Central Football will introduce an Under 15 Girls’ competition in the 2026 season as part of an updated female junior and youth competition structure.

Following the successful introduction of the Girls-Only pathway several years ago, Hawke’s Bay now offers a complete female football pathway through to Senior Women’s football. This new competition represents the next step in strengthening that pathway and providing more age-appropriate opportunities for young female footballers.

Why an Under 15 Girls’ Competition?

In recent years, Central Football has received an increasing number of enquiries from high school–aged players who are not yet ready for senior football but are seeking suitable club-based playing options. Until now, there has been no clear competition pathway for this age group.

Additionally, some players previously participating in Under 14 competitions experienced clashes with Saturday morning high school netball. To help address this, the new Under 15 Girls’ competition will be played on Sundays.

A mid-week, under-lights option (like the Under 15 Boys’ competition) was explored. However, due to high school girls’ football being played on Wednesdays and existing pressure on limited lit field space, Sunday has been identified as the most practical and sustainable option.

Alignment with Whole of Football 2.0

With the introduction of Whole of Football 2.0 in Hawke’s Bay from 2026, female players’ opportunities to play 11-a-side football in a club environment will be through Under 15 and Senior Women’s competitions. This structural change further supports the introduction of the Under 15 Girls’ grade.

As part of these updates, junior football grades will also be adjusted to include a dual age Under 13 (12th/13th Grade)competition.

Female Football Pathway & Playing Days – 2026

• 5th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2021

• 6th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2020

• 7th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2019

• 8th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2018

• 9th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2017

• 10th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2016

• 11th Grade – Saturday – Birth Year 2015

• Under 13 – Saturday – Birth Years 2014 / 2013

• Under 15 – Sunday – Birth Years 2012 / 2011

• Senior Women – Sunday – Minimum age 14 years

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Under the new structure, once female players turn 14 years of age, they may choose to play in either Senior Women’s football or the Under 15 competition (or potentially both). 

The Under 15 Girls’ competition will run from May through to late August / early September, aligning with the Under 15 Boys’ competition calendar.

Further Information

For any questions regarding the introduction of the Under 15 Girls’ competition, please contact Shane McKenzie, Community Engagement Manager, at shanem@centralfootball.co.nz.

Article added: Monday 02 February 2026