Disabled football team gets tips from international coaches

A team of disabled football players shared a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Saturday when two international coaches came to give them some tips.

The Tottenham Hotspurs Development Coaches are touring New Zealand as part of the AIA Healthy Schools Challenge.

Anton Blackwood and Shaun Harris work with players of all levels around the world.

Blackwood says it's a chance to "share some of our knowledge and experience with the kids and just essentially allow them to have a good time".

The kids at Papatoetoe United Football don't let their disabilities get in the way of the sport they love and they couldn't hide their excitement.

"The kids have been incredible and there's a little lady in the session, we call her 'giggles' because she's just laughing and giggling at everything," Blackwood says.

He's talking about eight-year-old Sophie Bold, who has cerebral palsy.

"If you play soccer I hope you enjoy it as much as I do," she says.

Sophie's mum told Newshub that the Adapted Football programme allows these kids to feel like part of a team.

"They come here and they see there's lots of other kids around with similar disabilities. They can all get in and play and spend time together so it's a pretty great initiative."

Ten-year-old Destiny is loving every moment of it.

"It's really fun because sometimes when new people come I make new friends."

She has one important message for anybody wanting to play soccer.

"Don't be nervous and give everything a go."

The coaches will be in New Zealand for another week.

Newshub.