Entries have opened for both the 2023 NZ Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup, the 100th year of the historic competition.
First played in 1923, 2023 will mark the centenary of New Zealand’s oldest and most coveted men’s football trophy.
To celebrate the cup’s 100th year, as well as the Kate Sheppard Cup being played during the home FIFA Women’s World Cup, NZ Football say the drive is on to make 2023 historic for both competitions with as many clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand involved as possible.
For the Chatham Cup, between 120 and 150 clubs usually enter, with a record 172 entries in 1991.
In the Chatham Cup, holders Auckland City will aim to be the first club to defend their title since four-time winners Cashmere Technical in 2014.
Main photo: The Chatham Cup went back to the New Zealand Navy for a day to celebrate its 100th birthday.
READ MORE: Football’s oldest club trophy — the Chatham Cup is 100 years old >>>>
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision have published a special collection of words, images and recordings that tell the story of how the Chatham Cup came about.
Chatham Cup enthusiast Michael Chadwick has written a special feature for the Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision archive.
READ MORE: Click here to read the Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision special feature >>>>
Last year, Auckland City became the 45th different club to win the competition.
Founded in 1994, the Kate Sheppard Cup has been contested annually every year apart from 2020 which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Auckland United were the 14th club to claim the title.
Kevin Forde, Competitions and Events Director at New Zealand Football, said:
“We know how much football fans across the country care about the cups, and this is a special year for both competitions.
“We encourage clubs around New Zealand to get involved it what will be a historic milestone for the domestic game.”
Clubs must submit their entries for the competitions no later than March 31, 2023.
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