In a groundbreaking move, three prominent football clubs in Tauranga, Tauranga City AFC, Otumoetai FC and Papamoa FC have joined forces to create a comprehensive female football development pathway. The pathway will sit within FC Tauranga Moana.

Key initial objectives are to become the region’s first New Zealand Football-accredited Female Talent Development Programme and to have a senior team gain promotion to the NRFL Women's Premiership.

The decision to forge this alliance, which has been under consideration for several years, marks a significant milestone in the local female football landscape. In 2023, its inaugural year, FCTM established the largest football development programme in the Bay of Plenty. This expansion demonstrates its commitment to better serving female players of all ages.

This collaboration is poised to redefine female football in Tauranga, setting the stage for a future where female players and coaches have opportunities to excel and make their mark in the sport.

"Discussions have been ongoing for several years between the clubs, so it’s great to see this ready for the 2024 season. I commend all the volunteers across the clubs over the last few months who’ve worked on this,” says Tauranga City AFC chairperson Brendon McHugh.

“The opportunities are exciting, our female players and coaches in Tauranga Moana will have an opportunity to build something special.

Otumoetai FC president Phill Mulligan says they are pleased to announce this partnership with TCFC and PFC in growing the women’s space in football in the BOP.

“This new development is aimed at allowing all our senior female players to play at a competitive level and be in a position to compete with the best in the country.

“This is not something that has happened quickly with many hours of talks, negotiations and commitment. I would like to thank all of those involved in making this happen, both within OFC and also TCAFC and PFC.

“We look forward to where this venture may lead, and OFC will continue to support and encourage all of their female players in whatever pathway they choose to follow.”

Papamoa FC says this is a significant milestone and credit to everyone that has invested significant hours in achieving.

The club hails it a “game changer for our region”.

“We’ve had to work really hard not only with discussions within clubs but also discussions within our own federation(s) and National Body.

“Football framework is extremely regulated and not necessarily conducive to different regional differences. Perseverance has paid off and make no mistake, we have arrived. Now is the time to work together and get Tauranga Football to the top of the mountain.”

“It’s historically been difficult for females to excel in our sport from this region. So a key aim for us is to provide a local option that allows talented players with ambition to achieve more of their goals here,” says Maia Ririnui from the FCTM Wahine executive committee.