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

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.​​​​​​

Get In To Coaching

Coaching sits at the heart of football by shaping player journeys, inspiring confidence, and building the future of the game.

Whether you’re guiding our youngest players through their first kicks or helping talent thrive at the elite level, your role makes a lasting impact. Discover how you can get involved in coaching football or futsal today.​​​​

Get In To Refereeing

Refereeing is the backbone of the game ensuring fairness, upholding the spirit of the game, and supporting every player’s journey.

Whether you’re taking charge of your first junior match or officiating at the highest levels, your role is crucial to the game’s integrity, safety, and enjoyment.​​​​

If you’re unsure about your next step, we’re here to help.

For questions about getting involved in football as a player, coach or referee, reach out to your local Federation's Girls and Women's Lead below - they’re your first port of call for opportunities, programmes and support in your region.​​​​​​​

Let’s grow the game together.

Northern Region Football

Shannon Chapman - Shannon.Chapman@nrf.org.nz

Capital Football

Jenna Reddy - jenna@capitalfootball.org.nz

WaiBOP Football

Veronica Lenihan - veronica.l@waibop.co.nz

Mainland Football

Ella Jackson - ella.j@mff.nz

Central Football

Alisa Schlierike - alisa@centralfootball.co.nz

Southern Football

Grace Teah - grace@southernfootball.co.nz