New Zealand Northern League
Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/31 05:30 | 22 |
[4] Western Springs AFC vs Hamilton Wanderers AFC
[12] 
|
2-1 |
| 08/31 03:00 | 22 | [8] West Coast Rangers vs Tauranga City AFC [7] | 1-1 |
| 08/31 03:00 | 22 |
[10] East Coast Bays vs Birkenhead United
[3] 
|
3-0 |
| 08/31 03:00 | 22 |
[11] Melville United vs Auckland City
[1] 
|
2-3 |
| 08/31 03:00 | 22 |
[2] Eastern Suburbs Auckland vs Auckland United FC
[5] |
1-2 |
| 08/31 03:00 | 22 | [6] Bay Olympic vs Manurewa AFC [9] | 7-2 |
| 08/24 05:30 | 17 | [5] Auckland United FC vs Bay Olympic [6] | 3-2 |
| 08/24 05:30 | 17 |
[7] West Coast Rangers vs Western Springs AFC
[4]
|
2-2 |
| 08/24 03:00 | 11 |
[10] Manurewa AFC vs Auckland City
[1]
|
2-1 |
| 08/24 03:00 | 17 |
[8] Tauranga City AFC vs Birkenhead United
[2]
|
3-2 |
| 08/24 03:00 | 17 | Melville United vs East Coast Bays | 2-0 |
| 08/24 03:00 | 17 |
[12] Hamilton Wanderers AFC vs Eastern Suburbs Auckland
[3]
|
0-0 |
Teams
Birkenhead United
Eastern Suburbs Auckland
Hamilton Wanderers AFC
Western Springs AFC
Auckland United FC
Melville United
Auckland City
Manukau United
West Coast Rangers
Manurewa AFC
East Coast Bays
Takapuna
North Shore United
Central United Auckland
Glenfield Rovers
Three Kings United
Waitakere City
Onehunga Sports
Tauranga City AFC
Waiheke United AFC
Forrest Hill Milford
Eastern Suburbs Auckland II
Hamilton Wanderers AFC II
Northern Rovers FC
Melville City
Wikipedia - Northern League (New Zealand)
The Northern League is an amateur New Zealand association football competition. It is a top-tier competition during the winter season, and sits at step two overall.
The Northern League includes football clubs located in the northern part of the North Island from the Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. The competition was known as the NRFL Premier until 2021, when New Zealand's football league system was restructured. Clubs compete each season to qualify for the New Zealand National League.
History
The first four years (1965–1969)
In the years 1965–1969, before the launch of a National Soccer League, the Northern League was the highest level competition available to the clubs in the northern region. When the National Soccer League was created in 1970, the Northern League became one of its feeder leagues.
In 1997 and 1998, when the National Soccer League operated as an invitation-only summer league, the Northern League again became the highest level club competition available to the clubs from the northern provinces.
Football Championship (2004–2021)
With the demise of the club-based National Soccer League in 2004, the Northern League, now known as Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Men's Premier, became part of the highest level of football league competition in New Zealand for the third time in its history. The league runs between the New Zealand autumn and winter months (April to September), while the New Zealand Football Championship runs between the New Zealand spring and summer months (October to March).
National League (2021–)
| Season | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Auckland City | Auckland United |
| 2022 | Auckland City | Birkenhead United |
| 2023 | Auckland City | Eastern Suburbs |
| 2024 | Auckland City | Western Springs |
| Oceania Double winners Quadruple winners | ||
In March 2021, New Zealand Football announced a change to the structure of both the premiership and the top regional leagues around the country. The four top regional leagues (NRFL Premier, Central Premier League, Mainland Premier League and the FootballSouth Premier League) would be formed into the Northern League, Central League, and the Southern League. These leagues would allow local clubs to qualify for the premiership season (now known as the National League Championship), with the top 4 teams from the Northern League, the top 3 teams from the Central League, and the top 2 teams from the Southern League making up the competition, alongside the Wellington Phoenix Reserve side. All teams that qualify plus the Phoenix Reserves, would then play a single round-robin competition between September and December.
The first few season were dominated by Auckland City after replacing sister club Central United at the dissolution of the New Zealand Football Championship. Auckland City won the league four consecutive times in their first four seasons. In the 2023 season, Auckland City and Eastern Suburbs completed the season undefeated. This is the first time, since Eastern Suburbs did so in the inaugural 1965 season, and the first time two clubs have done so in the same season.
The tournament brings together top-tier soccer clubs from various cities and towns in the northern part of New Zealand, including Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. These clubs consist of both professional and semi-professional teams, each vying for the coveted title of Northern League champions.
The New Zealand Northern League features a thrilling and intense competition, with matches played throughout the season at various stadiums and venues across the region. The league follows a round-robin format, where each team competes against one another twice, once at home and once away. This ensures a fair and balanced competition, allowing teams to showcase their skills and strategies in front of passionate fans.
The tournament attracts a large and dedicated fan base, with supporters from all walks of life coming together to cheer for their favorite teams. The atmosphere at the matches is electric, with chants, songs, and colorful banners filling the stands. The passion and enthusiasm of the fans add an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling matches.
The New Zealand Northern League not only provides a platform for clubs to showcase their talent but also serves as a breeding ground for young and aspiring soccer players. Many talented individuals have emerged from this tournament, going on to represent New Zealand at national and international levels.
The tournament also serves as a stepping stone for clubs to progress to higher levels of competition, such as the New Zealand Football Championship. The success and performance of teams in the Northern League can determine their eligibility for promotion to the national league, adding an extra incentive for clubs to perform at their best.
Overall, the New Zealand Northern League is a celebration of soccer excellence in the northern region of New Zealand. It brings together talented players, passionate fans, and dedicated clubs, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved. Whether you are a soccer enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting sporting event, the Northern League promises to deliver top-quality soccer action and an atmosphere like no other.