Girls Football Pathway – Academy & Rep Football in Southland 

Powered by the NZ Football Curriculum

At Southland Football, we’re proud to offer a clear, inclusive, and aspirational pathway for girls – from grassroots to representative level. With a focus on quality coaching, player wellbeing, and national alignment, we’ve created two key development programmes working hand-in-hand:

1️⃣ The Girls Southland Football Academy
2️⃣ Southland Representative Teams – U12, U14, U15, U16, U19

Both are underpinned by the New Zealand Football Curriculum, giving players across our region the best chance to grow, develop, and love the game.

Girls Southland Football Academy

The Foundation for Growth & Progression

Our academy is striving to be the cornerstone of female player development in Southland – designed for motivated players who want to train consistently, improve their skills, and build a strong footballing future.

✅ Open to players aged from 10 years old to 19 years old
✅ Delivered by qualified, experienced coaches
✅ Aligns with the NZ Football Player Development Framework
✅ Focuses on technical development, tactical understanding, physical literacy & mindset

Academy players benefit from structured weekly training, development support, and regular feedback. It’s not just about football – it’s about confidence, leadership, and setting up for future success both on and off the field.

While being in the Academy doesn’t guarantee rep selection, it provides preparation and a platform for it.

Southland Representative Teams

Our Best Representing the Region

Our U12, U14, U15, U16, and U19 girls representative teams are selected each year to compete at regional and national level tournaments, showcasing the best emerging talent in Southland.

✅ Players are selected through open trials and scouting

✅ Compete in South Island Competitions and Tournaments

✅ Coached and managed by a team aligned with our values & development philosophy

✅ Focused on performance, pride, and progression

We want our rep teams to reflect not just skill – but attitude, work ethic, and love for the game. 

Why It Works

We know that long-term development beats short-term results. That’s why both our Academy and Representative programs are designed to:

✅ Develop the whole player – technical, tactical, physical, mental

✅ Create a culture of belief, support, and excellence

✅ Provide clear, connected opportunities within the NZ football landscape​​​​​​​

✅ Celebrate girls who lead by example, on and off the field

Coaches - Leigh Matthews

Assistant Coach - Matt James

Team Manager - TBC

Training Times: Friday nights 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the ILT Football Turf.

⚔️ U15 “Battle of the South” – Your Pathway to NZ U17 Trials

Aligned with the New Zealand Football Curriculum


Who is it for?

  • Talented girls born in 2010 or 2011, interested in taking their football to the next level

  • Players committed to training and excited about Representative opportunities


What is the “Battle of the South”?

The U15 Battle of the South is a premier regional competition where Southland, Central Otago, and South Canterbury teams go head-to-head in a showcase event held in Dunedin
It’s more than just matches—this is your chance to demonstrate growth, ambition, and readiness for national-level challenges.

The competition is structured to simulate talent ID environments, mirroring national trial settings


How does it tie into NZ U17 Trials?

  • The Battle of the South is a key stepping-stone toward being selected for New Zealand U17 national trials

  • Performances are directly observed and evaluated by national staff footballsouth.co.nz

  • It offers players early exposure to national team philosophies, performance standards, and talent pathways


​​​​​​​Timeline & Try‑outs

  • Trials held in Southland (and other regions)—open to eligible players

  • Following trials, a regional U15 squad is selected to train through Term 4


What players gain

  • High‑performance team training in a competitive yet supportive environment

  • Direct feedback from national‑level coaches

  • Exposure to NZ Football pathways and playing styles

  • Lifelong development: better technique, tactical insight, physical intelligence, and mental confidence


Final Word 

The U15 Battle of the South is your platform to shine, to be seen, and to step toward the national stage. The Southland United U15 team is your training ground—a place to build skills, confidence, and football intelligence. Together, they set the foundation for NZ U17 selection and beyond.

👉 Register your interest now - leigh@southlandfootball.org.nz