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 the 2026 intake are currently closed but please express your interest by clicking the button below.

From Cohort 3 (2025/26)

"Overall, it was such an awesome experience. Really inspiring and motivating. I came away with fresh ideas, more confidence, and some great connections."

"It was awesome getting to meet other women who are so passionate about football and leadership. Hearing their different journeys and challenges was really motivating, it made me feel part of a bigger community. "

"It was fantastic to meet so many women working to change our football community from the inside and realising I'm not crazy for continuing on my journey."

"I think what stuck with me most was how much impact self-awareness has on leadership. It made me think more about how I show up and communicate with others. Also how much leadership is about listening, not just directing. It really shifted how I approach conversations and decisions. "

"Just wanted to say to you and the team a massive thank you for  today. After a pretty tough week for us it was amazing to finish on such a high. We (Mum & Daughter) enjoyed today's session and took away so much. We had an amazing in depth conversation today on the way home in the car that started with mindset growth and led to so many ways we could use it in our everyday lives and progressed into some really meaningful conversations.  Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this day, I feel privileged to be surrounded by such amazing women who are all leading to way for the future. "

"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 (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 (Northland Cohort, 2024/25)

"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 (Auckland Cohort, 2024)