Football has been a part of 22 year old Paris Moore’s life for as long as she can remember.

With her family always involved in clubs around Wellington, Moore says “football became a rite of passage for me”.

Moore started her football career in Little Dribblers back in 2008, before moving to North Wellington and becoming a seasoned veteran in the Sunday morning all-girls league.

Her passion for club life developed here, where Moore could be found either on the pitch or deep in the clubrooms, cooking up toasted sandwiches for fellow club members.

It was her move to Whanganui that really sealed the deal, with Moore becoming a Club-Based Referee at Whanganui City FC. Alongside this, she gained her Level 1 Junior and Youth Coaching Awards at just 14 years old, later attending the OFC/NZF C Licence Course.

“From 2019, I started taking on more responsibilities within my club, following in my mother’s footsteps as she had previously served as Secretary of WCFC.”

Moore currently serves as the Secretary and Junior Coordinator of her club, current co-opted member of the Central Football Board, and Chairperson of the Central Football Youth Council.

Initially hesitant to take on these roles due to her age, Moore says “the perception quickly changed” as she proved her capabilities.

“Looking back, I feel pride in the challenges I’ve overcome.”

Leading the Way

It was in early 2024 when Moore joined the Ford Women in Football Leadership Programme.

She talks of the experience highly, highlighting how much she learned about herself, others, and the history of the game.

“This experience was eye-opening and empowering. Hearing beautiful stories, exploring development opportunities, and gaining fresh perspectives was incredibly refreshing.”

Moore was then invited to speak at the Regional Women in Leadership Programme in Whanganui.

“Knowing there are so many girls my age who are starting their journeys or redefining how they lead was truly comforting and empowering.”

Moore put herself forward to be on the Central Football Board, which she says initially felt very daunting.

“As a young Māori wāhine in the game, it can be easy to doubt yourself and worry about being viewed as merely a diversity checkbox.

“However, my time on the board has been enriching. Being surrounded by people who make each other feel heard has been incredibly rewarding. 

“My hope for young Māori, and all young people, is that they enjoy the sport, and find themselves in communities and clubs that help them thrive in every aspect of the game.”

Moore’s passion for young people within the game is evident in her position on the Central Football Youth Council.

Moore says the youth and junior spaces are so important to her because they represent the future of the sport and the communities within it.

“Having a space where future leaders of the game can voice their concerns, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage on relevant issues is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

To find out more about the National and Regional Ford Women in Football Leadership programmes, contact your Federation.

Article added: Wednesday 29 January 2025