Northern Region Football

NRF Women in Leadership Programme

The Regional Women in Leadership Programme supports women across our region to build their confidence, strengthen their leadership skills and take the next step in their leadership journey.

We know women bring valuable perspectives, experiences and skills to football, and we want to support more women to step into leadership roles and have a greater voice in shaping the future of our game.

The programme brings together women from across our club network to learn, connect and grow. Through a combination of leadership development, practical learning, mentoring and networking opportunities, participants will be supported to identify their strengths, build their leadership capability and develop the confidence to make a positive impact within their club and the wider football community.

Who is this programme for?

The programme is open to women involved in football and futsal across the Northern Region who are interested in developing their leadership skills and exploring future leadership opportunities.

You don’t need to already hold a formal leadership position. Whether you are an emerging leader, a coach, administrator, volunteer, committee member or someone who simply wants to contribute more to your club, this programme is an opportunity to invest in yourself and your leadership development.

Be part of the next generation of women leaders

We want to see more women represented at every level of football — on the field, on the sidelines, in club committees, in administration and in decision-making roles.

If you are ready to develop your leadership skills, grow your confidence and connect with other women who are passionate about football, we encourage you to apply.

Know a woman in your club who would be a great fit? Share this opportunity with her and encourage her to apply.

Applications will close on Sunday 27 September.

From Cohort 3 (2025/26)

"Overall, it was such an awesome experience. Really inspiring and motivating. I came away with fresh ideas, more confidence, and some great connections."

"It was awesome getting to meet other women who are so passionate about football and leadership. Hearing their different journeys and challenges was really motivating, it made me feel part of a bigger community. "

"It was fantastic to meet so many women working to change our football community from the inside and realising I'm not crazy for continuing on my journey."

"I think what stuck with me most was how much impact self-awareness has on leadership. It made me think more about how I show up and communicate with others. Also how much leadership is about listening, not just directing. It really shifted how I approach conversations and decisions. "

"Just wanted to say to you and the team a massive thank you for  today. After a pretty tough week for us it was amazing to finish on such a high. We (Mum & Daughter) enjoyed today's session and took away so much. We had an amazing in depth conversation today on the way home in the car that started with mindset growth and led to so many ways we could use it in our everyday lives and progressed into some really meaningful conversations.  Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this day, I feel privileged to be surrounded by such amazing women who are all leading to way for the future. "

"While I’m still growing into my leadership style, a key insight for me was learning that it’s okay to take up space and use my voice. These sessions reminded me that bravery isn't always loud, it can simply be speaking up when it matters. I'm learning that discomfort is ok, and I'm starting to lean into difficult conversations, although challenging, it's getting easier with practice. Engaging with women that work in the same space and face similar challenges, I have learnt to back myself up more, especially in moments where, I think it matters to be heard.

The sessions are valuable , having women within the federation help facilitate these sessions and sharing their own experiences made it more relatable. How you communicate your message matters, if you can articulate an idea well, people are more likely to listen. Overall, a good workshop that I would encourage others to attend."

- Gail (Auckland Cohort, 2024)

"This programme reinforced that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about creating space for others to grow and thrive. I’ve learned that true strength lies in vulnerability, authenticity, and embracing my unique leadership style while valuing the strengths of those around me. By leading with heart and purpose, I can uplift others while staying true to my values and supporting those I lead.

With 30+ years of playing, coaching and advocating for the growth of participants and the game of football, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with wāhine who share the same passion for the game. This programme reinforced the importance of whakawhanaungatanga in leadership—lifting each other up, sharing knowledge and creating space for the next generation to thrive. Let’s continue to find more ways in our community to uplift, empower and strengthen the wāhine leaders we are and the next generation coming through."

- Erin (Northland Cohort, 2024/25)

"The programme was a foundational experience for me, and it created some core moments of reflection and personal progression that has really influenced how I engage with others. In particular, I got a lot of value from our focus on personal purpose and values, as ultimately this leads to our WHY - which is fundamental to the joy and happiness we get from our work and share with others, and influences what we expect from colleagues and leaders. Learning strategies to utilise our WHY in coaching and growing ourselves, and others, was a useful outcome. Another great segment in the programme was discussion about strategies to help disrupt negative personal patterns and bias, leaning into strengths and uncertainty. One other key part of the programme was the opportunity to meet like-minded women from around the region. Sometimes being a woman in sports leadership can be isolating, so creating connections with others was amazing."

- Yvette (Auckland Cohort, 2024)