game Changers coach development programme

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Coach for Life|Game Changers is an online coach development programme designed specifically for secondary schools. It provides coaches with practical tools, resources and learning experiences that help them become more confident, capable and effective in their roles, while making high-quality coach development accessible anytime and anywhere.

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The partnership comes at a time when schools across New Zealand are facing an ongoing challenge in recruiting, retaining and developing quality coaches.

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“Schools have told us that there is a real challenge to recruit, retain and develop school sport coaches”  said Jon Tanner, Founder of the Coach for Life Foundation. “We established Coach for Life because of a desire to grow the quality of youth sport coaches. We believe investing in coaches is one of the most powerful ways we can help young people stay connected to sport, develop confidence and belonging, and experience the lifelong benefits that sport can provide.”

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“APL’s support will enable us to roll out our programme to schools across the wider Waikato region and help equip their coaches with the tools and support they need. We’re incredibly grateful for their belief in our vision and excited about the impact we can create together.”

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The Coach for Life Foundation estimates that APL’s support could positively impact close to 800 coaches and more than 8,000 young athletes across the Waikato region over the next 12 months.

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For APL, the partnership represents an opportunity to contribute to the strength and sustainability of school sport in communities where it has a meaningful connection.

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Stephanie Millward said: “We are proud to support the Coach for Life Foundation and its commitment to helping coaches create better experiences for young people through sport. Coaches play such an important role in the development of young people, both on and off the field, and we see real value in supporting the people who have such an influence on our communities.”

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The Foundation is targeting 50 schools in 2026, followed by a further 100 schools over the next two years. The online delivery model enables schools across New Zealand to access the same high-quality learning experience, while allowing the Foundation to build strong local school communities and networks.

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“We see this partnership as the beginning of a long-term relationship,” said Tanner. 

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The Coach for Life Foundation and APL look forward to working alongside schools across the Waikato region as Game Changers rolls out, with a shared ambition to help more young people enjoy positive, meaningful and lasting connections to sport.

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About Coach for Life Foundation

Coach for Life Foundation was established by Jon and Sue Tanner in response to growing concern about young people dropping out of sport and missing out on the broader life benefits that quality sporting experiences can provide.

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The Foundation’s mission is to equip coaches with the practical tools, resources and learning experiences they need to support, inspire and develop the young people they coach.

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Through digital learning programmes such as Game Changers, Coach for Life Foundation is working with schools and sporting communities across New Zealand to strengthen coaching and help create better experiences for young people through sport.

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