Mainland Football Federation

Mainland Football hosted an exciting initiative aimed at empowering women in football leadership.

The programme, held at Ōtauathi Christchurch’s English Park in partnership with New Zealand Football, aims to grow leadership opportunities for women in the sport.

Mainland Football Women and Girls Lead, Katie Adams, says the goal is to bring together a passionate group of wāhine, build networks and connections, and develop their leadership skills.

“The main goals are, firstly, to build a supportive network of wāhine that are doing awesome stuff in our communities,” she says. “Secondly, we are learning more about leadership skills and understanding ourselves as leaders, and how we can have an impact on our communities.

“We’re also diving into community projects and how we can create more opportunities for women and girls in our local communities to help grow the game.”

Participant Jamie Pearson, a player from Ferrymead Bays FC, says a standout of the day was the focus on values and the connections with other wāhine.

“I’ve noticed the excitement and interest in women’s football… build up recently with the World Cup [in New Zealand last year] – so many people were involved in the women’s football space around that time, so I think, building off that, I’d love to be involved in fostering more of that interest – especially [with] young people.”

Coastal Spirit FC Women co-manager, Rebecca Huddy, another participant, says the day was about “meeting other females passionate about this sport”.

She has a message for women hesitant about getting involved in football leadership roles.

“Just do it, give it a go,” Huddy says. “I’d never managed a team… got asked to help out, thought about it for all of five seconds and said, ‘Sweet as, sign me up for that.’

“I’ve enjoyed it, so if you’re feeling a little bit worried or nervous about it – just do it. I’ve got no regrets and absolutely loved this season.”

Mainland Football wants to create safe and inclusive spaces so more women and girls can thrive in the game, Adams emphasises.

“We would love to have a network of women out there who are connecting… supporting each other, building each other up [and] meeting regularly to leverage off each other and make more awesome opportunities for girls and women in football.”