Interview: The history and future of women and girls' football
Interview: The history and future of female football
WISPA board member, Dr Alida Shanks, was interviewed by Stephen McIvor on Sport Nation about the history and future of women and girls' football. While there is steady growth, the proportion of girls' and women playing football is stuck at around 25% of the playing population. This is for a number of reasons, including systemic barriers like access to resources and kit.
Auckland FC have launched a new initiative, The Next 50, which provides $500 of New Balance gear to 50 girls aged 10 to 14, along with access to football camps and development support for the 2026 season.
The Next 50 also references the 50 years women and girls were banned from playing football, which Alida talks about, including the existence of at least 18 regional women's football associations between the 1970s through to 1999 when they were dissolved by NZ Football.
Listen to the full interview below.
