While playing numbers boomed to over 42,000 in 2025, the NRF leadership acknowledged the challenges this can represent for clubs and committees at Monday evening’s NRF AGM 2026, graciously hosted by Onehunga Sports at their clubrooms and attended by club leadership, life and honorary members, guests and the NRF team. 
 

NRF CE Laura Menzies applauded clubs for their work through a period of real change, thanks to projects like Sporty, our new national registration system, Whole of Football 2.0 and the National League changes that will have a flow on effect on LOTTO NRFL and beyond. The pressure this has placed on club volunteers is not lost on the NRF team, and our focus has been on supporting clubs through since mid 2025. 
 

We also applauded clubs for their work to re-register under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which recently reached our 100% re-registration goal, reflecting some hard work and dedication to getting the job done. 
 

We updated members on our Quality Competitions, Thriving Club Communities and Access for All strategic pillars, highlighting initiatives like the Auckland and Whangārei facilities plans, the growing number of referees and Football for All launch, while noting our 2022-26 strategy will be renewed at the end of the year. 
 

While running through our performance in 2025, we took time to appreciate the sustained growth in playing numbers, helped by booming football interest thanks to FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, and welcoming Auckland FC to our football community. 
 

Registered player growth 2021 - 2025

• Junior – up 30%
• Youth – up 22%
• Overall – up 19% / 7,000 players

We also noted the scale of this Federation within New Zealand's football network, with NRF accommodating: 

• 36% of junior
• 35% of youth
• 38% of senior players in 2025  

There's a full rundown of the year's highlights and performance in our Annual Report 2025, which is available on our website. 
 

As well as welcoming three new life and honorary members, Gina Mills, outgoing NRF Chair was acknowledged and thanked for her service and leadership, particularly for leading the finance subcommittee and work through the AFF / NFF merger and formation of NRF. 
 

“Finally, thank you to our clubs and the people who run them. You’re the heart of why the Federation exists, we admire and are always grateful for the incredible work you do for the community game, it wouldn’t happen without you,” said Laura Menzies. 
 

Article added: Tuesday 05 May 2026