National women’s champions Auckland United have launched a givealittle page to help raise the $140,000 needed to represent New Zealand at the OFC Women’s Champions League.
The club says it has raised most of the money for the March tournament but is appealing to the football community to help raise the rest.
The Oceania tournament will take place in the Solomon Islands from March 10-23, 2024.
However, flight schedules and the need to arrive in Honiara in advance, means the United squad and support staff will be away from New Zealand from March 5 till March 25.
Auckland United’s first game at the eight-club tournament is on Monday March 11, when they play Fiji’s Labasa at East End Stadium.
The club earned the right to represent New Zealand at the 2024 OFC tournament by winning the Women’s National League grand final against Southern United in November.
Main photo: Auckland United won the national women’s title at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart in November.Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
They will become the first New Zealand club to compete in the OFC Women’s Champions League after the withdrawal of Eastern Suburbs from the inaugural event in 2023.
It is expected that results at OFC Women’s Champions League tournaments will determine which clubs will qualify to represent Oceania at future FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions.
READ MORE: Auckland United learn group opponents for OFC Women’s Champions League >>>>
How to help
Click on the following link to visit Auckland United’s givealittle page:
Auckland United’s statement
“On 26th November 2023 our women’s team won the National League competition for the first time in the club’s history.
“This was an amazing achievement by our girls and granted us a spot in the OFC Women’s Champions League for 2024.
“It has been confirmed that the tournament will take place in Honiara, Solomon Islands and the team will be away from 5th March to 25th March.
“The club has been working tirelessly to get the team there to participate. With an estimated cost of around $140K to attend and only months to find the funds, we are seeking some help.
“Although the club has secured a majority of the funds, there is still a large shortfall. Any funds you can give will be greatly appreciated.”
The club says funds raised through givealittle will help cover some of their expenses of this competition, including accommodation for players and staff, food and water (on non-match days) and insurance.
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