The Ford Football Ferns are coming home.

New Zealand Football is delighted to announce that the Ford Football Ferns are returning to Aotearoa to play the two-game G.J. Gardner Homes Series against Korea Republic in Ōtautahi Christchurch at Orangetheory Stadium on November 12 at 2.30pm and 15 November at 6pm.

This series marks the first of a number of home games the Ferns will play in the next six months, as preparations ramp up for the home World Cup next year, with the side also confirmed to play three games in Auckland and Hamilton during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.

Ford Football Ferns and Glasgow City defender Meikayla Moore, a proud Christchurch local, says it’s always special to play at home, but to pull on the Fern in her hometown will be particularly memorable.

“To know that we are getting to play in Christchurch, where I'm from and where a couple of the girls hail from is pretty cool. I'm really looking forward to those two games in November and hopefully we can put on a really good show for those that turn out!”

Bringing the Ferns home, and especially bringing them to Christchurch, is significant for New Zealand Football says New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andrew Pragnell.

“In the lead up to next year’s World Cup it’s vital that the Ford Football Ferns have the opportunity to reconnect with fans across the country,” says Pragnell.

“It’s significant that we are beginning their return home by bringing them to Christchurch, the city and Mainland Football region has produced many great national team players for the Football Ferns over the years. We were especially determined to play games here to connect the team back home, highlight the city, and we hope that Christchurch ends up as a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 team base camp in the participating team decisions after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Draw this month.

“Bringing the Ferns home and hosting internationals is a long-stated goal of New Zealand Football that we are now starting to deliver on. We are looking at a full calendar of home matches for the Ferns right up until the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicks off on 20 July,” he says.

Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková is delighted the team is coming home, and has the opportunity to play in front of friends, whānau and fans.

“Everybody's excited to come home and play for their family, for the players’ families, friends, and for all the fans in New Zealand,” she says.

“Coming home after four years and hearing our fans, is something we haven’t been able to experience for a while. Seeing and hearing them will be so motivational and inspirational for the whole team - not just the players, but everybody involved in the team.”

ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says the city is delighted to host the Ford Football Ferns.

“Having two top-class international football matches here will engage the community and give the city a taste of international women’s football action. We are also optimistic Christchurch will be selected as a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Team Base Camp, providing Christchurch the opportunity to showcase what this proud sporting city has to offer.”

Kick-off for the first game of the series on Saturday 12 November is at 2.30pm to avoid clashing with the Rugby World Cup 2021 final and bronze medal match, enabling fans to enjoy a smorgasbord of women’s sport that weekend.   

Background

Canterbury is a significant region in the development of women’s football in Aotearoa. 

In the last decade the Canterbury United Pride has been the dominant force in the women’s National League, winning the national title in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020. A number of Ford Football Ferns have emerged from the region during this time, including Meikayla Moore, Vic Esson, Gabi Rennie, Kate Taylor, Ashleigh Ward, Lily Alfeld, and Alyssa Whinham, while Ferns veteran Annalie Longo has become synonymous with the region after signing for the Pride in 2013.

The first interprovincial women’s football match in Aotearoa New Zealand was played in Christchurch in 1922. This will be the first time the Ford Football Ferns have played in the city since 1991, when they played out a 0-0 draw against Australia.

The Ferns last played Korea Republic in a two-game series in Goyang in November 2021, securing Jitka Klimková’s first victory as Ford Football Ferns head coach.

Ticket information

Kids tickets are $5, and adult tickets are $10

Tickets now onsale

G.J. Gardner Homes Series: Ford Football Ferns vs Korea Republic match information

Game 1: Saturday 12 November
Kick-off 2.30pm
Orangetheory Stadium

Game 2: Tuesday 15 November
Kick off 6pm
Orangetheory Stadium

Article added: Wednesday 05 October 2022