New Zealand Football Foundation

14/05/2026

Today is Pink Shirt Day 💗

A day to think about the kind of sideline we want to be.

Most of what shapes a young player's experience of football happens off the pitch - in the way adults around the game speak to each other, to the kids, and to the people running things.

Positive sidelines build positive players. We're proud to back the Federations doing this work across the country, and to stand behind our referees through Green Shirts.

12/05/2026

Morrisons Funerals are offering 10 x $1000 community sponsorships to support local organisations making a difference across Aotearoa.

If your football club, community programme, or local initiative could benefit from extra support, this could be well worth applying for ⚽💚

*Applications / nominations can be found through the original Morrisons post and website.

Nominate a good cause. Morrisons Funerals are giving away $10,000 Caring for one another is at the heart of who we are We've got ten $1,000 community sponsorships to give away to grassroots community organisations. Nominations are open now!   "*" indicates required fields NOMINATE YOUR GOOD CAUSE*W...

09/05/2026

To the mums on the sideline and the mums on the pitch — happy Mother's Day 💛

The ones who drive to training. Who fundraise, coach, referee, and volunteer. Who play, lead, and shape the game in ways big and small.

Football in Aotearoa is better because of you. Today, and every day. Thank You.

05/05/2026

Recently we celebrated 16 years of the New Zealand Football Foundation.

For sixteen years, the Foundation has worked with one simple belief at its heart: no one should be left on the sidelines.

Since 2010, generous supporters, donors, partners, and volunteers have helped enable opportunities, remove barriers, and strengthen community football across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Together, more than $2.2 million has been invested into initiatives that support participation, inclusion, wellbeing, and the future of the game.

To everyone who has donated, partnered with us, championed our cause, or played a part in the journey - Ngā mihi.

You have helped create opportunities for thousands of people to experience the joy of football.

And we’re only getting started.

07/04/2026

This week marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April) and World Health Day (7 April).

For us, it’s a simple reminder of why community football matters.

For thousands of tamariki across Aotearoa, football is where:
⚽ They run instead of scroll
⚽ They build friendships
⚽ They gain confidence
⚽ They feel like they belong

More than 176,000 people play football and futsal in New Zealand each year, including over 62,000 children aged 4–12.

Behind every training session and weekend match is a network of volunteers, referees, coaches and whānau, creating safe, positive spaces where young people can thrive.

At the New Zealand Football Foundation, we support initiatives that remove barriers and strengthen these environments — helping ensure more young people can experience the joy and lifelong benefits of the game.

Because healthy communities are built on connection.
And connection often starts on a local football pitch.

16/03/2026

Girls aged 7–10 are invited to take part in the SupportHER Football Festival on Saturday 28 March at Keith Hay Park 💙⚽

Hosted by Auckland FC and 2degrees, this girls-only football experience is designed to build confidence, create positive first experiences, and make the game feel welcoming for everyone – whether they already play or are keen to give football a go for the very first time.

✔ Two guaranteed matches
✔ A family-friendly fan zone
✔ Access to a future Auckland FC match
✔ Register with a friend or as a team

If you know a young girl who might love to get involved, this is a great opportunity.

Use code AFCPARTNERSUPPORTHER for 20% off registration.

Register here: https://footballschool.aucklandfc.co.nz/products/supporther-football-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoo2OTDvroxOPgRkh1BiFiGuZztOUKdpDzQAR9SC_b-zdiK05rdu
*Registration closes 22nd March

12/03/2026

For many young girls, their first football experience shapes whether they fall in love with the game - or drift away from it.

Fantails creates safe, positive environments for girls aged 4–12 to build confidence, develop skills, and make friends through football.

With 34% of participants playing for the very first time, Fantails is opening doors and creating new pathways into the game.

We’re proud to support this important work and help ensure more girls across Aotearoa feel like they belong on the pitch 💚⚽

No one is left on the sidelines.

Learn more about Fantails here: https://www.footballfoundation.org.nz/impact-stories/fantails

07/03/2026

Today we celebrate the women and girls who play, coach, referee, volunteer, and lead across football in Aotearoa 💚⚽

Progress in the women’s game is encouraging - but creating truly inclusive pathways takes continued commitment, investment, and partnership.

We’re proud to support initiatives that help girls enter the game, build confidence, and feel like they belong - from grassroots participation through to leadership and refereeing pathways.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the people shaping the game - and remain committed to ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.

27/02/2026

Who made you fall in love with football?

Was it a parent who drove you to training in the rain?
A coach who believed in you?
A teammate who became your best friend?
A sibling who wouldn’t stop kicking the ball around the backyard?

For many of us, football is more than a game - it’s the people who shaped our journey.

Behind every first goal, every muddy pair of boots, and every sideline cheer is someone who made the game special.

Who first showed you the game? Tell us below

25/02/2026

Where does your love for football begin?

For many of us, it started with a registration form.

A first pair of boots.
A nervous first training session.
A new team.

Late February is prime time for club registrations across New Zealand - and it’s the beginning of thousands of new football journeys for the 2026 season.

Whether you’re signing up:
• a first-time junior
• returning for another season
• joining socially
• stepping in as a coach
• trying refereeing
• or volunteering behind the scenes

There’s a place for everyone in the game 💚

Football builds more than skills. It builds confidence, friendships, belonging and community.

Last year, participation reached record highs - let’s keep that momentum going.

Find your local federation and club here:
🔗 https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/community/play-football-1
Tag someone who needs this reminder 👇

09/04/2025

FOOTBALL CONNECT IS BACK, HAVE YOU SECURED YOUR SPOT?

Come along, learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast on the field! No experience needed — just bring your energy and let’s play! ⚽️

Girls aged 8-12
🗓️14th - 17th April
📍Ōtāhuhu United AFC, Seaside Park, Brady Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland 1062
✅Lunch included

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW — ITS FREE! https://bit.ly/41DV48O