When Manurewa Association Football Club’s two women’s teams hit the pitch this season, they will have a new name thanks to a two-year sponsorship deal with the Wiri Licensing Trust.
Now playing as the Woodside Women, both sides will be looking for on-field success as the club strives to expand its female player membership and create opportunities for local women and girls to develop their skills and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says that as part of the sponsorship, each week the chosen players of the day will receive vouchers for Woodside Bar and Restaurant.
“We are delighted to back a club striving to increase engagement for women in sport,” says Kim.
“The work Manurewa AFC is doing aligns perfectly with our goal of nurturing organisations that are making our region a better place to live, work and play.”
Under the agreement with the club, Woodside Bar and Restaurant will also be an affiliated sponsor for the men’s teams.
The sponsorship is the latest chapter in a more than 10-year-long collaboration between Wiri Licensing Trust and Manurewa AFC.
Kim Green says the Trust has provided recommendations of support for several of the club’s Trillian funding grant applications in that time.
In the past three years, it has received funding for affiliation fees, competition entry fees, uniforms, equipment, assistance for teams travelling to tournaments and salary support. Annual funding has totalled more than $100,000.
Manurewa AFC Club Captain Bradley Steven says working with Wiri Licensing Trust allows the club to provide affordable sport and recreation to the Manurewa community and surrounding areas.
“Grants for equipment and gear mean our community teams can access quality uniforms and playing equipment. We are proud of our long-standing affiliation with WLT in helping and supporting our club and the local community. This support allows us to grow grassroots football, providing a fun, safe and enjoyable playing experience.”
Manurewa AFC, founded 1959, is a top South Auckland club. It had more than 600 members in 2024, and fields competitive and social teams.
The club’s premier men’s team now plays in Auckland’s top men’s competition, the Dettol Northern League.
To strengthen that side, and provide opportunities for young players in the area, the club runs a youth development programme through its Football Academy.
Expertly led by Brett McMurdoch, a UEFA A Licence-qualified coach with extensive experience, the academy expects to have five teams this year, up from three in 2024.
“The goal is to create a Talent Development Pathway (TPD) framework that will allow us to align with the newest A-league club – Auckland FC – and their TDP program, giving the youth of South Auckland a further pathway to developing their football ambitions,” Bradley says.
“With so much natural potential here in South Auckland, it is vital that we continue to strengthen our top men’s team. We want our Youth and Juniors to stay at the club and one day strive to be a First Team player. A successful Senior Men’s team is essential to the success of our club.”
The club’s Youth, Junior, and Small Whites (First Kicks) programmes cover players aged four to 19. Manurewa AFC also runs in-school and school holiday programmes.
“We have identified an enormous potential and drive within South Auckland to succeed in football, and we strive to make opportunities accessible and meaningful for our diverse communities.”
To find out more about Manurewa AFC, head to the club’s website.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
