Following the continuation of Alert Level 4 in Auckland, as well as the move to Alert Level 2 across the rest of the country, New Zealand Football can now confirm the changes made to the men’s and women’s National League competitions, Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup schedules. 

Changes have been made give clarity to participants based on the Alert Level information as it currently stands. Finishing competitions has been prioritised where possible. 

The schedule is based on Auckland returning to Alert Level 2 or lower during the week of 20 September to allow enough time for cup competition to be completed ahead of the National League. Taking into consideration player welfare ahead of returning to competition, if Auckland is not at this level by this point then the schedule will have to be reviewed. 


Women’s National League and Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup

• It is now confirmed that the women’s National League will be reduced to a single round robin with a Grand Final. 

• The league will not start before the weekend of 16/17 October with the Grand Final provisionally scheduled for the weekend of 4/5 December. 

• The Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup Semi-Finals will be played the weekend of 2/3 October with the Final scheduled for the weekend of 9/10 October. 

Men’s National League and Chatham Cup

• Following the move to Alert Level 2 outside of the Auckland region, the Central (1 round remaining plus a catch-up game) and Southern League (3 rounds remaining) are set to resume on the weekend of 18/19 September. 

• New Zealand Football will be confirming the course of action for the Northern League on 13 September. 

• The men’s National League championship phase will begin on the weekend of 16/17 October with the Grand Final scheduled for the weekend of 18/19 December.

• The Chatham Cup Semi-Finals will be played the weekend of 2/3 October with the Final scheduled for the weekend of 9/10 October.

Article added: Tuesday 07 September 2021