GIRLS AND WOMEN IN FOOTBALL

A Game For Everyone

Football is the largest team participation sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, with more than 180,000 registered players in 2025.

Participation in girls’ and women’s football continues to grow following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with a 35% increase in female football and futsal players since 2022.

Despite this momentum, females still make up just 23% of the total playing population, highlighting the opportunity to do more.

Guided by Shaping the Future – New Zealand Football’s Strategic Direction, New Zealand Football is committed to building on these strong foundations to increase participation, strengthen pathways, and welcome more girls and women into football as players, coaches, referees and leaders.

There's A Place For You In Football

Whether you’re picking up a ball for the first time, returning to the game, or looking to lead, coach or referee, there is a place for you in football.

New Zealand Football is focused on creating positive, inclusive and accessible opportunities for women and girls across the country - from grassroots to the highest level of the game.

Our Focus Areas

Growing Participation

Removing barriers and creating welcoming, inclusive environments for girls and women at all levels.

Strengthening Pathways

Supporting clear pathways from entry-level programmes through to community, talent and high-performance football.

Developing Leaders

Increasing opportunities for women in coaching, refereeing and governance roles across the football system.

Creating Sustainable Impact

Embedding long-term, systemic change to support girls’ and women’s football now and into the future.

MILO Fantails Programme

FIND A HUB NEAR YOU

MILO Fantails is a fun, safe football and futsal programme for girls aged 4–12.

Designed for new players, sessions focus on making friends, building confidence, learning skills, and staying active - all in a supportive environment. Hubs are running across Aotearoa New Zealand throughout the year.

CLUB EVENTS

CLUB

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CLUB

Event

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Location

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Halswell United AFC

Girls Have-a-go Day

Tuesday 25 March
3.30-4.15pm 5-8yrs olds
4.15-5pm 9-14yrs olds
Halswell Domain

Contact: gm@halswellunitedfc.co.nz

CLUB

Event

Date/Time
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Interview with Alana Gunn

Alana Gunn talks with Lesley Murdoch about Girls & Women Month.

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/

Fun for Girls! 23 Feb

Football Fun

Where: Nga Puna Wai
When: Sunday 23 February
Time: 2.30-4.00pm
Cost: FREE

Calling all girls who love football or want to give it a try!

MBFC and Mainland Football are teaming up to run an exciting afternoon of football fun for Girls and Mums.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast playing the beautiful game!

All ages welcome.

Don't miss out! Register today and spread the word to all the football-loving girls you know!

For more info, contact:
MBFCNZ@gmail.com or 027 940 8320

Coaches - be a scout! 26 & 27 Feb

NZF Open ID Session

Where: English Park
When: Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 February
Time: Wed 7.30 pm& Thurs 3.30pm
Cost: FREE

NZF is hosting an Open ID Session at English Park, and we’re inviting female youth coaches to get involved as Scouts. This is a great opportunity to learn more about talent identification, engage in the scouting process alongside NZF staff, and provide feedback on players.

Pre-Event Zoom Call – Wednesday 26th Feb, 7.30 pm (link will be sent after registration close date)
Learn about the ID process, watch video examples, and explore NZF’s evolving female pathway.

ID Session – Thursday 27th Feb, from 3.30pm at English park.

Work alongside NZF staff in the session
Gain insights into player development and regional comparisons
Debrief and discussion after the session

This is a valuable opportunity for coaches at all levels—whether you want to learn more about scouting, deepen your understanding of the pathway, or see your players in a new light.

Register now and be part of the process!