"It's ironic, not inclusive" - Footballers on the foreign-player regulation

In this episode, we're talking football, inclusivity, visas and the opportunities to play in an amateur league when you're an immigrant in New Zealand. Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Waiheke United and players from other clubs affected by the foreign-player regulation. Kadambari Raghukumar meets amateur football players feeling shut out by New Zealand regulations. Listen to the storyFOLLOW Voices on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. It's a hot Saturday afternoon in Auckland's Anderson Park. Waiheke United are playing Mount Albert-Ponsonby today. La Banda Del Pipazo, the fan band, is also here.They go everywhere Waiheke United goes - even on the ferry, you can be sure to hear them chanting and singing for their team. While it seems like fun and games, clubs like Waiheke United are tackling a tough situation this football season. "We're sure we can cope, but we need more time because we're an island-based team," says Alan Llunes, about finding new players and trying to fulfil the requirements of the 'foreign player regulation".Alan's the captain of the team that won the Northern Division in 2021 Listen to the podcast for the full story on how the regulation poses a challenge for teams like Alan'sThe regulation has been around for years, mainly applied to about 10 national league teams. But since last year it now applies to almost 30-35 teams across the Northern and Southern leagues in the amateur game in New Zealand. Essentially, it stipulates that only 5 non-citizens are allowed in the match-day squad - four foreign players and one from Oceania. So naturally the more diverse the team, often depending on where the club's based - the harder it's hit by the rule - slimmer chances of existing players getting into the precious five on match-day. Waiheke Island with its cafes, restaurants and vineyards draws thousands of football-crazy South Americans and European immigrants to its shores for the lifestyle and work opportunities. Naturally, many are really just on work visas, have a resident or permanent resident visa or are waiting for one of either.More than 60% of the island's football team are South American, or European - who've lived and worked on the island for years. Listen to the full Voices podcast hereFOLLOW Voices on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. "We earned our spot in the league. Our club is multicultural, that's what football is about, no?" asks Alan…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details