Draft:2025 New Zealand National League
Season | 2025 |
---|---|
← 2024 2026 → |
The 2025 New Zealand Men's National League is the fifth scheduled season of the National League since its restructuring in 2021; the 2021 National League was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in northern regions.[1] 32 clubs compete in the competition, with four qualifying from the Northern League, three qualifying from the Central League and two qualifying from the Southern League for the National Championship phase.[2][3] Each team can field a maximum of four foreign players as well as one additional foreign player who has Oceania Football Confederation nationality.[4] Over the course of the season, each team must also ensure players aged 20 or under account for 10% of available playing minutes.[5]
Qualifying leagues
2025 Northern League
Season | 2025 |
---|---|
← 2024 2026 → |
Northern League teams
Twelve teams are competing in the league – the top ten teams from the previous season, one team promoted from the NRFL Championship and Auckland FC Reserves. The promoted team is Fencibles United.[6] It is both Auckland FC Reserves's and Fencibles United's first season in the National League. They replaced Melville United and Hamilton Wanderers (both relegated after a four-year Northern League spell).
Team | Home ground | Location | 2024 season |
---|---|---|---|
Auckland City | Kiwitea Street | Sandringham, Auckland | 1st |
Auckland FC Reserves | TBD | TBD, Auckland | New entry |
Auckland United | Keith Hay Park | Mount Roskill, Auckland | 5th |
Bay Olympic | Olympic Park | New Lynn, Auckland | 6th |
Birkenhead United | Shepherds Park | Beach Haven, Auckland | 4th |
East Coast Bays | Bay City Park | Northcross, Auckland | 9th |
Eastern Suburbs | Madills Farm | Kohimarama, Auckland | 3rd |
Fencibles United | Gower Park | Melville, Hamilton | 1st in Championship (promoted) |
Manurewa | War Memorial Park | Manurewa, Auckland | 10th |
Tauranga City | Links Avenue Reserve | Mount Maunganui | 7th |
West Coast Rangers | Fred Taylor Park | Whenuapai, Auckland | 8th |
Western Springs | Seddon Fields | Westmere, Auckland | 2nd |
Northern League personnel
Team | Manager | Captain |
---|---|---|
Auckland City | Albert Riera[7] | Cam Howieson[8] |
Auckland FC Reserves | ||
Auckland United | José Figueira[7] | Ross Haviland[9] |
Bay Olympic | Rudy Mozr[10] | Tom Boss[11] |
Birkenhead United | Paul Hobson[7] | Luke Jorgensen[12] |
East Coast Bays | Joe Hall[13] | Louie Caunter[14] |
Eastern Suburbs | Michael Built[15] | Adam Thomas[16] |
Fencibles United | ||
Manurewa | Paul Marshall[17] | |
Tauranga City | Barry Gardiner[18] | |
West Coast Rangers | Chad Coombes[19] | Dev Pokhrel[20] |
Western Springs | Scott Hales[21] | Oscar Ramsay[22] |
Managerial changes
Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Position in the table | Incoming manager | Date of appointment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Suburbs | Brian Shelley (interim)[23] | End of interim spell | 27 November 2024 | Pre-season | Michael Built[15] | 27 November 2024 |
Northern League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Auckland City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Winner of Northern League and qualification to National League Championship |
2 | Auckland FC Reserves[a] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification to National League Championship |
3 | Auckland United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | Bay Olympic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | Birkenhead United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | East Coast Bays | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
7 | Eastern Suburbs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
8 | Fencibles United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
9 | Manurewa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
10 | Tauranga City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
11 | West Coast Rangers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to NRFL Championship |
12 | Western Springs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[25]
Notes:
- ^ Auckland FC Reserves gain automatic entry into the National League Championship phase due to the A-League Men requirements.[24]
Northern League results table
2025 Central League
Season | 2025 |
---|---|
← 2024 2026 → |
Central League teams
Ten teams are competing in the league – the top nine teams from the previous season and the one team promoted from the 2024 play-off between the winners of the Central Federation League and the Capital Premier. The winner of the play-off was Upper Hutt City.[26] This is their first season in the Central League, since New Zealand football's restructuring in 2021. They replaced Stop Out (relegated to the Central Federation League after two seasons in the Central League).
