As we approach the halfway mark in the National League regional phase, take the time to refresh yourself on how the league works, and how your favourite teams earn qualification to the National League Championship.

Introducing the National League

Established in 2021, the National League is Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier domestic football competition, showcasing the nation’s top talent in a two-phase battle for the prestigious title of National League champions.

The Road to the National League Championship

The National League unfolds in two stages: the regional phase (March – September) and the Championship phase (September – November). During the regional phase, teams compete against local rivals in their respective regional leagues. The top qualifiers from these leagues then advance to the Championship phase to vie for national glory.

Men’s Competition

In the men’s competition, teams compete in three regional leagues: the Northern League, the Central League, and the Southern League. The qualifiers for the men’s National League Championship are as follows:

• The top four teams from the Northern League
• The top three teams from the Central League, along with Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side
• The top two teams from the Southern League

Women’s Competition

In the women’s competition, the top four teams from the Lotto NRFL are joined by three federation-nominated teams from Central Football and Capital Football, as well as federation sides Canterbury United Pride and Southern United, and Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side. These teams form the women’s National League Championship.

Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 10 teams competing over nine rounds. The top two teams from each league then advance to the National League Championship Grand Final.

Earning Continental Glory: OFC Champions League Qualification

For three teams, success in the National League leads to opportunities beyond national borders, with qualification for the men’s and women’s OFC Champions League.

• The two finalists in the men’s National League Championship secure spots in the OFC Men’s Champions League play-offs, with the winner representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage.
• The winner of the women’s National League Championship earns direct qualification to the OFC Women’s Champions League, competing for glory against the top teams in Oceania.

Article added: Friday 14 June 2024