New Zealand 2008 takes shape

The 16 teams to compete in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will be USA, Costa Rica, Canada, Germany, Denmark, England, France, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Paraguay, Colombia, Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana and NZ. Read all the reaction on the final draw here or download the official match schedule

Kiwis look forward to Canada clash

The opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will feature NZ and Canada at North Harbour Stadium on 28 October. Coach Paul Temple, who has had to wait since the Te Papa-based official draw on 1 June to discover who would complete NZ's group, says he is glad his team can now firmly fix their sights on the opener. Read more

Last chance to grab exclusive tickets

Football club members need to get in quick to make the most of the NZ Football 'Friends and Family' ticket promotion. Not only will you get specially discounted tickets, but a percentage of each sale also goes towards a designated club so it's a great way to fundraise! Order forms need to be in by Sunday 31 August. To find our more click here

Primary and intermediate schools can also make the most of an exclusive offer which enables students to attend the schools promotion match for just $5. To find out more and to contact you regional schools coordinator click here

Paraguay photo diary

The Young Football Ferns spent two weeks in Paraguay last month during the school holidays.
Take a look at some of the photos from the tour

Volunteer numbers reach 900

People from all over the country (and the world!) of all ages, shapes, sizes, skills, experience and level of football fanaticism, have been putting their hands up to volunteer. We now have 900 but we're still keen to hear from people with particular skills as drivers, ticketing, media and general administration. For further information please phone 0800 FIFA 17 or 09 414 0169. Or click here to find out more

Country Profile: Japan

Ranked in the top 10 in the world at senior level, Japan has a credible history in women's football without having any major pieces of silverware to show for it. U-17 coach Hiroshi Yoshida, renowned as one of Japan's finest strikers in the 1980s, will be hoping his team can change that. But getting out of Group C ahead of USA, France and Paraguay will be challenging. Read more

Young Football Fern Profile: Victoria Esson

For the next three months Victoria Esson will not only have her football to focus on but will also learn what it means to homeschool herself. The 17-year-old recently moved from Christchurch to Auckland in order to train with the Young Football Ferns and has elected not to transfer schools since she would lose NCEA credits. Read more

Busy football calendar for Wellington

Planning has cranked up a gear in Wellington with Nigeria confirmed as the final team to grace the 'Ring of Fire' as Wellington Stadium is referred to by local fans. The capital not only has the U-17 tournament to look forward to but also the A-League and the inaugural Masters Football Tournament. Read more

Teams to be entertained in Christchurch

With the draw now finalised, Christchurch is looking forward to hosting Costa Rica, Ghana, Nigeria, Germany, Korea DPR, Paraguay, Japan, and Brazil. Plans are coming together for events that will be held for these teams including a trip to the International Antarctic Centre. Read more

Trophy tour continues in Auckland

Since last month's newsletter, the trophy has toured each of the host cities and ended up in Auckland where it is currently making visits to a wide range of schools and clubs. Hundreds of kids have had their photo taken with the impressive silverware.
Take a look at some of the photos

Hamilton City plans warm welcome

Hamilton City is delighted to be adding the USA to the other teams that will be based in Hamilton. We are working on ensuring that a warm welcome is afforded to all the teams and that along with excellent training facilities we will be introducing them to the confident, progressive and modern city. Read more