Team | Home ground | Location | 2024 season |
---|---|---|---|
Island Bay United | Wakefield Park | Island Bay, Wellington | 8th |
Miramar Rangers | David Farrington Park | Miramar, Wellington | 4th |
Napier City Rovers | Bluewater Stadium | Napier | 3rd |
North Wellington | Alex Moore Park | Johnsonville, Wellington | 9th |
Petone | Memorial Park | Petone, Lower Hutt | 7th |
Upper Hutt City | Maidstone Park | Maidstone, Upper Hutt | 1st in Capital Premier (promoted via play-offs) |
Waterside Karori | Karori Park | Karori, Wellington | 6th |
Wellington Olympic | Wakefield Park | Island Bay, Wellington | 1st |
Wellington Phoenix Reserves | Fraser Park | Taitā, Lower Hutt | 5th |
Western Suburbs | Endeavour Park | Porirua | 2nd |
Central League personnel
Team | Manager[27] | Captain |
---|---|---|
Island Bay United | ||
Miramar Rangers | Kale Herbert[28] | Sam Mason-Smith |
Napier City Rovers | Bill Robertson | Jim Hoyle[29] |
North Wellington | Ryan Faithfull[30] | Gavin Hoy[31] |
Petone | Ryan Edwards[32] | Hami Paranihi-Nuku |
Upper Hutt City | ||
Waterside Karori | Sam Morrissey[33] | Harry Fautley |
Wellington Olympic | Rupert Kemeys | Ben Mata[34] |
Wellington Phoenix Reserves | Chris Greenacre | Isaac Hughes |
Western Suburbs | Alan Koch[35] | Malik Smith[35] |
Central League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Island Bay United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Winner of Central League and qualification to National League Championship |
2 | Miramar Rangers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification to National League Championship |
3 | Napier City Rovers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | North Wellington | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | Petone | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | Upper Hutt City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
7 | Waterside Karori | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
8 | Wellington Olympic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
9 | Wellington Phoenix Reserves[a] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification to National League Championship |
10 | Western Suburbs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to Capital Premier/Central Federation League |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[25]
Notes:
- ^ Wellington Phoenix Reserves gain automatic entry into the National League Championship phase due to the A-League Men requirements.[2]
Central League results table
2025 Southern League
Season | 2024 |
---|---|
← 2024 2026 → |
Southern League teams
Ten teams are competing in the league – the top nine teams from the previous season and the winner of the Southern League play-offs. The promoted team is Wanaka.[36] This is their first season in the Southern League. They replaced FC Twenty 11 (relegated after their second season in the Southern League).
Team | Home ground | Location | 2024 season |
---|---|---|---|
Cashmere Technical | Garrick Memorial Park | Woolston, Christchurch | 1st |
Christchurch United | Christchurch Football Centre | Spreydon, Christchurch | 3rd |
Coastal Spirit | Linfield Park | Linwood, Christchurch | 2nd |
Dunedin City Royals | Caledonian Ground | Dunedin North, Dunedin | 7th |
Ferrymead Bays | Ferrymead Park | Ferrymead, Christchurch | 5th |
Nelson Suburbs | Saxton Field | Stoke, Nelson | 4th |
Nomads United | Tulett Park | Casebrook, Christchurch | 6th |
Selwyn United | Foster Park | Rolleston | 8th |
University of Canterbury | English Park[A] | St Albans, Christchurch | 9th |
Wanaka | Queenstown Events Centre[B] | Frankton, Queenstown | 2nd in Southern Premier League (promoted via play-offs) |
Southern League personnel
Team | Manager | Captain |
---|---|---|
Cashmere Technical | Dan Schwarz[37] | Tom Schwarz |
Christchurch United | Ryan Edwards[38] | Joel Stevens[39] |
Coastal Spirit | Robbie Stanton[40] | Joe Hoole |
Dunedin City Royals | Blair Scoullar[41] | Jared Grove |
Ferrymead Bays | Alan Walker[42] | James Deehan |
Nelson Suburbs | Ryan Stewart | Sam Ayers[43] |
Nomads United | Matthew Jansen[44] | Caleb Cottom |
Selwyn United | Chris Brown[45] | Jayden Booth |
University of Canterbury | ||
Wanaka | Ben Sippola (joint)[46] Thomas van Hees (joint) |
Managerial Changes
Note: Some cases use first/last match coached
Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Position in the table | Incoming manager | Date of appointment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dunedin City Royals | Richard Murray[47] | Stepped Down | 29 October 2024 | Pre-season | Blair Scoullar[41] | 31 October 2023 |
Southern League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cashmere Technical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Winner of Southern League and qualification to National League Championship |
2 | Christchurch United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification to National League Championship |
3 | Coastal Spirit | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | Dunedin City Royals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | Ferrymead Bays | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | Nelson Suburbs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
7 | Nomads United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
8 | Selwyn United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
9 | University of Canterbury | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
10 | Wanaka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegated to the FootballSouth Premier League/Mainland Premier League |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[25]
Southern League results table
Qualified clubs
There are 10 men's National League Championship qualifying spots (4 for the Northern League, 3 plus Wellington Phoenix Reserves for the Central League and 2 for the Southern League).[2]
Association | Team | Position in Regional League | App (last) | Previous best (last) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northern League (4 berths) | 1st | |||
2nd | ||||
3rd | ||||
4th | ||||
Central League (3 berths) | 1st | |||
3rd | ||||
4th | ||||
Southern League (2 berths) | 1st | |||
2nd | ||||
Wellington Phoenix (automatic berth) | Wellington Phoenix Reserves | Automatic qualification | 4th (2024) | 5th (2024) |
Championship phase
League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wellington Phoenix Reserves[a] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification to Grand Final and Champions League group stage |
2 | Northern League 1st place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | Northern League 2nd place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | Northern League 3rd place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | Northern League 4th place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | Central League 1st place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
7 | Central League 2nd place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
8 | Central League 3rd place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
9 | Southern League 1st place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
10 | Southern League 2nd place | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals for; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record[25]
Notes:
- ^ Wellington Phoenix Reserves can not qualify for the Grand Final.[48]
Results table
Positions by round
The table lists the positions of teams after each week of matches. To preserve chronological evolvements, any postponed matches are not included in the round at which they were originally scheduled, but added to the full round they were played immediately afterwards. For example, if a match is scheduled for round 3, but then postponed and played between rounds 6 and 7, it is added to the standings for round 6.
