McDonald’s have renewed their partnership with New Zealand Football, extending their support of the biggest team participation sport in Aotearoa New Zealand to over 25 years. 

The partnership comes at a time when New Zealand Football is anticipating having its biggest ever year, with football reaching bigger audiences, and more people playing the game, than ever before. 

The long-running partnership touches on all levels of the community game including junior, youth, senior, refereeing, and coach development. 

The impact of the partnership is felt across the country with McDonald’s providing essential equipment and apparel to over 400 clubs, as well as digital tools to make it easier than ever for coaches to run high quality, fun, and impactful sessions. 

Since 2022 McDonald’s has provided over 1 million items to clubs across Aotearoa including game day equipment, balls, bottles, grip socks, certificates, and trophies. 

Since McDonalds last extended their partnership with New Zealand Football in 2022:

- Football & Futsal Participation has increased by 19% 

- Female participation has increased by 27% 

- Junior Football participation (Ages 4-12) has increased by 20% 

- Youth Players football participation (13-19) increased by 18% 

- Number of community referees increased by 43% 

- Number of referees going through referee community courses increased by 19%

“We are delighted to see McDonald’s continue their long-running partnership with New Zealand Football at a time when the game is continuing to grow rapidly year-on-year” says Andrew Pragnell, CEO at New Zealand Football. 

“There is excitement about football and futsal at all levels of the game, from the All Whites in the final stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, and Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix’s performances in the A-Leagues, right through to the community game and the huge numbers of people playing and unstoppable growth.

“McDonald’s long-term support and commitment to the game ensures that the great work of our clubs and federations is able to continue and even more players are given opportunities to get involved.”

Simon Kenny, Head of Impact & Communications at McDonald’s New Zealand, adds:

“The momentum behind football in New Zealand across community, emerging talent and the elite end of the sport is tremendous.

"Extending our partnership with New Zealand Football helps ensure that resources will get to the right place to support coaches and their players, and other members of the football whānau to get the best possible experience.”

Article added: Friday 14 March 2025