Northern Region Football

NRF Women in Leadership Program

The NRF Women in Leadership Program aims to increase the confidence and competence of aspirational women leaders within the NRF club network. The program takes place over a series of 1-day workshops and online sessions. As part of the program, women will connect with other women in leadership roles across the Northern Region, and gain knowledge and skills to help them thrive as leaders back in their club environments. Applicants from football and futsal environments are welcome.

Applications for NRF Women in Leadership Program for 2025/26 are now open. Spaces on each program are limited.

Applications close Wednesday 3 September. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 12 September.

While I’m still growing into my leadership style, a key insight for me was learning that it’s okay to take up space and use my voice. These sessions reminded me that bravery isn't always loud, it can simply be speaking up when it matters. I'm learning that discomfort is ok, and I'm starting to lean into difficult conversations, although challenging, it's getting easier with practice. Engaging with women that work in the same space and face similar challenges, I have learnt to back myself up more, especially in moments where, I think it matters to be heard.

The sessions are valuable , having women within the federation help facilitate these sessions and sharing their own experiences made it more relatable. How you communicate your message matters, if you can articulate an idea well, people are more likely to listen. Overall, a good workshop that I would encourage others to attend.

- Gail, East Coast Bays AFC

Auckland Cohort, 2024

The programme was a foundational experience for me, and it created some core moments of reflection and personal progression that has really influenced how I engage with others. In particular, I got a lot of value from our focus on personal purpose and values, as ultimately this leads to our WHY - which is fundamental to the joy and happiness we get from our work and share with others, and influences what we expect from colleagues and leaders. Learning strategies to utilise our WHY in coaching and growing ourselves, and others, was a useful outcome. Another great segment in the programme was discussion about strategies to help disrupt negative personal patterns and bias, leaning into strengths and uncertainty. One other key part of the programme was the opportunity to meet like-minded women from around the region. Sometimes being a woman in sports leadership can be isolating, so creating connections with others was amazing.

- Yvette, Pukekohe AFC

Auckland Cohort, 2024

This programme reinforced that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about creating space for others to grow and thrive. I’ve learned that true strength lies in vulnerability, authenticity, and embracing my unique leadership style while valuing the strengths of those around me. By leading with heart and purpose, I can uplift others while staying true to my values and supporting those I lead.

With 30+ years of playing, coaching and advocating for the growth of participants and the game of football, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with wāhine who share the same passion for the game. This programme reinforced the importance of whakawhanaungatanga in leadership—lifting each other up, sharing knowledge and creating space for the next generation to thrive. Let’s continue to find more ways in our community to uplift, empower and strengthen the wāhine leaders we are and the next generation coming through.

- Erin, Tikipunga AFC

Northland Cohort, 2024/25