This Mother’s Day, we honour all mothers in the beautiful game.

From referees to international footballers to futsal leaders, these inspiring women are redefining what it means to be a mother in sport. Through sleepless nights, training sessions, and unforgettable moments shared with their tamariki, they prove that motherhood and sport are not mutually exclusive.

Their stories are testaments to the power of whānau, community, and unwavering passion.

Anna-Marie Keighley - FIFA Referee

FIFA referee Anna-Marie Keighley is no stranger to juggling the demands of high performance sport and family life. As the mother of four-year-old Miana and one-year-old Campbell, she continues to pursue her passion for officiating at the highest level—often with her children by her side.

Currently in Tahiti to officiate at the OFC Women’s Champions League, Keighley is accompanied by her son Campbell and supported by her own mother, who has travelled with them to help while Keighley is on referee duties. It’s a multi-generational effort that makes her continued presence in the game possible.

“I love making memories like these with my children,” Keighley shares. “especially to have them alongside me as I continue my passion for refereeing at the highest level.”

Her children have accompanied her to numerous tournaments and training camps over the years. One standout memory from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was having her husband and daughter in the stands while she was officiating.

“It was extra special to have them in the crowd for my last match between Germany and Korea,” she recalls.

Life on the road as an international referee and mother is far from predictable. Keighley balances physical training, classroom theoretical sessions, and matches with the everyday duties of parenting.

“Every day is a little different,” she says. “I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of OFC, NZF and my whānau to allow the continuation of my refereeing journey while also balancing motherhood.”

Keighley is passionate about being a role model—not just for her own tamariki, but for other wāhine navigating similar paths. She hopes her story will inspire more mothers to stay involved in football.

Her message to other mothers is one of encouragement and community.

“Make sure you surround yourself with that village who will rally behind you. With focus and support anything is possible!”
 

Jenny Bindon - Former Ford Football Fern, current Assistant Coach

Jenny Bindon’s journey with the Ford Football Ferns began in 2004, and just a year later, she welcomed her son, Tyler, into the world. Remarkably, her return to international football came that same year, when she rejoined the team to play against Japan.

Bindon credits her return to the Ford Football Ferns to a strong network of support.

“It took a village,” she reflects. “Navigating the challenges of being both a footballer and a mum was not easy, but I was fortunate to have a supportive husband who enabled me to pursue my dreams.”

Tyler was never far from the pitch. Bindon fondly recalls him attending training sessions with the Ferns, kicking balls at her in goal and shouting with glee every time he hit the crossbar.

“He was always there, a constant part of that experience. I can't thank my Fern teammates enough for allowing me to have those moments with him.

Some of her most unforgettable football memories are as much about family as they are about competition. One, in particular, stands out: playing Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics.

“As we walked out onto the field, I was fortunate enough to be walking next to Marta, arguably the best female player ever to play the game. Suddenly, I heard a voice calling out, ‘Go, mummy!”

Those experiences helped shape Tyler’s understanding of professional sport from a young age. Watching his mother play in World Cups and Olympic Games made the dream of becoming a professional athlete feel real and tangible.

“I believe the values Tyler learned at a young age include the importance of dedication, perseverance, and enjoying the journey of being a high-performance athlete.”

Now, as Tyler follows in his mother’s footsteps and represents New Zealand on the international stage, Bindon beams with pride.

“I find watching him play even more challenging than playing myself. I get more nervous, but he is an absolute joy—an amazing human being.

“All we've ever wanted for him is to be happy pursuing his aspirations. We will always support him, love him, and be there for him.”

Shelley Bowie - Hawke's Bay's Futsal Programme Director

Shelley Bowie, Hawke’s Bay’s Futsal Programme Director, has long been a driving force behind the growth of the game in her region. But her passion for futsal isn’t just professional—it’s personal.

As part of Hawke’s Bay Futsal’s SuperLeague campaign, Bowie worked closely with her 25-year-old son Josh, serving as the Men’s Team Manager, marking a special chapter in their ongoing football journey together.

