UPDATED – Excitement Builds for North vs South Trials

Māori Football Aotearoa’s next major activity is the North vs South trials for U-18 and U-16 (girls only) players.

Players from around Aotearoa are making their way to trial locations to experience football and culture in this age-group activity.

Phill Parker, kaitiakitanga of Māori Football Aotearoa since its inception in 2008, has travelled south to provide guidance and support for the trials.

“The popularity of North vs South never fails to impress everyone at Māori Football Aotearoa.

“It’s important to harness the usefulness and versatility of football (Whanapokiri) to bring young people closer together to celebrate their cultural identity in a beloved sport that is universally popular.

“This year we hope to discover a new array of talent and potential eager to make their mark in football and in their own right as Māori players and coaches,” Parker said.

Ends

North vs South Trial Information

U-18 South (Girls’ Only)

Saturday 4 October 2025
Christchurch
U-18 South (Girls’ only) trials at Waimakariri AFC, Kaiapoi, 9.30am–1.30pm.

Saturday 18 October 2025
Wellington
U-18 South (Girls’ only) Trial at Alex Moore Park, Johnsonville, 9.30am–1.30pm.

U-16 South (Girls’ Only)

Saturday 4 October 2025
Christchurch
U-16 South (Girls only) trials at Waimakariri AFC, Kaiapoi, 9.30am–1.30pm.

Saturday 18 October 2025
Auckland
U-16 South (Girls only) trials at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Sunday 19 October 2025
Wellington
U-16 South (Girls’ only) trials at Alex Moore Park, Morefield Road, 10.30am-12.30pm.

U-18 North (Girls’ Only)

Sunday 12 October 2025
Auckland
Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, 10.00am–12.00pm.

Sunday 19 October
Northland
Bledisloe Domain, Haruru Falls, Paihia, 2.00pm–4.00pm.

U-16 North (Girls Only)

Sunday 5 October
One consolidated trial at McLennan Park, Papakura 12.00pm – 2.00pm.

Ends

Photo Credit: Māori Football Aotearoa Media.

Contact Details

U-18 North
Contact: Jennifer.Pickering@maorifootball.co.nz

U-16 North
Contact: u16ncoach@gmail.com

U-18 South
Contact: terry.boylan@thinkdelta.co.nz

U-16 South 
Contact: u16scoach@gmail.com