New Balance and Auckland FC debut new youth football initiative. Women and girls were banned from playing football in New Zealand for 50 years. The impact of that absence is still felt – imagine how many potential players never had the chance to see how far they could go.
Today, New Balance and Auckland FC are launching The Next 50, a new initiative designed to help ensure the next generation of girls is not lost to the game.
Each year, The Next 50 will support 50 grassroots girls aged 10–14, focusing on the age where drop-off from football is most likely. The initiative is about keeping girls in the game long enough to realise their potential – and strengthening the future of women’s football from the ground up.
Selected players will receive tangible, season-long support, including a football gear from New Balance valued at $500, along with access to football camps and ongoing training, development and football support through Auckland FC programmes.
Registrations for The Next 50 open today. Girls aged 10–14 are invited to register their interest here, with participants selected through trusted football pathways to ensure genuine grassroots impact. Applications have now closed.
“New Balance’s Next 50 is such a fantastic initiative, and we’re so proud to be a part of it. Supporting girls in sport is something close to our hearts – we want to keep them moving and help them discover a lifelong passion for football,” says Anna Mowbray, Auckland FC owner.” This partnership is a wonderful extension of our vision to get more Kiwi kids across New Zealand playing the game they love and opening doors to an exciting professional future.”
“At New Balance, our job is to aid athletes in their pursuit of excellence, whether that means helping professional athletes win championships, or propelling everyday athletes to live a healthy and active lifestyle”.
“We are proud to partner with the AFC on the next 50 initiative. This is about opportunity – and making sure the next generation gets the chance to see how far they can go.” Dean Howard, Regional General Manager ANZ
By investing in 50 girls each year, The Next 50 looks forward to helping build deeper participation and a more sustainable future for women’s football in Aotearoa.
