List of association football clubs in New Zealand
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2020) |
Association football, also known as football and previously known as soccer, is a popular recreational sport in New Zealand. The sport is administered in New Zealand by the governing body New Zealand Football (NZF). This is a list of association football clubs that play in the top leagues in New Zealand and Australia.
Administration
New Zealand is divided up into six regional federations that help in the administration and promotion of the sport in New Zealand:
- Federation One (Northern Region Football) - Northland, Auckland
- Federation Two (Waikato-Bay of Plenty Football) - Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country
- Federation Three (Central Football) - Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui
- Federation Four (Capital Football) - Greater Wellington, including the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa
- Federation Five (Mainland Football) - Tasman, Marlborough, Nelson, West Coast, Northern and Central Canterbury
- Federation Six (Footballsouth) - South Canterbury, Otago, Southland
A-League
| Team | Location | Home ground |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington Phoenix | Wellington | Sky Stadium |
The Wellington Phoenix is managed under New Zealand Football itself rather than one of the federations. The only professional football club in New Zealand,[1][2][3] the Wellington Phoenix play in the Australian A-League.[4][5]
New Zealand National League
The New Zealand National League is the top men's football league in the New Zealand league system. Founded in 2021, the New Zealand National League is the successor to the New Zealand Football Championship. The league will be contested by ten teams, with teams qualifying from their regional leagues. Four teams will qualify from the Northern League, three qualify from the Central League, two qualify from the newly formed Southern League and the Wellington Phoenix Reserves are given an automatic spot each year.[6][7][8]
The regional leagues runs from March through to September, with varying number of games in each region. The Championship phase runs after the completion of the regional leagues with each team playing each other once, followed by a grand final. Each season, two clubs gain qualification to the OFC Champions League, the continental competition for the Oceania region.
Regional competition
Premier winter club competitions is divided into three regional leagues:
- The Northern League, consisting of teams from Federations One (Northland, Auckland) and Two (Waikato/Bay of Plenty)
- The Central League, consisting of teams from Federations Three (Central North Island) and Four (Greater Wellington)
- The Southern League, consisting of teams from Federation Five and Federation Six
- The Capital Football W-League, is a Women's Football league consisting of teams from Federations Four (Central North Island) and Five (Greater Wellington)
Alphabetically
The divisions are correct for the 2022 season and the levels are stated as per the New Zealand football league system.
Key
| Key to divisional change |
|---|
| New Club |
| Club was promoted to a higher Level |
| Club was transferred between divisions at the same Level |
| Club resigned or was demoted to a lower Level |
| Club was relegated to a lower Level |
A
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Bohemian Celtic | Auckland Sunday Leagues | SUN | Celtics | |
| Al-Huda | Otago Division 4 | 7 | ||
| Albany United | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Reds | |
| Auckland City | Northern League | 2 | Navy Blues | |
| Auckland United | Northern League | 2 |
B
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Auckland | NRF Harbour Division 6 | 11 | Relegated from NRF Harbour/Waitakere Division 4 | |
| Balclutha | Otago Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Bay Olympic | Northern League | 2 | Olympic | |
| Beachlands Maraetai | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Beachlands | |
| Blenheim Valley Sports | Marlborough Division 1 | 4 | Valley | |
| Birkenhead United | Northern League | 2 | Birko | |
| Brooklyn Northern United | Capital 1 | 4 | BNU | |
| Bream Bay United | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Bucklands Beach | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Bucklands | Relegated from NRFL Division 1 |
