The path to glory for all teams in the upcoming season of the National Women’s League has been revealed after the unveiling of the official draw.

The competition has existed in some format since 2002 with the country’s top female players battling it out for national supremacy.

Last year’s edition was one for the history books with the competition being expanded to two full rounds for the first time, meaning champions Canterbury United Pride played more games on their road to the title than ever before.

That ground-breaking double-round format is set to return for a second season running with all seven sides coming up against each other both home and away.

The new National Women’s League season will kick off on September 15 and the two highest-placed sides will progress to a one-off grand final on December 15, the winner of which will lift the trophy.

Another key feature of the draw is again a double header of matches to take place around the week of Labour Day, in which all sides except Central – who will sit the action out with the bye – are set to play two matches.

“Last season was a big step forward for female football and the expanded league was well received, leading to one of the best and most exciting competitions of recent times,” says Daniel Farrow, Competitions and Events Director for New Zealand Football.

“We are pleased to be able to continue that format and look forward to another enthralling season, which is sure to be even more hotly contested,” he adds.

“I would like to thank all seven participating federations, respective venues and all other stakeholders who have worked collectively to develop the schedule.”

The official draw for the 2019 season of the National Women’s League is available by clicking here

Fixtures are subject to change, please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz/nwl for finalised fixtures.

Article added: Tuesday 13 August 2019