Leader and Grand Final | |
Grand Final |
Notes
- ^ Ilam Fields doesn't met NZF Pitch Regulations
- ^ Wānaka Recreation Centre doesn't met NZF Pitch Regulations - Christchurch/Nelson flights unable to land at Wānaka Airport
References
- ^ "National League Championship cancelled, new interregional competition announced and Chatham Cup moved to 2022". New Zealand Football.
- ^ a b c "National League Regulations 2022: Article 12". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "New National League system". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Two National League clubs found to have breached foreign player regulations". New Zealand Football. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ "National League regulations for U-20 players revised". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- ^ "Fencibles United clinch Championship title and promotion to Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 25 August 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "Northern League clubs shuffle coaches and build partnerships for new season". friendsoffootball.com. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "VIDEO - Navy Blues in action in Qatar". Auckland City FC. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Double-round weekend will put pressure on Northern League sides". Friends of Football. 5 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ "Mozr leaves Manukau United to take head coach role at Bay Olympic". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "Bay Olympic see off Shore with surely one of the Northern League's fastest hat-tricks". friendsoffootball.com. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Bay Olympic v Birkenhead". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ "About Us". East Coast Bays AFC. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "East Coast Bays AFC is excited to announce the following signings for the 2023 NRFL Season!!!". East Coast Bays AFC Instagram. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ a b "Long-serving Michael Built takes over as men's head coach at Eastern Suburbs". friendsoffootball.com. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Hamilton Wanderers v Eastern Suburbs". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ "Promoted Manurewa switch coaches at start of Northern League campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ "Revamped Lotto NRFL Championship begins with new faces in the dugouts". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
- ^ "West Coast Rangers confirm coaching appointments for return to Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ "Auckland City v West Coast Rangers". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ "Western Springs name Scott Hales as club's new head of men's football". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "Western Springs v Takapuna". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ "Eastern Suburbs v Napier City Rovers". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "National League Regulations 2022: Article 12". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d "National League Regulations 2023: Article 29 - NL Format". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ "RESULTS: The winners, scorers and tables from Saturday's top matches". friendsoffootballnz.com. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ "2022 Central League Preview". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Kale Herbert to lead Miramar Rangers into new season after Scott Hales steps down". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "📢 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 ✍️". Napier City Rovers Instagram. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Ryan Faithfull unveiled as Director of Football for North Wellington club". friendsoffootballnz.com. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ "🚨Announcement 🚨". North Wellington FC Instagram. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Central League club Petone confirm coaching staff for new season". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
- ^ "Waterside Karori appoint new coach for next season's Central League campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "✍🏽 Player Re-Signing Announcement". Wellington Olympic AFC Instagram. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ a b "North Wellington 1-3 Western Suburbs (25 March 2023)". Capital Football. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "Wanaka clinch promotion to Southern League after winning play-off series". friendsoffootballnz.com. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ "Senior Men's". Cashmere Technical. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
- ^ "Exciting News for Christchurch United". Christchurch United. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "JOEL STEVENS: "We'll have a lot of talented youngsters from Christchurch United in the next few years."". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "New Head Coach". Coastal Spirit. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Head Coach 2025". Dunedin City Royals Instagram. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ "BAYS BRINGS HOME THE WIN!". Ferrymead Bays Instagram. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
- ^ "MEN'S PREMIERSHIP TEAM". Nelson Suburbs FC Instagram. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
- ^ "PREMIER MENS". Nomads United FC. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
- ^ "SUFC is pleased to announce that Chris Brown has agreed to take on the Head Coach role for the Stallions". Selwyn United Facebook. 11 February 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ "Seniors". Green Island AFC. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ "Dunedin City Royals Announcement". Dunedin City Royals Instagram. Retrieved 5 December 2024.https://www.instagram.com/dunedincityroyalsfc/p/DBszlvvz52Y/
- ^ "National League Regulations 2022: Article 29". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
DEFAULTSORT:2025 New Zealand National League Category:2024–24 in New Zealand association football New Zealand Category:New Zealand National League seasons