Football’s annual Girls and Women’s Month is underway with a wide range of activities planned throughout the country, designed to boost enjoyment and participation in the game.
New Zealand Football Women’s Development Manager Annalie Longo says the month-long promotion provides the perfect opportunity to fall in love with football.
“Girls and Women’s Month is about our federations and clubs opening their doors to new opportunities to engage more girls and women in football and futsal, as well as providing opportunities for our girls to connect with their heroes in the national teams,” she says.
In March, there are numerous ways throughout Aotearoa New Zealand to get involved in the game — whether it’s playing, coaching, or refereeing; whether it’s on the field, the FIFA Unity Pitch, the court, or even the beach.
Ford Football Ferns will also attend selected events around the country.
The six football federations will each hold free participation events, making this a great opportunity for girls and women to give football a go, have fun with friends, and learn more about the opportunities the game offers, especially with the community seasons starting soon.
Having a range of events throughout the country is key to engaging more girls and women in football and futsal, says Longo.
She notes that the different formats on offer — ranging from traditional 11-a-side and futsal to beach football and walking football — are about increasing accessibility to the sport.
“Having a variety of activities in each federation throughout the month is key for upping the accessibility and visibility of the game for girls and women,” she says.
“It’s about letting them know that there are spaces for them throughout the game — whether it’s through playing, coaching, refereeing or administration — however they want to be involved, and empowering them to be involved,” says Longo.
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup starting in July — the biggest sporting event ever held in Aotearoa New Zealand — a key legacy of the tournament will be the opportunities it creates for girls and women to be involved in the game, at all levels, in all forms.
Here’s what’s on in the regions
Click on your region to see the girls and women’s activities planned in your area:
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