| Burnham | Mainland Division 4 | 7 | Relegated from Mainland Division 1 | |
| Burwood | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Promoted from Mainland Championship |
C
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Reds | |
| Carterton | Wairarapa 1 | 8 | ||
| Cashmere Technical | Southern League | 2 | ||
| Central | Marlborough Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Central Brown | Northland Division 3 | 8 | ||
| Central United | NRF Championship | 5 | Central | |
| Christchurch United | Southern League | 2 | Rams | |
| Claudelands Rovers | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Rovers | |
| Clendon United | NRF South Division 6 | 11 | ||
| Clevedon | NRF South Division 10 | 15 | ||
| Coastal Spirit | Southern League | 2 |
D
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dannevirke | Manawatu Division 3 | 8 | Relegated from Manawatu Division 2 | |
| Douglas Villa | Capital 2 | 5 | Promoted from Capital 3 | |
| Durie Hill | Whanganui Championship | 5 | New Club | |
| Drury United | NRF Division 4 | 9 |
E
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast Bays | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Bays | |
| Eastern City | Waikato Division 2 | 8 | ||
| Eastern Suburbs | Northern League | 2 | Lilywhites | |
| Ellerslie | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Ponies | |
| Eltham | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | ||
| Eskview United | Hawkes Bay Division 3 | 6 | Relegated from Hawkes Bay Division 2 |
F
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Nelson | Nelson Premier Division 1 | 4 | ||
| FC Twenty 11 | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Promoted from Mainland Championship | |
| FC Western | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | ||
| FC Whangarei | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Featherston United | Wairarapa 1 | 8 | ||
| Feilding United | Horizons Premiership | 4 | ||
| Fencibles United | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Promoted from NRFL Division 2 | |
| Ferrymead Bays | Southern League | 2 | Bays | Promoted from Mainland Premier League |
| Franklin United | NRFL Division 2 | 4 |
G
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geraldine | South Canterbury Division 2 | 5 | Relegated from South Canterbury Division 1 | |
| Gisborne Bohemians | Gisborne Eastern 1 | 4 | Promoted from Gisborne Eastern 2 | |
| Gisborne Thistle | Central Federation League | 3 | Thistle | |
| Gisborne United | Gisborne Eastern 1 | 4 | Transferred from Pacific Premiership | |
| Golden Bay | Nelson Division 2 | 5 | Relegated from Nelson Premiership Division 1 | |
| Gore Wanderers | Donald Gray Memorial Cup | 4 | ||
| Grants Braes | Otago Division 4 | 7 | Relegated from Otago Division 1 | |
| Green Island | Southern League | 2 | ||
| Greenhithe | NRF Division 5 | 10 | Relegated from NRFL Division 2 | |
| Greytown | Capital 4 | 7 |
H
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halswell United | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Hawks | |
| Hamilton Wanderers | Northern League | 2 | Wanderers | |
| Hastings Hibernian | Hawkes Bay Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Havelock North Wanderers | Central League | 2 | Wanderers | Promoted from Central Federation League |
| Hāwera | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | Promoted from Taranaki Championship | |
| Hibiscus Coast | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Coast | |
| High School Old Boys | Mainland Division 6 | 9 | Transferred from Mainland Division 5 | |
| Hornby United | Mainland Division 4 | 7 | ||
| Huntly Thistle | Waikato Division 2 | 8 | Thistle | Relegated from WaiBOP Premiership |
| Hurunui Rangers | Mainland Division 9 | 12 | Relegated from Mainland Division 3 |
I
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independiente | Auckland Sunday Leagues | SUN | ||
| Inglewood | Taranaki Championship | 5 | Relegated from Taranaki Premiership | |
| Internationale | Auckland Sunday Leagues | SUN | ||
| Island Bay United | Capital Premier | 3 | Sharks |
K
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaikohe | Northland Division 2 | 7 | ||
| Kaitaia United | Northland Division 2 | 7 | ||
