The league kicked off on October 25 with 50 girls from the age of 5-13 involved in games in 4v4, 5v5 and 7v7 formats. The programme runs throughout Term 4 of the 2011 school year and begins again in Term 1 in 2012.

Papakura City FC Development Officer Bruce McGrath, who helped organise the league with Auckland Football, says providing a chance for local girls to connect with the game is the reason behind running the league.

“We always want to grow the game in our area and we’ve run summer football for juniors for a number of years. This time we decided to target the girls and give them opportunities they generally haven’t had before,” McGrath said.

“We’re also trying to get new girls involved and thought they might enjoy it more not having to compete with the boys.”

One of the programmes under New Zealand Football’s Whole of Football Plan, the girls summer league is aimed around maximising the time the players spend actually playing football.

“The league is there to help kids build a love of the game with the emphasis on playing as much as possible while the coaching is simply sowing a few seeds to help the players enjoy it.”

One of the other highlights for McGrath is that the girls league is another example of a group effort in South Auckland with other clubs on board as well.

“The league is a collaborative effort with Drury United and Manurewa AFC also involved. We’re working together and not in isolation from each other which is great.”

The girls league is open to new players and for more information contact Bruce McGrath or phone 021 570 581.

Visit Auckland Football's Facebook page for a look at the photos from the girls league.