This weekend signals the start of the 2026 football season, with the Men’s and Women’s Central Leagues kicking off as part of the National League Regional Phase.Our federation is well represented, with two men’s teams and three women’s teams competing across the two competitions.

Women's Central League (WCL)

MKM Palmerston North Marist FC
Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to our sponsors Manawatu Knitting Mills for their continued support.

Palmerston North Marist Women’s First Team has seen enormous change since last year, and we are proud of the players that have stepped up and come together to work on what will be a tough season for us all.

Preseason has seen solid improvement, even with some movement during that time, the ladies are aware that this is a year of teamwork and development, and having the knowledge your teammates have your back.

We look forward to our first game, as it marks the start of us stepping onto the ladder of development, into a league that will be new to several members of this tight group. - Ian Trewhitt, Head Coach

Squad list not supplied.

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Ian Trewhitt
Assistant Coach: Lisa Smith
GK coach and Manager: Duncan Muir

2025 Placing: 5th

Mastercraft Kitchens By Healey Palmerston North United FC
There is a real sense of excitement around the squad as we head into the 2026 season. After successfully retaining our place in the Central League last year, the focus now shifts toward pushing forward and continuing to progress as a team this season. The group learned a lot from last year’s campaign, and there is a strong determination to build on that foundation.

The squad is also looking very strong heading into the new season. With the addition of several quality and experienced signings, there is great depth across the group. That competition for places has lifted the standards at training and created a positive environment where everyone is pushing each other to improve.

Preseason has been very positive for the group and has helped set a strong platform for the season ahead. Across our four preseason matches we recorded three wins and one loss, with each game providing valuable opportunities to build combinations, sharpen our structure, and continue developing the way we want to play. The matches were competitive and have prepared the squad well for the challenges of the Central League season.

This weekend’s match against Wellington Phoenix will be a tough challenge, as Phoenix sides always bring quality and intensity. However, it’s a challenge the girls are really looking forward to and one they are ready to embrace as we begin the season. - Ben Mitchell, Head Coach

2026 Wider Squad

Aimee Powick
Annabel Irwin
Caitlin Byrne
Carmen Su
Charlotte Moss
Erin Carpenter
Georgia Cutler
Georgina Irwin
Isabella Yarwood
Jessica Smith
Jorja Horn
Kate Macpherson
Libby Dombroski
Maiah Findlay
Maire Walker
Melissa Mckenna
Micaela Paz Reyes Potin
Paris Liu
Shania McIntosh
Sophia Bolton
Teagan Andrews Paul
Vanessa Taylor

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach - Ben Mitchell
Assistant Coach - Hayden Mullen
Team Manager - Kristine Holmes

2025 Placing: 8^th

Click here for full women's Central Leagute fixtures - https://www.centralfootball.co.nz/hawkes-bay-fixtures/womens-senior-football-2

Shadow Solutions Taradale AFC
The group has come together with a lot of new faces this season, which has brought a real sense of fresh energy and enthusiasm into the environment. It’s been exciting to see how quickly they’ve connected, and it’s created some genuine opportunities for our younger players to step up and test themselves in top-level football. That’s a big focus for us, building depth while also giving players the chance to grow and take ownership of their roles within the squad. Pre-season has been really positive in terms of attitude and application, and there’s a strong willingness to learn and improve across the group. We know there will be challenges along the way, particularly as combinations continue to develop, but that’s all part of the process and something we’re embracing. We’re looking forward to getting underway on 5 April with a trip down to Seatoun Park. It’s always a tough place to go and a good early benchmark for where we’re at. For us, it’s about starting well, competing hard, and continuing to build our identity as a team as the season progresses.- Warren Gilberston, Head Coach

Squad list not supplied.

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Warren Gilbertson
Manager: Gail Hall

2025 Placing: 6th

Dettol men's Central League

FC Western
Preseason has been really positive lads have been working hard Taking on or ideas and style of play. I’ve been really pleased with the quality recruitment the club has done in the off season. Which has blended in with our talented Taranaki players. Saturday will present the club with one of its proudest moments, debut in the central league and competing against some of the best teams in New Zealand. But also puts Taranaki football back where it belongs. Saturday we are sure to come up against a side that is full of energy and well rehearsed in how they want to play the game. We will need to match this and implement our own ideas on the game. - Josh Dobson, Head Coach

2026 Wider Squad

Akwasi Agyekem
Alfonso Porras
Alman Kwan
Ardi Gashi
Ben Furze
Braedan Quilter-Phillips
Bryn Kearton
Cam Bell
Cody Woodhead
Connor Oliver-Rose
Ethan O’Halloran
Evan Walters
Gabe Marsden
Ilias El Maakoul
Jackson Bigwood
Leo Elder
Lewis Cumberledge
Lewis McHugh
Michael Reive
Nic Reive
Nick Walker
Remo Merlo
Toby Gower-Johnson
 

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Josh Dobson
High Performance Coach: Sean Dowling
Goal Keeper Coach: Michael Reive

2025 Placing: Won Central League 2 to be promoted to Central League for 2026

Napier City Rovers
With no National League football in 2025, we have had a long off season break but this has given the coaching staff, board and volunteers the time to prepare for the 2026 season which we know is one of the most important in the club’s recent history.  We have recruited well in the off season with a combination of youth and experience, and I am excited by the depth we have assembled across the squad.  The boys have come through an intense pre-season and I want to pay tribute to their commitment.  Playing football for Napier City Rovers demands a lot from our players so please get to know them and support them across the season.  Most of all, I want them to enjoy playing for this club and for our fans to enjoy watching them. This weekend’s fixture against Wests is huge match first up against what will be strong opposition.  Wests won the Wellington pre-season Hilton Petone cup and will prove a stiff test in our first home match – a perfect challenge to test ourselves against the competition - Bill Robertson, Head Coach.

Squad list not supplied.

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Bill Robertson
Assistant Coach: Chris Greatholder, Stu James, Danny Wilson
Strength and Conditioning: David Howard
Goal Keeper Coach: Kyle Baxter
Team Manager: Greg Wall
Video Analyst/Team Culture: Tim Motu

2025 Placing: 5th

Click here for full Dettol Men's Central Leagu fixtures  - https://www.centralfootball.co.nz/hawkes-bay-fixtures/mens-senior-football-2
 

Article added: Thursday 26 March 2026