| Kaitake | Taranaki Championship | 5 | Relegated from Taranaki Premiership | |
| Kapiti Coast United | Capital 1 | 4 | KCU | |
| Kamo | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Kaponga | Taranaki Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Katikati | Bay League Division 1 | 7 | ||
| Kawerau | Bay League Division 1 | 7 | ||
| Kerikeri | Northland Division 1 | 6 | Transferred from Northland Championship |
L
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes | Bay League Division 1 | 7 | New Club | |
| Levin | Central Federation League | 3 | ||
| Linton | Horizons Premiership | 4 | Promoted from Manawatu Championship | |
| Lower Hutt City | Capital Premier | 3 | Yellows | Club demoted from Central League |
| Lynn-Avon United | NRF Championship | 5 |
M
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madhatters | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Manakau United | Horowhenua/Kapiti Division 1 | 8 | New Club | |
| Manawatu Plunderers | Manawatu Division 3 | 8 | New Club | |
| Mangawhai | Northland Division 2 | 7 | ||
| Mangere United | NRF Division 4 | 9 | Promoted from NRF South/East Division 4 | |
| Manukau United | Northern League | 2 | ||
| Manurewa | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Rewa | |
| Mapua Rangers | Nelson Division 4 | 7 | Rangers | |
| Marewa United | Hawkes Bay Division 3 | 6 | ||
| Martinborough | Wairarapa 2 | 9 | ||
| Masterton | Capital 4 | 7 | Promoted from Wairarapa 1 | |
| Massey University | Central Federation League | 3 | Massey | |
| Matamata Swifts | WaiBOP Championship | 6 | Swifts | Relegated from WaiBOP Premiership |
| Maycenvale United | Pacific Premiership | 4 | ||
| Meadowbank United | South Canterbury Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Melville United | Northern League | 2 | ||
| Metro | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | ||
| Methven | Mainland Division 3 | 6 | Relegated from Mainland Division 1 | |
| Mid Canterbury United | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Promoted from Mainland Championship | |
| Miramar Rangers | Central League | 2 | Rangers | |
| Mornington | Otago Division 3 | 6 | New Club | |
| Morrinsville | Waikato Division 3 | 9 | Relegated from Waikato Division 2 | |
| Mosgiel | Southern League | 2 | Plainsmen | Promoted from Southern Premiership |
| Motueka | Nelson Premiership Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Moturoa | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | Reds | |
| Mt Albert Ponsonby | NRFL Division 1 | 3 |
N
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naenae SC | Capital 3 | 6 | ||
| Napier City Rovers | Central League | 2 | Rovers | |
| Napier Marist | Central Federation League | 3 | ||
| Napier South | Hawkes Bay Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Nelson Suburbs | Southern League | 2 | Suburbs | |
| New Plymouth Rangers | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | Rangers | Relegated from Central Federation League |
| Ngatapa | Gisborne Eastern 2 | 5 | New Club | |
| Ngaruawahia United | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Green Machine | Promoted from WaiBOP Premiership |
| Ngongotaha | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | Villagers | |
| Ngunguru | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Nomads United | Southern League | 2 | Nomads | Promoted from Mainland Premier League |
| North End | Central Federation League | 3 | ||
| North Shore United | Northern League | 2 | Shore | |
| North Wellington | Central League | 2 | ||
| Northern | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | Northern | |
| Northern Hearts | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | Hearts | Promoted from South Canterbury Division 1 |
| Northern United | Waikato Division 1 | 7 | Promoted from Waikato Division 2 | |
| Northern Rovers | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Rovers | Relegated from Northern League |
| Northern Wairoa | Northland Division 2 | 7 | ||
| Northland | NRFL Division 2 | 4 |
O
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Boys | Donald Gray Memorial Cup | 4 | Reds | |
| Onehunga Sports | NRF Central Division 8 | 13 | Sports | Relegated from NRF Central/West Division 5 |
| Onehunga-Mangere United | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | OM | Promoted from NRFL Division 2 |
