Analysis by Northern Region Football released in our Annual Report 2024 shows the booming interest in football is contributing to continued steady growth in playing numbers. 

Read NRF Annual Report 2024 

Summarising this year, NRF CEO Laura Menzies said: "NRF is focused on creating quality experiences and improving access in our game. In 2024, midway through our 2022-2026 strategy, we took the chance to review and update our strategy, acknowledging and celebrating the work we’d done to smash some targets and make room where new measures were needed. We’re proud that we delivered on our initial target of increasing youth numbers by 10% - at last count we had 8,047 youth players with girls and boys up 13% and 10% respectively in 2024." 

2024 key numbers 

• 40,500 registered players 
• 16,637 matches played 
• 1,924 teams 

Key trends 2019-2024

• Junior – up 41%
• Youth – up 8%
• Senior – up 9%
• Girls and women – up 46%
• Overall – up 24%

"While it’s satisfying to see key strategic points delivered successfully, there’s still plenty of work ahead to support club health, including the whole of football refresh, new national registration system, along with the Incorporated Societies Act changes. The early finish to the Auckland community season for some teams because of field access limitations showed facilities and accommodating growth remains a challenge to solve alongside our partners in Council," said NRF Chair Gina Mills. 

At this week's AGM, Jennifer Pickering was re-elected and Maia Jackman was elected to the NRF Board, with thanks to Keith Maddsion, who had completed his term. 

Terry Hobin was elected NRF President for a three year term. 

Article added: Wednesday 28 May 2025