In this episode of Voices, combatting challenges of social inclusion through football - we meet a team in Auckland that's switching things up for the win. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

"It's the world's game. It's called the beautiful game because it can bring countries and bring people together."

Hone Fowler is a man on a mission - to make football accessible to all and create elite pathways in the sport that encourage and tap into Aotearoa's diverse sporting talent.

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A footballer himself, Hone's the founder and chairperson of Manukau United Football Club. They like to be known as one of Aotearoa's most ethnically diverse sports clubs and are solidly founded on the ideas of equity and social cohesion through sport.

Hone early in his sporting career had his share of disappointment, disillusioned with the glass ceilings present in professional sport. He speaks of barriers to entry into the world of professional sport that are based on demographics, socio-economics and ethnicity. Hone's no alien to this and it's these barriers that spurred him on to actively seek and implement solutions. Manukau United is one of them.

"It comes in response to frustration but also injustice. There is sense of inequity that exists in our society as New Zealand. I first became aware of it when I heard how my grandparents were beaten in school for speaking their language (Te Reo Māori).

"I'm the first footballer in my family. We didn't have the political or social capital, and it's the same with people who are new to Aotearoa, they don't have social capital to propel them into a sports career. I thought that was unfair. Coming from South Auckland which is a diverse neighbourhood, these communities are missing out on feeling a sense of belonging in the game, but also the game is missing out. There's a lot of talent. You shouldn't have to feel excluded for the colour of your skin or the language you speak.

"Racism in football exists, it's a real concern. We're trying to shine a light on that, bring that into the agenda, because we can do things in a better way where more people feel included and have a sense of ownership of the game."

A sense of social justice has long run in Hone's family. Roger Fowler, his father, is a well-known and prolific activist…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details