The 2025 community football season is rapidly approaching, and the game has never been in a better position in Aotearoa New Zealand.

2024 was a record-breaking year for the country’s number one team participation sport, with over 175,000 players taking part in football and futsal, a 6% increase from 2023.

Girls’ and women’s participation has surged following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with a 27% increase since 2022 in New Zealand Football programmes, supported by legacy initiatives from the tournament, creating more opportunities for players to experience the game.

With the All Whites playing at home in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers this month, the new Auckland FC vs. Wellington Phoenix A-League rivalry, the Ford Football Ferns kicking off a new cycle, Chris Wood having his best-ever season, Tyler Bindon winning the Halberg Emerging Talent Award, Auckland City FC at the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Ford Futsal Ferns set to compete in the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for the sport.

To make it as easy as possible for people to get involved - whether as players, coaches, referees, or administrators - New Zealand Football is launching the ‘GET IN’ campaign ahead of the new season.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the GET IN page on the New Zealand Football website.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“For several years now, football has been the number one team participation sport in the country, but with all the exciting developments across the game, we expect 2025 to be New Zealand’s biggest football year yet.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup changed the game, and with the Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix rivalry and the 2025 launch of the Auckland FC Women’s Team , we will soon have four professional teams, driving unprecedented interest. 

“Add to that Chris Wood’s outstanding form in the Premier League, and the All Whites playing a sustained run of home games and nearing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, and the momentum is undeniable.

“We are working hard to ensure we can match this demand, and I want to thank the incredible volunteers, clubs, and federationswho make all of this growth possible.

“We look forward to a fantastic 2025 season and encourage everyone to GET IN and be part of the game.”

Article added: Wednesday 12 March 2025