| Onerahi | Northland Division 1 | 6 | ||
| Oratia United | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Tia | |
| Otago University | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | Varsity | Club demoted from Southern League |
| Otaki | Horowhenua/Kapiti Division 1 | 8 | ||
| Otahuhu United | NRF Division 5 | 10 | ||
| Otorohanga | Waikato Division 2 | 8 | Relegated from WaiBOP Premiership | |
| Otumoetai | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | ||
| Oxford | Mainland Division 8 | 11 |
P
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paekākāriki | Horowhenua/Kapiti Division 1 | 8 | ||
| Pahiatua | Manawatu Division 3 | 8 | ||
| Paihia | Northland Division 3 | 8 | ||
| Palmerston North Marist | Central Federation League | 3 | Marist | |
| Papakura City | NRF Championship | 5 | ||
| Papamoa | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | ||
| Papanui-Redwood | Mainland Division 6 | 9 | Relegated from Mainland Division 4 | |
| Papatoetoe | NRF Championship | 5 | Reds | Relegated from NRFL Division 2 |
| Papatoetoe United | NRF South Division 6 | 11 | Relegated from NRF South/East Division 4 | |
| Parklands United | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Promoted from Mainland Championship | |
| Peringa United | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | ||
| Petone | Central League | 2 | Settlers | |
| Picton | Marlborough Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Plains Rangers | Bay League Division 2 | 8 | ||
| Pleasant Point | South Canterbury Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Porirua City | Wellington 2 | 9 | Relegated from Wellington 1 | |
| Port Hill United | Pacific Premiership | 4 | ||
| Puhoi | NRF Division 4 | 9 | Relegated from NRF Championship | |
| Pukekohe | NRF Division 3 | 8 | Relegated from NRF Division 1 | |
| Putaruru Rangers | Waikato Division 4 | 10 | Rangers | Relegated from Waikato Division 3 |
Q
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Park | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | Park | Promoted from Donald Gray Memorial Cup |
| Queenstown Rovers | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | Rovers |
R
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangers | Nelson Premier Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Ranui Swanson | NRF Championship | 5 | ||
| Red Sox Manawatu | Manawatu Division 1 | 6 | Relegated from Horizons Premiership | |
| Richmond Athletic | Nelson Premier Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Rivercity | Whanganui Championship | 5 | Chiefs | |
| Rotorua United | Bay League Division 2 | 8 | Relegated from Bay League Division 1 | |
| Roslyn-Wakari | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | ||
| RNZ Navy | NRF Division 3 | 8 |
S
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seatoun | Capital Premier | 3 | Toon | Promoted from Capital 1 |
| Selwyn United | Southern League | 2 | ||
| Shockers | Gisborne Eastern 2 | 5 | ||
| South Auckland Rangers | NRF Championship | 5 | Rangers | |
| Southend United | Southland Division 1 | 5 | ||
| Southland United | Donald Gray Memorial Cup | 4 | ||
| Sperm Whales | Auckland Sunday Football Leagues | SUN | Spunkies | |
| St Albans Shirley | Mainland Division 3 | 6 | Relegated from Mainland Championship | |
| Stokes Valley | Capital 2 | 5 | Promoted from Wellington 3 | |
| Stop Out | Capital Premier | 3 | ||
| Stratford | Taranaki Division 1 | 6 |
T
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahuna | Nelson Premier Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Takapuna | Northern League | 2 | Taka | Promoted from NRFL Division 1 |
| Takaro | Horizons Premiership | 4 | ||
| Taradale | Pacific Premiership | 4 | ||
| Taupo | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | ||
| Tauranga City | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | The Blues | |
| Tauranga Old Blues | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | Promoted from WaiBOP Championship | |
| Tawa | Capital Premier | 3 | ||
| Te Atatu | NRF Championship | 5 | ||
| Te Awamutu | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | Promoted from WaiBOP Championship | |
| Te Anau | Southland Division 1 | 5 | ||
| Te Puke United | NRF Championship | 5 | ||
| Temuka United | South Canterbury Division 2 | 5 | New Club | |
| Thames | Waikato Division 3 | 9 | ||
