Service and Soccer: Inside the Team’s Impactful Trip to New Zealand

The BYU women's soccer team has returned from a two-week humanitarian trip to New Zealand, focused on "Becoming BYU."

Author Brenna Seeman
Service and Soccer: Inside the Team’s Impactful Trip to New ZealandService and Soccer: Inside the Team’s Impactful Trip to New Zealand

PROVO, Utah – The BYU women’s soccer team has returned from a two-week humanitarian trip to New Zealand, enjoying breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences along the way.

The theme of the trip was "Becoming BYU," building off of the imperative of BYU President Shane Reese, set out in his inaugural address.

The Cougars participated in several service projects and activities with local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in New Zealand. They hosted devotionals for and participated in activities with young adults in Auckland, Whangārei and Hamilton.

They also visited the Auckland and Hamilton temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"It was such a cool experience to be here at the temple with all of our teammates to do temple ordinances," said Addie Gardner. "It is so cool to exercise our faith even on our trip in New Zealand."

The Cougars had the privilege of visiting the US Embassy and hearing from the US Consul General, Melissa Sweeny. They also were able to meet New Zealand's prime minister of sport.

“Part of our role here at the consulate is to support our sports diplomacy initiatives, so our sports diplomacy programs are a really important way for us in our efforts to build connections and relationships with people of other countries,” Sweeny said. “Through clinics, tournaments, championships and visiting teams like yourselves, it's a really great opportunity to highlight how our shared passion for sport is a way to bring us all together.”

US Consulate General
US Consul Melissa Sweeny
team pic outside consulate
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The Cougars also hosted several soccer clinics during their time abroad, one of which was at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre. 

“We were able to work with about 50 refugees,” BYU Associate Head Coach Brent Andersen said. “I hope it was fun for them. I know our girls had a great time. Our focus for this camp wasn’t necessarily soccer, it was more about the kids having some fun and engaging with the players, hoping they felt loved."

BYU’s soccer squad had the opportunity to visit both the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and a Mitai Maori village on their trip, where they were given tours and participated in full programs of cultural performances. 

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the site where the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand, was signed in 1840.

At the Mitai Maori village, the Cougars learned more about customs and rituals at an amazing cultural experience, including a tasty hangi feast and dessert.

Along with their meaningful service and cultural experiences, the BYU soccer squad explored many of the breathtaking views and tourist attractions New Zealand had to offer.

Some of these included the Rotorua Luge, Sky Swing, canopy zipline and zorbing. 

The girls also experienced beautiful hikes, surfing in Raglan, a visit to Sky Tower, the famous All Blacks rugby facility, a K9 Training Facility, a Blues rugby game, a boat cruise, a visit to Otuihau Whangārei Falls and the Hobbiton movie set tour.

Sky Tower
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