The fixtures have been announced for the Dettol National League 2025, with Auckland FC’s reserves side set to join the men’s competition for the first time.

The men’s Dettol National League is Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-tier men’s domestic football competition, where 32 clubs compete across three regional leagues: the Dettol Northern League, the Dettol Central League, and the Dettol Southern League.

The top nine sides (four from the Northern League, three from the Central League, and two from the Southern League), along with the Wellington Phoenix reserves and Auckland FC reserves, then qualify for the men’s Dettol National League Championship to battle it out to be crowned the best domestic men’s side in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The competition has proved to be a hotbed for Kiwi talent, with over 20 players across Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix’s A-League Men squads having played in the men’s league last season.

The 2024 season saw Auckland City FC claim the Northern League title, Wellington Olympic crowned Central League champions, and Cashmere Technical win the Southern League, with Auckland City FC going on to secure the men’s National League Championship.

The Dettol National League is exclusively available on FIFA+, with over 200 games set to be broadcast live and free from the regional phase of the competition in 2025.

“2025 is going to be a massive year for New Zealand Football, and the Dettol National League is a really important part of that,” says New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell.

“We have seen the talent that both the men’s and women’s editions have produced, as well as the passion from clubs across the country to take part, so we are really excited to see the new season get underway and to welcome new side Auckland FC to the league.

“Since launching in 2021, the Dettol National League has quickly established itself as a premium competition, but we don’t want to stand still in this area. 

“Aligned with the season, our new General Manager of Competitions and International Events, Lisa Jones, will be undertaking and developing a long-term plan for all of our domestic national football competitions, including both National Leagues, to ensure we are continually evolving our competition structures, formats and providing the best opportunities for our players.

“I look forward to seeing the leagues continue to grow and evolve, as well as providing opportunities for the best Kiwi talent to develop.”

The new Dettol National League season kicks off on 15 March 2025, when Auckland City FC host Tauranga City at Kiwitea Street in the opening match.

For the full list of fixtures, please visit nzfootball.co.nz.

Article added: Friday 28 February 2025