| Tikipunga | Northland Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Thistle FC | Donald Gray Memorial Cup | 4 | Thistle | |
| Thistle AFC | South Canterbury Division 1 | 4 | Thistle | |
| Tokoroa | WaiBOP Championship | 6 | ||
| Trojans | Marlborough Division 1 | 4 | ||
| Tuakau | NRF South Division 6 | 4 |
U
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uni-Mount Bohemian | NRF Championship | 5 | Uni-Mount | Relegated from NRFL Division 2 |
| University of Auckland | Auckland Sunday Football Leagues | SUN | ||
| Universities | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Promoted from Mainland Championship | |
| Upper Hutt City | Capital Premier | 3 |
V
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria University | Capital 1 | 4 | Vic Uni |
W
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiheke United | Northern League | 2 | Islanders | Promoted from NRFL Division 1 |
| Waihi | Waikato Division 2 | 8 | ||
| Waihopai | Southland Division 1 | 5 | ||
| Waikanae | Capital 2 | 5 | ||
| Waikato Unicol | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | ||
| Waimakariri United | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Waimak | Promoted from Mainland Championship |
| Wainui | Gisborne Eastern 1 | 4 | ||
| Wainuiomata | Capital Premier | 3 | Relegated from Central League | |
| Wairarapa United | Women's 1 | 4[a] | Rapa | |
| Wairoa Athletic | Gisborne Eastern 2 | 5 | ||
| Waitara | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | ||
| Waitemata | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | ||
| Waiuku | NRF Division 4 | 9 | Blue Army | Promoted from NRF South/East Division 8 |
| Wakefield | Nelson Division 2 | 5 | ||
| Wanaka | FootballSouth Premier League | 3 | ||
| Warkworth | NRF Division 5 | 10 | Promoted from NRF Harbour/East Division 6 | |
| Waterside Karori | Central League | 2 | Wharfies | |
| Wellington Marist | Capital 2 | 5 | Marist | |
| Wellington Olympic | Central League | 2 | Greeks | |
| Wellington United | Central League | 2 | Diamonds | |
| West Auckland Kiwi True Blues | NRFL Division 2 | 4 | Promoted from NRF Championship | |
| West Coast Rangers | NRFL Division 1 | 3 | Rangers | Relegated from Northern League |
| West End | South Canterbury Division 1 | 4 | ||
| West Hamilton United | WaiBOP Premiership | 5 | ||
| Western | Mainland Premier League | 3 | Dub | |
| Western Rangers | Pacific Premiership | 4 | ||
| Western Springs | Northern League | 2 | Springs | |
| Western Suburbs | Central League | 2 | Wests | |
| Whakatane Town | Bay League Division 1 | 3 | Relegated from WaiBOP Championship | |
| Wanganui Athletic | Central Federation League | 3 | ||
| Wanganui City | Horizons Premiership | 4 | ||
| Wanganui Marist | Whanganui Championship | 5 | ||
| Winton | Southland Division 1 | 5 | ||
| Woodleigh | Taranaki Premiership | 4 | ||
| Wyndham Town | Southland Division 2 | 6 |
Z
| Club | League/Division | Lvl | Nickname | Change from 2021 to 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zamantix Rovers | Auckland Sunday Football Leagues | SUN |
Notes
- ^ Wairarapa United pulled their mens team out of the Central League before the start of the 2022 season, leaving the women's team as their top senior team.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "Fact file: New Zealand football". Tourism New Zealand. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ "The battle to get a New Zealand team in Australia's W-League". Stuff. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ Voerman, Andrew (25 March 2021). "The Wellington Phoenix have as large a Kiwi presence right now as they ever have had". Stuff. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Football in New Zealand". teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ "What's in a name? It's been a decade since the Wellington Phoenix got theirs". Stuff. 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ "New National League competition details confirmed". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "New National League competition". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "New National League system". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "Update to the 2022 Central League". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
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