30 football clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand will share $253,511 ($154,239 USD), rewarded to them by FIFA for their role in developing players that took part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Club Benefits Programme sees each football club that was responsible for developing one of the Ford Football Ferns, between the ages of 12 and 22, recognised for their contribution, and compensated to continue the great work they are doing to further grow the women’s game. 

The payment is split proportionally depending on the amount of time that a player spent with each club. 

The 30 clubs recognised are: Auckland United, Bay Olympic, Bucklands Beach, Cashmere Technical, Claudelands Rovers, Coastal Spirit, East Coast Bays, Eastern Suburbs, Ellerslie AFC, Fencibles United, Halswell United, Hamilton Wanderers, Kamo FC, Lynn-Avon United, Nelson Suburbs, Ngongotaha AFC, Northern Rovers, New Zealand Football FFDP, Onehunga Sports, Oratia United, Papamoa FC, Tauranga Blue Rovers, Tawa AFC, Upper Hutt City, Waiariki FC, Waimakariri United, Waterside Karori, Wellington Phoenix, West Coast Rangers and Western Springs. 

Wellington Phoenix were awarded the largest payment at $40,665 ($24,758 USD) for their role in the developing a number of the Ford Football Ferns in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 squad. 

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell celebrates the work of Aotearoa’s football clubs being recognised:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was a game-changing moment for football in Aotearoa New Zealand, but all of that was built on the incredibly hard mahi of clubs and volunteers across the country who played a key role in developing the players that so proudly wore the fern last year. 

“Being able to give back to those clubs so they can continue the great work they are doing in female talent development is important, which is why the FIFA Club Benefits Programme is so significant for the community game in rewarding all of the clubs who have played a such key role in talent development. 

“Football is the biggest participation sport in the country and following the tournament last year we are seeing larger playing numbers than ever, so it is great to be able to support those clubs to continue their brilliant work.

“Along with over $24 million in infrastructure upgrades, over $400,000 in equipment redistribution and now over $250,000 in Club Benefits Programme payments, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has left a wide-reaching and significant legacy on the game in Aotearoa.”
 

Article added: Wednesday 24 July 2024