New Zealand Football is excited to unveil the new 2023 playing kits for the Ford Football Ferns ahead of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which sees the team moving away from using white playing shorts.

The white shirt is paired with blustery (teal-blue) shorts, and is the first time the Ferns will not be required to wear a playing kit that includes white shorts. This comes as part of the global shift away from female athletes wearing white shorts. The black alternative strip utilises a striking all-over-print of a handmade Silver Fern pattern, which was created using a spray paint technique, and can be seen on elements of both kits. 

These kits will first be worn by the Ferns in their games against Iceland and Nigeria later this month.

The shift away from white shorts in the Ferns kits has been warmly welcomed by the players, says Football Ferns centurion Hannah Wilkinson.

“The new jersey is epic, it’s just epic.

“I also really, really love the fact that we have colour in our jerseys which is a little bit different. That of blue colour is an amazing change and even better the absence of white shorts now is fantastic for women with any kind of period anxiety. It’s always been something that women athletes, not just footballers, have had to deal with. In the end it just helps us focus more on performance and shows a recognition and appreciation of women’s health.”

In addition to the shorts colour change, players will also be offered Nike Leak Protection: Period innovation integrated into their playing shorts.

The release of the World Cup kits for the Ford Football Ferns, including the shift from white shorts, is another important milestone reached for the team in the lead up to the tournament, says New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andrew Pragnell.

“As an organisation, New Zealand Football wholeheartedly supports the shift away from white shorts for our women’s international players.

“The kits pay homage to the sporting heritage of Aotearoa, with the white shirt holding a special place in our football traditions, and the black being synonymous with New Zealand sport and we can’t wait to see our Ferns wear these kits.”

Paula Hansen, New Zealand Football Women’s World Cup Legacy and Inclusion general manager, is also pleased at the move to a more inclusive and responsive kit for our female international footballers.

“As part of our mahi to ensure the Women’s World Cup’s legacy continues beyond the tournament across the game, we continue to work to ensure that football is welcoming and inclusive to everyone who wants to participate at all levels,” she says. 

The playing shirts will be available for retail in women’s and men’s cuts from 5 April, and youth cuts will be available for retail from 17 April.

Article added: Monday 03 April 2023