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Above: Flynn loves getting out on the pitch with his teammates. Photo: JC Photography NZ OUR LIFE Member Stories Flynn O’Connor’s story: Adaptive football programme brings in the players Flynn O’Connor comes from a football-loving family and has stood on many sidelines watching his father and older brother play. So when he wanted to start playing football himself, mum Laura approached their Auckland club, Eastern Suburbs AFC, and asked if they would be happy to run a football programme for kids with a disability. At Eastern Suburbs, players take part in weekly training sessions where they do skills, drills and mini games. “The children come along and just do everything to the best of their ability,” Laura says. “Some things can be tricky for them, so as well as it being fun they are also challenged. The coaches are so kind and Maia and Anna’s story: International court action for Maia and Anna Commitment, dedication and hard work on the badminton court, and behind the scenes, have paid off for Maia Read and Anna Hika. The pair went to Australia in October 2025 and brought home three medals each from the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships and the YONEX Australian Para Badminton International 2025. They were also part of a 6-strong squad that competed in the Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain from February 8-14. For Maia, 18, representing Aotearoa New Zealand “means the world to me”. “I have a chance to show other young athletes that they are more than capable of doing it too”. Badminton challenges Maia physically and mentally. “It’s enjoyable because I can really see my progress and feel like I am accomplishing something,” Maia says. Cerebral Palsy mainly affects Maia’s right leg – her muscles aren’t as strong on that side and when it comes to playing badminton it impacts her balance and movement. Representing her country patient and make sure everyone is included and they will adapt certain tasks for children if required.” Laura has seen adaptive football benefit Flynn in a number of ways. “I knew it would be great exercise [for him] but mostly I desperately wanted him to be able to do what all his friends did. It’s no fun just watching. The real fun starts when you can join in! Seeing his passion and knowledge for the sport grow has been amazing.” Laura says Flynn’s running speed, balance and coordination all improved as well as his fitness and stamina. “He’s made new friends and has formed connections with other kids who experience similar physical challenges to him.” Flynn and his fellow players loved training so much that a team was formed and they joined the club’s in-house league on Saturday mornings. Flynn, a centre midfielder, loves the challenge of adaptive football and playing with his friends. “[They are] a lot of fun,” he says. “We all have different challenges, but I think we work well together. The full version of this article was published in the September 2025 edition of The Review magazine. 18 | ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2025-2026