Our Women’s First Team has wrapped up their debut season in the Central League, finishing 8th out of 10 and securing safety on the very last day with a hard-fought 1–1 draw away to Moturoa AFC. After 18 games, United concluded the campaign with 11 points (3 wins and 2 draws).

Following promotion from the Federation League in 2024, the main objective for 2025 was simple: avoid relegation. With a squad boasting little to no prior Central League experience — and carrying the second-youngest average age in the competition (behind only the Wellington Phoenix U18 side) — it was always going to be a massive challenge.

That challenge was made even tougher by a brutal start to the season. Within the opening four games, United faced eventual champions Wellington United, runners-up Wellington Phoenix U18, and 2024 runners-up Waterside Karori. The results didn’t go our way, and the players took some heavy defeats. But rather than folding, the squad dug deep, learned quickly, and kept growing week after week.

The breakthrough came in Game 6, with a vital first win against Victoria University. That moment proved to be a turning point, giving the side belief and momentum to compete at this level. Later in the season came another highlight: a memorable home fixture against Waterside Karori. Unlike the first-round meeting, where United struggled against an established powerhouse, this time the team showed no fear, controlling large periods of the match. Only a late goal four minutes from time denied United what would have been a famous win — but the performance spoke volumes about the team’s development.

From battling through a daunting start, to learning on the job against seasoned Central League outfits, to earning crucial results when it mattered most, this was a season defined by resilience and growth. Survival was the target, and survival was achieved — setting the foundations for bigger ambitions in 2026.

Article added: Wednesday 03 September 2025