Latest news from Friends of Football
The Secretary General of the Dutch Football Federation KNVB, Gijs de Jong, will visit Auckland’s Otahuhu United on Saturday. It’s his first stop on a visit to New Zealand and the Pacific. On Saturday, he’ll meet members of Auckland’s Pasifika … Read More
Auckland FC goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has become only the third New Zealander to win the PFA’s Young Men’s Footballer of the Year award, for his displays with former club Wellington Phoenix. Paulsen (22) has been awarded the Austraffic PFA Harry … Read More
Defending champions Wellington Olympic face arch-rivals Auckland City this weekend, in a repeat of last year’s Men’s National League grand final. Olympic dropped two valuable points in their season opener, drawing 0-0 with league newcomers Coastal Spirit. Auckland City had … Read More
The opening round of the Women’s National League has produced early evidence that Auckland clubs might not have it all their own way this year. Defending champions Auckland United drew 1-1 with CF Waterside Karori in the opening round, having … Read More
Here’s your guide to the weekend’s football, including second-round fixtures in the men’s and women’s National Leagues. In Kaipoi, Waimak United and Wanaka will meet to decide which club is promoted to next season’s Southern League. Enjoy your footballing weekend! … Read More
The Wellington Phoenix have signed Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka for their women’s A-League squad ahead of the upcoming season. Tanaka (28) has played professionally in Japan and South Korea and joins the Nix from Preston Lions FC, who recently finished … Read More
Head coach Alana Gunn has named a 21-player squad to represent New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The tournament starts on October 17, 2024, and New Zealand will face hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador and … Read More
New Zealand international forward Ben Waine says he is “absolutely buzzing” after scoring his first goal for English League One club Mansfield Town. Waine scored a stoppage time goal to help Mansfield to a 2-0 win at Crawley Town. “I … Read More
Auckland’s Albany United are looking for a first-team men’s coach for next season’s Lotto NRFL Northern Conference campaign. “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic club with a strong commitment to developing local talent and fostering a competitive … Read More
South Islander Lara Wall has landed her maiden pro contract following a successful trial with the Wellington Phoenix. The fullback has signed a two-year deal with the Phoenix, the first year of which is on scholarship terms. Wall (24) is … Read More
Eastern Suburbs’ men’s head coach Kane Wintersgill has left the club to take up “an exciting opportunity” in professional football overseas. Wintersgill (27) led Suburbs’ campaigns in this year’s Northern League and Men’s National League. Main photo: Kane Wintersgill … … Read More
By Dave Wright Towards the end of 2023, I was involved in an initiative to better understand the impact of formal coach education, with a particular focus on coaches at a C licence level. This led to a great roundtable … Read More
Here’s a video round-up of action from the opening games in this year’s Women’s National League. NZ Football have produced an 11-minute highlights package, capturing the big moments from Round 1. Watch the highlights Results Games played on Saturday September … Read More
Here’s a video round-up of action from the opening games in this year’s Men’s National League. NZ Football have produced an 11-minute highlights package, capturing the big moments from Round 1. Watch the highlights Results Games played on Saturday September … Read More
The Wellington Phoenix have revealed the kit designs for their home fixtures at Sky Stadium and Porirua Park this season. In a departure from recent seasons, the Phoenix men and women will have dedicated home and away strips during the … Read More
Auckland’s Te Atatū club are seeking a director of football. In their call for applications, Te Atatū says the role will develop and implement football strategies across all levels of the club. “As the director of football, you will work … Read More
Callum McLachlan will leave his role as Capital Football’s competitions manager on October 16, 2024. Part of the reason behind McLachlan’s decision is to focus on being a professional cricketer for 12 months of the year, while he has the … Read More
Though the All Whites start the OFC World Cup qualifier series as strong favourites, head coach Darren Bazeley is taking nothing for granted and is treating the campaign with cautious optimism. “It’s all about taking it one game at a … Read More