At its core, Level Playing Field is about giving every child the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their financial circumstances. For many children across Aotearoa, sports can be a gateway to confidence, teamwork, and personal development, but financial barriers often stand in the way. Under the leadership of Founder and Director Zane Seddon, along with a growing network of supporters, Level Playing Field provides every Kiwi youth the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their background.

The Mission Behind Level Playing Field

The initiative grew from Zane’s personal experiences. Raised in a single-income family with five children, he knows firsthand how challenging it can be to afford the costs of sports participation. For Zane, sports were a formative part of his upbringing, teaching him invaluable life skills like communication, problem-solving, and resilience.

“Sport for me was always a really big driving factor,” Zane shares. “It was where I could meet some really good influences in my life, set me up with good routines, and learn things like communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork on and off the field.”

Today, Level Playing Field supports Kiwi kids by covering sports fees, gear, and even transportation costs. The organisation works closely with schools and clubs, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Zane explains, “Every kid we’ve supported has said really positive things about their experience. It’s like a weight’s lifted off their shoulders.”

A Powerful Partnership with Red Badge Group

The partnership between Level Playing Field and Red Badge Group has been instrumental in amplifying the organisations’ impact. What began as a casual conversation between Zane and Red Badge’s CEO Be Wooding —bonded over a shared love for coaching rugby—has blossomed into a meaningful collaboration.

“When I first met Ben we got chatting about what we each did,” Zane recalls. “What I love about Ben is that, alongside his busy role as CEO, he still gets out into the community and coaches rugby. He sees the benefit that sport brings, and that curiosity sparked the partnership.”

Red Badge began the partnership with Level Playing Field last year, starting by organising and sponsoring their ‘Teeing off for Charity’ golf day in Auckland which raised over $20,000 for the charity. Zane adds, “We’re about partnering with awesome organisations like Red Badge who really care about their people. They align really well with what we do.”

The Upcoming Golf Day in Christchurch

One of the flagship events of this partnership is the next Teeing Off for Charity golf day, set to take place in Christchurch this February. With 29% of Level Playing Field’s sponsored kids coming from the Christchurch region, this event is a significant opportunity to make a big impact locally.

The funds raised from the golf day will directly support local initiatives like providing sports gear for kids, covering fees, and backing programs such as Sense Rugby—a specialised rugby program for disabled tamariki and rangatahi to help them participate in active recreation and sport. Level Playing Field hopes to build on the success of the Auckland golf day by raising enough funds to further expand their reach in the South Island.

Participants can look forward to a fun-filled day on the green, complete with competitions, prizes, and the chance to connect with like-minded supporters of the cause. Reflecting on the event’s importance, Zane says, “We’re trying to get the word out there to people of our cause, and anything that comes of that is a bonus.”

How You Can Support Level Playing Field

Level Playing Field offers multiple ways for individuals and organisations to contribute. From sponsoring a single child through their Rangatahi Packs, to corporate sponsorships, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Every sponsor receives feedback on how their donation is making a difference, creating a transparent and rewarding experience for all contributors.

“When I donate money to a charity, I want to know where it’s going and who it’s helping,” Zane explains. “So I was pretty keen to make that as transparent as possible for our sponsors.”

For those unable to attend the golf day, donations can be made directly through the Level Playing Field website. Every dollar goes toward giving a child the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports.

Join Us at Teeing Off for Charity
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the upcoming Christchurch golf day this February. Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply someone who believes in creating a level playing field for all, your participation will make a lasting impact.

Visit the Teeing Off for Charity event page to learn more, donate, or register for the event. Together, we can ensure every Kiwi kid has the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of sport.