Designed to develop positive values and skills that can be used in everyday life.

Physical activity and football can be great teachers in helping young people to develop positive behaviours such as making new friends, respecting others, speaking, and listening, working well individually and within a team, having a positive attitude and overcoming challenges. All skills we want our young wahine to acquire.

The girls will learn about and discuss different values and life skills in every session and reflect on how they can be applied in different areas of life.

Girls only Football Hubs for girls 4-12 year olds

Coaches wanted - email katie.a@mff.nz for more info.

Please share with anyone you feel may be interest as we are keen to get as many people as possible involved!​​​​​​​

TERM FOUR

Central Christchurch

Where:           English Park
When:             Sunday 27 Oct- 1st Dec 
Duration:      Every Sunday for 6 weeks
Time:               9.30am - 10.15am (4-8 years)
                            10.15- 11am (9-12 years)
​​​​​​​Age:                 4-12 year olds
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cost:               $30 per player

REGISTER NOW​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

East Christchurch

Check back for Term 1, 2025


Waimakariri District

Check back in for Term 1, 2025

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Selwyn District

Where:         Foster Park
When:           Wed 23 Oct- 27 Nov
Duration:     Every Wednesday for 6 weeks
Time:               4.30pm
​​​​​​​Age:                 4-12 year olds
​​​​​​​Cost:                $30 per player​​​​​​​

REGISTER NOW​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Nelson Bays

Where:      Saxton Fields
When:       Tues 22nd Oct to Tue 26th  Nov                             (6 Weeks)
Duration: Every Tuesday  for 6 Weeks
Time:          4.00pm-5.00pm
​​​​​​​Ages:           4-12 year olds
Cost:          $30.00 per player

​​​​​​​REGISTER NOW​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Marlborough

Where:         A & P Park
When:           Thursday 4th/11th April
                          Thursday 2nd/9th/16th May
Time:              3.45pm-4.30pm
Ages:              5-12 year olds
​​​​​​​Cost:              $25.00 per player

 REGISTER NOW​​​​​​​

Northwest 

Check back in for Term 1, 2025

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Cashmere Techncial FC

Where:      Somerfield Park
When:        Wednesday 16 Oct - 4 Dec
Duration:  Every Wednesday for 8 weeks
Time:          3.45pm - 4.30pm
​​​​​​​Ages:           4-12 year olds
Cost:          $40 per player

REGISTER NOW

MILO Fantails Fun Festival

The MILO Fantails Festival kicked off in Christchurch with an impressive turnout on a frosty morning, filling English Park with laughter and excitement as young girls got amongst the footy fun.

This festival marked the first MILO Fantails session of the term, launching the Fantails Programme, an 8-week initiative that runs throughout the term.

The MILO Fantails program, designed specifically for girls aged 4-12, offers a unique, girls-only environment to build confidence and hone football skills.

Mainland Football Women and Girls Lead Katie Adams said fun events like fantails break down barriers and foster community among young wahine.

“Events like the Fantail's Festival are really important. It's just an enjoyable environment for the girls to come down, play a bit of football, meet some new buddies, and feel part of a wider community,” she said.

Parents have also expressed their support for the program, with one MILO Fantails mother emphasising the program’s effectiveness in nurturing her daughter’s growth.

“It’s really nice to build their confidence too and see them make friends outside of school,” she said.

A standout feature of the MILO Fantails initiative is its emphasis on female role models. By placing women in coaching roles, the program ensures that young girls have strong, inspiring figures to look up to, which is crucial for their development both in sports and in life.

MILO Fantails Coach Lisa said she loves seeing the smiles on girls' faces and that watching “girls come together and make new friends is really cool.”

The MILO Fantails program, now in its second year in Christchurch, is a legacy of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

This initiative provides a supportive and empowering environment where young girls can feel connected to a broader football community.

Mainland Football is committed to advancing girls' and women’s football through specialized programs that cater to the specific needs of young people, ensuring they have the space and opportunities to thrive and develop. 

Molly's Journey through the MILO Fantails Programme

Introduction

The MILO Fantails programme attracts girls aged 4–12 to football, focusing on fun, friendship, skill improvement, and activity. This case study explores Molly's journey from participant to coach, showcasing the pathway the programme creates and the importance of nurturing opportunities for young women to become coaches.

Molly's Journey

Molly, 13, started in the Fantails programme when it began in Christchurch last year at the Central Hub, English Park. She loved the fun, pressure-free environment that allowed her to focus on learning the basics of football.


"It’s okay to not be the best. As Fantails coaches, we won’t judge, and it’s a safe space."

Transition to Coaching

After participating for a few terms, her coach Alana Gunn, encouraged her to consider coaching. Molly embraced this opportunity and now coaches 4-6-year-old girls at the same hub where she began.

Molly's Reflections

Molly recalls her time as a participant, saying, "Being able to have fun while playing and not having any pressure put on me and I got to focus on the basics." Her positive experience inspired her to become a coach. She and her Mum believed it was a good idea to start coaching at a young age.

As a coach, Molly aims to create a supportive environment. She tells her players, "You're allowed to make mistakes and keep going, not giving up, and have confidence." Her advice to new participants is, "It’s okay to not be the best. As Fantails coaches, we won’t judge, and it’s a safe space."

The Importance of Female Coaches

Molly's journey from participant to coach highlights the pathway Fantails creates. Sport often serves as a stepping stone to leadership for girls, helping them build confidence and resilience that extend into other areas of life. Coaches play a crucial role in this development, and female coaches like Molly are especially important. They serve as role models, and can significantly influence whether girls continue playing sports.

Conclusion

Molly's story demonstrates the impact of the MILO Fantails programme in developing players and future leaders. By nurturing opportunities for young women to become coaches, the programme inspires the next generation of girls in football, supporting a pathway of growth and empowerment. This case study highlights the importance of providing a supportive and inclusive environment for girls to thrive both on and off the field.