Friends of Football encourages the recognition of those who make a significant contribution to the game in New Zealand
New Zealand football legends Ivan Vicelich and Kirsty Yallop were among the panel of experts consulted to produce the shortlist of nominees for the 2023 The Best FIFA Awards. The awards recognise the leading performers from women’s and men’s football, … Read More
A testimonial match will celebrate the 20-season career of long-time Melville United captain and former All White Aaron Scott. The Waikato club will host the match, between a Melville United selection and a team drawn from Northern League and National … Read More
The Most Valuable Players (MVPs) have been confirmed for the now-completed men’s regional leagues, with Derek Tieku (Hamilton Wanderers), Matt Brazier (Petone) and Garbhan Coughlan (Cashmere Technical) taking the honours. With the Men’s National League due to start over the … Read More
Melville United goalkeeper Max Tommy has been awarded the Jack Batty Cup for his outstanding performance in the Chatham Cup final. Though he was on the losing side, after Christchurch United won the final on penalties, Tommy made key saves … Read More
Western Springs captain Lily Jervis has been awarded the Maia Jackman Trophy after being named Player of the Match in the 2023 Kate Sheppard Cup final. Jervis (25) delivered a true captain’s performance, marshalling her team from the back and … Read More
By Rachel Lilburn The largest — and arguably the most successful — junior football tournament in Australasia has never been marketed, promoted or advertised. It’s an invitational tournament, grown through word of mouth, that sees close to 2,000 junior and … Read More
A football administrator who has spent more than 50 years helping South Auckland clubs to grow has become a Life Member of Northern Region Football. Noel Robinson (83) received the honour at NRF’s Annual General Meeting in June. Main photo: … Read More
A club and federation administrator whose interest in football stemmed from her kids’ participation has been made a Life Member of Northern Region Football. Aimee Barwick was elected a Life Member at the NRF’s Annual General Meeting in June, recognising … Read More
Former Auckland City defender Brian Kaltak has been honoured in his home nation of Vanuatu with a National Honour Second Class Medal after his successful year in international and A-League football. Kaltak (29) received the medal from Vanuatu President Nikinike … Read More
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Helena Errington has been awarded the Golden Ball trophy after being judged the most valuable player at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. Errington (17) was recognised for her individual performances during New Zealand’s march to their eighth … Read More
Football’s national body wants to thank those whose efforts as volunteers go above and beyond the ordinary. To recognise National Volunteer Week (June 18—24), New Zealand Football are calling on the football community to nominate the sport’s most dedicated volunteers … Read More
Former All Whites goalkeeper Barry Pickering has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday honours list. Pickering (64) played 20 internationals for New Zealand and was member of the 1982 World Cup squad, … Read More
The Between Two Beers podcast — which has featured many football interviews — has been recognised at two sets of national media awards. Co-hosted by well-known football enthusiasts Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten, more than 120 episodes of the podcast … Read More
Wellington Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada has been voted men’s A-League Player of the Year by football fans. The scorer of 15 goals this season, Zawada topped a public poll to win the accolade at the end-of-season Dolan Warren Awards, the … Read More
Friends of Football have inducted legendary backroom “diamond” Arthur Egan to their roll of Medal of Excellence holders. Egan (86) received his medal in a surprise presentation at a function at Auckland City’s Kiwitea St clubrooms on April 27, where … Read More
Friends of Football has recognised the work and support of award-winning sports photographer Shane Wenzlick, presenting him with an inscribed memento. Wenzlick has been Friends of Football’s official photographer since 2013, and his work appears on many of the 2,900+ … Read More
Two Wellington Phoenix players are in the running to win two of the major honours at the Dolan Warren Awards. Forward Milly Clegg is one of five finalists for the Liberty A-League’s young footballer of the year award, while midfielder … Read More
In more than 60 years in football, Terry Hobin has presented many a trophy to winning captains — but this weekend, the trophy will have his name on it. The Terry Hobin Cup will be taken home for the first … Read More