Their football story began years earlier, when Bowie and seven-year-old Josh relocated from Wellington to Hawke’s Bay. While Josh was playing junior rugby at the time, Bowie joined a local football club. As a single parent, she often brought Josh along to her matches—exposing him to the game that would eventually become a central part of both their lives.

Josh began playing football at age ten, and his first encounter with futsal came when Bowie was asked to support the Hawke’s Bay futsal team. From there, a shared love for the sport was born.

“Through the youth and teenage years, it gave me the opportunity to spend time with Josh. Our weekends often involved Josh’s school and club football on Saturday and my football on Sunday.”

Being actively involved in Josh’s development as a player gave Bowie a front-row seat to his sporting journey. She also sees immense value in Josh witnessing the behind-the-scenes work that makes sport happen.

“This has given him an appreciation of the work the coaches, managers and other volunteers put in to creating opportunities.”

But for Bowie, nothing compares to the joy of watching her son play.

“This year has been really special seeing him playing in the Men’s SuperLeague for Hawkes Bay Futsal and Football for Napier City Rovers.”

Futsal has truly become a family affair. At the recent NZF Futsal Youth Championships in Palmerston North, Shelley’s niece, nephew, and Josh all took part.

“That was really special to have my family all involved,” says Bowie. “I definitely prefer it when we are on the same team.”

Betsy Hassett - Ford Football Fern, Stjarnan

Ford Football Fern Betsy Hassett made her international debut in 2008 and has since represented New Zealand at the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympic Games. Now, she’s writing a new chapter—this time as both a mother and a professional athlete.

In September 2024, Hassett welcomed her son, Nói, into the world. Remarkably, she has already returned to professional football in Iceland.

Hassett says the key to getting back into the game was to stay training and moving—and knitting—during her pregnancy.

“I was still training and passing a ball at practice right up until a couple weeks before birth, which I think really helped my body recover quickly after birth”

Adjusting to life with a newborn while continuing a professional football career has been no easy feat. Hassett now juggles the demands of training, breastfeeding, and studying, but finds solace in Nói seeing his mother “happy, working hard and enjoying herself.”

“I have enjoyed every moment so far,” she says. “I hope he sees that he can do anything he wants to do in life and to enjoy it.”

One of her most cherished recent memories was travelling to Tenerife for her club team’s pre-season training camp—with baby Nói in tow. It was her first solo trip with him, and one that left a lasting impression.

““I think it will be a memory forever. I really got the feeling of what life would be like as a single mum - I have so much respect for single mothers now!”

Liv Chance - Ford Football Fern, Kolbton IL

Tauranga-born Liv Chance made her debut for the Ford Football Ferns at the 2011 Cyprus Cup, marking the beginning of a proud international career. After representing New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Chance took time away from football to recover from injury while embracing another life-changing role—motherhood.

Now based in Norway and signed for Kolbotn, Chance has returned to competitive football, recovered from injury and with her one-year-old son, Tyler, by her side.

“Growing a child and then birthing the child is an incredible experience,” says Chance.  “It has made me appreciate my body even more as well as my own mother and every mother I see.”

The journey back to professional sport required her to be kind to herself and to lean on the support around her.

“The key for me to be able to get into the game was a supportive husband and family—I was able to focus on Tyler and getting myself back to a professional level.”

This is Chance’s first season as a mother, and like many women navigating similar paths, she’s still adjusting to what she calls her “new normal.” Fortunately, her club has embraced the transition. Her new team adore Tyler and he equally enjoys being around them.

Chance credits the strong support system around her for making the return to football not just possible, but joyful. Kolbotn teammate and Ford Football Fern Liz Anton has been a key pillar of support, along with the club’s Sporting Director Vetle, who looks after Tyler during club hours.

For Chance, this journey isn’t just about playing football again—it’s about setting an example for her son.

“I hope it shows him that you can make every situation work in life if you really want it.”

Her message to other mothers in the game is simple, yet powerful. “Find an environment or team that embrace the fact you’re a mother and are excited to have a little person in the team.”

Article added: Sunday 11 May 2025