Franklin United FC has taken an important step in strengthening the club’s foundations, having recently completed New Zealand Football’s Xero Together Stronger Club Support Program.

As a growing club with a strong focus on participation, development and creating a positive environment, Franklin United FC recognises that success off the field is just as important as performance on it. With increasing numbers of players, families, coaches and volunteers, the club was keen to ensure its governance, systems and planning were keeping pace with its growth.

“The Xero Together Stronger accreditation really appealed to us because it aligned closely with our strategic focus on sustainability, good governance and long-term thinking,” the club said. “It gave us a practical way to review how we operate, sense-check our foundations, and make sure we’re setting ourselves up well for the future.”

Like many community football clubs, Franklin United FC relies heavily on volunteers who balance work, family and football commitments. The club found the accreditation process clear and achievable, with the structured framework making it easier to break tasks into manageable pieces and share responsibility across the board, rather than relying on just one or two people.

Support and guidance provided through New Zealand Football and Xero helped the club stay focused on what really matters.

“The process encouraged some really good discussions at board and leadership level,” the club said. “It pushed us to lift our heads above the season-to-season pressures and think more deliberately about where the club is heading.”

For Franklin United FC, one of the biggest long-term benefits of the accreditation is confidence - confidence that the club is being run responsibly, sustainably and in line with its values.

Strong governance and financial discipline support better decision-making, stronger backing for volunteers, and more thoughtful investment in areas such as player development and pathways. The accreditation also provides reassurance to the club’s wider community, sponsors and partners that Franklin United FC is well organised and built to last.

“Sustainability and governance sit at the heart of our strategy,” the club said. “The accreditation reinforces good systems, clear roles and responsibilities, and transparent decision-making. It encourages us to plan ahead rather than react, which is critical for a club of our size.”

For clubs considering the Xero ‘Together Stronger’ accreditation, Franklin United FC has a clear message: it’s worth it.

“Even clubs that feel they’re operating well will get value from the process,” the club said. “It prompts useful conversations, highlights strengths, and identifies areas for improvement before they become issues. It’s not about being perfect - it’s about being intentional and setting the club up properly for the long term.”

Achieving the Xero Together Stronger accreditation is a milestone Franklin United FC is proud of, and one that supports its long-term vision for players, people and the wider community.

“It recognises the importance of good governance and sustainability in football,” the club said. “We see it as an important step in ensuring Franklin United FC continues to grow, evolve and thrive for years to come.”

To learn more about the Xero ‘Together Stronger’ Club Support Program, reach out to Harrison at NRF or visit the Xero Club Support Program webpage. 

Article added: Wednesday 21 January 2026