Natalie Broadhead’s career in football has been defined by a steadfast commitment to growing the game for women and girls in New Zealand. As part of WaiBOP, she’s become a key player in the development of women’s football in the region. Broadhead’s work is a mix of leadership, community engagement, and a drive to break down traditional barriers within the sport.

Broadhead’s role as Women’s Development Officer (WDO) for WaiBOP has seen her lead numerous initiatives that aim to provide more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in football. With a background in both football and community development, Broadhead’s focus is on the long-term growth of the game and ensuring its accessibility, especially in small or underserved communities.

Her approach to football development is not just about creating pathways for players, but about building strong, sustainable frameworks for the women’s game. One of her primary efforts has been to establish new leagues and competitions, such as the Koru and Kaimai U14 Girls leagues, which have already seen impressive growth in their first two seasons. Broadhead has also facilitated vital community partnerships, securing funding and collaborating with local councils and organisations to offer more opportunities for women to participate in the sport.

A strong believer in the importance of building leadership, Broadhead co-created the Wāhine Toa Programme alongside Vicki Lahana. Designed for girls aged 14-16, the programme is built around developing leadership, confidence, and a sense of empowerment through football. Broadhead’s background in the New Zealand Football’s Women in Leadership Programme has been instrumental in shaping her approach to leadership, particularly in a sporting context. The programme taught her to embrace self-confidence, identify strengths, and, most importantly, push beyond personal insecurities. “It’s about empowering others to lead and breaking down the barriers that still exist for women in football,” Broadhead explains.

Her leadership philosophy is deeply informed by Te Ao Māori, incorporating tikanga and Māori values into her work. For Broadhead, football development is about more than just the sport; it’s about fostering a community that respects and reflects the cultural values of its participants. This has included weaving Māori frameworks such as Te Whare Tapawhā, which focuses on well-being and holistic development, into her programmes.

Broadhead’s work isn’t limited to just young players. A prime example is her role in setting up Murupara Walking Football, an initiative designed to involve older Māori community members in physical activity. Partnering with kaumātua and kuia, the programme offers a chance for the elderly to engage in a safer, low-impact version of the game. It’s an effort that not only promotes physical health but also builds stronger social bonds across generations.

“Walking Football gave people a chance to reconnect, especially after the isolation of the Covid years,” Broadhead says. “It was about creating an opportunity for people to get active, and it brought people together in a way that was meaningful to the community.”

Throughout her career, Broadhead has continually sought ways to challenge the status quo in football. Whether through leading adaptive football initiatives with Halberg or introducing innovative programmes that cater to diverse needs, she’s dedicated to ensuring that football is a sport for everyone, regardless of ability.

Her role as chaperone for New Zealand Football’s 2023 American University trip was another example of her commitment to expanding opportunities. She guided young women from New Zealand, Cook Islands, and Niue through a cross-cultural experience that allowed them to explore leadership in a global context. It was an opportunity that broadened their perspectives, something Broadhead believes is crucial for developing the next generation of female leaders in sport.

Looking forward, Broadhead’s work continues to evolve, but her mission remains clear: to make football more inclusive and accessible for women and girls across New Zealand. “I want to leave the game in a better place than I found it,” she says. “That means continuing to create opportunities that weren’t there when I was growing up and ensuring that we keep breaking down the barriers that exist.”

Through her involvement in both the WaiBOP football federation and New Zealand Football, Broadhead is ensuring that women’s football isn’t just growing, it’s thriving. With her focus on community, leadership, and inclusivity, Natalie Broadhead is building the foundation for a more equitable and accessible future in New Zealand football.

Article added: Tuesday 18 March 2025