Help Coach Haley Recover - Supporting a Champion for Girls' Football
Help Coach Haley Recover - Supporting a Champion for Girls' Football
Ellerslie, Auckland
In September 2024, Coach Haley was knocked unconscious by an opposing parent at a junior football tournament- a cowardly attack by someone who didn't share the values of fair play and respect she dedicates her life to building.
Haley, a mother of two, now faces months of rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury, post-concussive symptoms, and spinal surgery. She cannot work or provide for her family.
While Haley has spent countless hours helping young players develop their "toolbox" for life's challenges, she was attacked for simply doing what she does best: coaching with integrity and compassion.
Through The Football Girls programme, Haley uses football as a tool to build community. Her ethos: "The comparing needs to STOP, so the connecting can start". She's taught resilience to countless girls. Now she faces her own greatest challenge.
Every dollar sends a message: violence against coaches and those who serve our children will not break our community spirit. It's a testament to the values Haley champions - supporting each other and building each other up.
Haley has spent years developing resilient girls and strong communities. Let's show her what a resilient community looks like when one of our own needs us.
Funds raised will be paid into a bank account administered by Haley's Accountant to cover essential living expenses for her family.
Suzy Barber's involvement (page creator)
Suzy and Sally are close friends of Haley from Playcentre network and understand so many friends and whanau are seeking ways to best help and support Haley hence setting up this Givealittle fund.
Use of funds
Funds raised will cover essential living costs during her rehabilitation, so Haley can focus on healing without financial stress.
Other page links
Latest update
Thanks from Coach Haley 15 December 2025
There has been an article published on Stuff a few days ago, here is the link;
In addition, here is a message from Coach Haley she posted on fb today;
My two amazing friends have wanted to find a way to help us.
It’s been a turbulent year. I was attacked a year ago while I was walking to the bathroom from an opposition parent. I was coaching 10yr old girls. The attack obviously was a traumatic event. I was super lucky to have had a parent walk me to the bathroom and was witness to the assault. Unfortunately, her 5yr old daughter also witnessed it. My team was waiting for me to come back as they had made the final.
I’ve had spinal surgery and spent time in the Spinal Ward in Ōtara. My spinal injury has impacted 2 of my organs. I’m excited to get support for my brain injury and be well and truely on my way back to full health.
Over the year, we have had so much love and support. We understand how lucky we are and our perspective is future focused.
My mum has been exceptional. Obviously, that’s no surprise. It’s been very worrying for her so I am working hard on getting better.
Thank you Suzy and Sally for finding a way to support our family over this Xmas period. It’s not
Lost on us that so many other families need support, especially at this time of year.
To those who have generously given to the page, we see you. We thank you. 🙏🏽
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