Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
FWC on Sport Nation guide‘Let's get them engaged’: Mark Mitchell wants parents involved with grassroots sport
Elena Abbott • June 30th, 2026 1:14 pm
Mark Mitchell, Minister for Sport and Recreation | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Community sport is under pressure, with limited funding and involvement impacting Kiwi kids and their participation.
Minister of Sport Mark Mitchell believes the issue lies with interest from adults, telling Millsy and Guy more parents and teachers need to step up.
“Some of the biggest challenges are volunteers, especially with school sports.
“We've just got to go right at the problem and that is trying to re-engage those parents, those teachers,” he said.
Children’s interest in sport can help shape their passions too, whether it’s through playing or watching their idols.
Many kids find physical activity as a way to stick to routines and stay ‘grounded’.
Joey Yovich rates Millsy's rugby skills | Millsy & Guy
Mitchell said community sport can act as an escape or tool for children and their development.
“When you hear our elite sportspeople that have had great careers speak, many of them will say it was sport that changed the direction of their lives,” he explained.
He admits there is more to be done to reach participation goals though, with the focus on improving resources to push interest from local Kiwis.
“We don't have a unified vision in terms of it doesn't matter what sport or code the kids are playing, let's just get them engaged.
“It should be an ongoing conversation around how do we reduce barriers for people to actually participate, go along, and watch the heroes play their sport,” Mitchell concluded.
Minister Mitchell backed up his words by playing in a politician’s community rugby match over the weekend, where he suffered two broken ribs.
Listen to the full interview below:
