Almost 50 young women have participated in WaiBOP Football’s first Wahine Toa programme of 2024.

The kōhine / young women, aged 12-14, and 10 coaches took part in the two-day football and futsal programme in Kirikiriroa / Hamilton during the July school holidays.

Now in its third year, Wahine Toa aims to foster connection and community for female players in the rohe/region, building self-confidence and leadership through a shared love of football and futsal.

The programme brings together young women from clubs and schools of all skill levels, from community to competitive and talent.

The programme included learning about refereeing. Photo: Supplied.

Developed and driven by WaiBOP Football’s women’s development officer, Nat Broadhead, the programme packed in a lot of learning and fun.

The sessions included goalkeeper training, Te Uru Pūkenga/coaching skills and the basics of refereeing as well as football and futsal sessions.

In the classroom, the focus was learning about E Tū Tāngata (Stand Tall) and Te Whare Tapa Whā (the cornerstones of overall hauora/wellbeing), as well as exploring the Balance is Better principles.

Guest speakers Erena Mikaere and Georgia Takarangi from Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Netball talked about their journeys into professional sport and some of the challenges they have faced.

NZ Football’s Megan Lee talked about the female athlete and looking after your body, with a specific focus on injury prevention.

Some of the themes that emerged were around resilience and a growth mindset, not comparing yourself to others, and ongoing reminders that everyone’s journey is different and everyone is a leader in their own right through the different roles they play in their lives.

“We put together a programme that allows our kōhine to try a range of new things, in a safe space,” says Nat.

Wahine Toa translates as both Sportswoman, as well as Warrior, or Strong Woman.

The programme was first created and delivered as a pilot in September 2022 in Hamilton by Broadhead and Vicki Lahana, who has since moved from WaiBOP Football to a role with Waikato Hockey.

WaiBOP Football have acknowledged the support they have received from Hine te Hiringa – Empower Women, a fund established by the Department of Internal Affairs as part of the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This funding has been integral in supporting the delivery of the programme and has made it accessible for participants.

A second 2024 Wahine Toa programme is planned in the Bay of Plenty in the September school holidays.

Participants at Hamilton’s Wahine Toa programme. Photo credit: WaiBOP Football. Photo: Supplied.