Tikipunga AFC is celebrating a major milestone after becoming the eighth club in the NRF region to successfully complete the Xero ‘Together Strong’ Club Support Program — and the first club in Northland to achieve the accreditation. The achievement marks an important step forward for the club, reinforcing its commitment to strong governance, long-term sustainability, and best-practice standards across all areas of club operation.

Tikipunga AFC says the motivation behind undertaking the program was simple: to ensure the club is operating at a high level and remains fully up to date with the key requirements needed to thrive as a modern community football club. The Xero Club Support Program allowed the club to check that its systems, structures, policies and forward planning align with best practice, while also identifying areas where further improvement could be made.

Club representatives described the journey as both “rewarding and reassuring,” with the program confirming the strong foundations the club has already built.

“It was satisfying to discover we had already achieved a significant number of the requirements expected of a well-run club,” the club said. “It gave us confidence that we’re moving in the right direction, while also highlighting a few small gaps we could close to ensure we’re ticking every necessary box.”

Tikipunga AFC credited the clear structure of the program as a key reason the process felt achievable and manageable. The club also praised Harrison from NRF, whose guidance and ongoing support made a major difference throughout the journey. “The support from Harrison was outstanding,” the club said. “His advice, responsiveness, and willingness to assist played a key role in helping us complete the program and made the experience really positive.”

With the accreditation now complete, Tikipunga AFC plans to treat it as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off achievement

While the accreditation is valid until 2029, the club intends to review the accreditation annually, ensuring accountability, consistency, and the ability to adapt as requirements and club needs evolve over time. Leaders at the club say they are fortunate to have a strong committee, solid systems in place, and clear direction supported by strong female leadership, which continues to provide stability for the club’s future.
 
Tikipunga AFC strongly recommends the program to other clubs across the region, describing it as a practical and valuable support tool that strengthens clubs in the areas that matter most.

The program provides guidance across key areas such as website development, committee structures, governance, constitutions, and strategic planning — core building blocks for any club aiming to grow sustainably and operate at a high standard.

With the Together Strong program completed, Tikipunga AFC is already looking to the next step — the ongoing development and support of its coaching team.

Investing in coaches is viewed as critical to both the long-term success of the club and the experience of players. The club’s next major coaching milestone will begin with its female coordinator completing her C Licence, made possible with support through the accreditation, with further training and development opportunities planned to follow.

For Tikipunga AFC, the milestone is one worth celebrating — not just for what it represents now, but for what it sets up for the future.

“Of course, we’re so proud to be the first Northland club to obtain this accreditation,” the club said. With strong systems, strong leadership and a clear vision, Tikipunga AFC has set a benchmark for what’s possible — and proudly joins a growing group of NRF clubs building stronger foundations through the Xero Together Strong Club Support Program.

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: Tuesday 10 February 2026