New Zealand National Soccer League
Encyclopedia
The National Soccer League is a name given to competitions in which New Zealand
's top soccer clubs play each other, at least two times, on a home and away basis (and occasional in so called championship play-offs). At the completion of the competition, the best-performed team is declared as the New Zealand champion. Specifically, the name is usually used for the nationwide league competitions which ran intermittently from 1970 to 2004.
This definition, however, is open to debate. For example, in 2004, the New Zealand Football Championship
was launched. Some do not consider this competition to be a true successor to the National Soccer League as it does not involve traditional club teams but special franchise teams especially created to compete in this competition. It also lacks a relegation and promotion system allowing clubs to "work their way up" and earn a place in this league (thus making the New Zealand championship a closed shop, eight team affair).
, the Spanish La Liga
and the Italian Serie A
.
The league in 1970 involved eight teams. Three clubs came from the Northern League, three clubs came from the Central League while the four clubs from
The Southern League (Christchurch City, Rangers, Shamrock and Technical) decided to back a new club called Christchurch United in the league. The last place went to the winner of a play-off of the fourth placed Northern League team, North Shore United, and the fourth placed Central League team, Hungaria.
Hungaria succeeded by beating their opponents 1-0 in North Shore, and by drawing the return leg 1-1 at home.
The eight teams thus taking part in the inaugural National Soccer League were:
Blockhouse Bay, Eastern Suburbs, Mt Wellington (promoted from the Northern League), Stop Out, Gisborne City, Hungaria, Western Suburbs (promoted from the Central League) and Christchurch United (representing the Southern League).
The northern clubs enjoyed an excellent start to the league, all finishing in the top four places. Central clubs, however, took all the bottom four places.
The final standings in 1970 were:
Blockhouse Bay thus became the first winner and the New Zealand Champions.
The bottom club, Western Suburbs
didn't suffer relegation, as it was decided to expand the league to 10 teams. Mt Albert-Ponsonby
and Caversham
won places in the league following promotion play-offs.
Eastern Suburbs
won the second edition of the league, while Western Suburbs
again finished bottom and this time were relegated, with their place going to New Brighton
.
The National Soccer League continued in this fashion, as summarised below:
In 1992 the National League was disbanded due to financial reasons.
The winners in those years were as follows:
The increase in the number of teams participating for the championship, as well as lack of a true national league system, caused a strong drop in playing standards. It was clear that New Zealand not only needed a national league, but also one which was financially stable.
To further upset the traditionalists, penalties followed matches which ended in a draw. The winners of the penalty shoot-out were awarded two points, the losers one point while winners in the regular 90 minutes were awarded four points (although this system as dropped in the last year of the National Summer Soccer League). The winners in those years were:
, defeated the winner of the SISL, Dunedin Technical
, 3-1, in extra time, in the championship final.
Seven teams, participating in the first edition, came from the NISL (Central United
, Waitakere City
, Napier City Rovers
, Mt Wellington, Miramar Rangers
, Metro
and Manawatu AFC) and three came from the SISL (Dunedin Technical
, Nelson Suburbs
, Woolston WMC
).
was launched (NZFC). It marked a turning point in the history of the game in New Zealand
, as for the first time traditional clubs were not eligible to participate in the top league. They were replaced by eight franchise style entities.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
's top soccer clubs play each other, at least two times, on a home and away basis (and occasional in so called championship play-offs). At the completion of the competition, the best-performed team is declared as the New Zealand champion. Specifically, the name is usually used for the nationwide league competitions which ran intermittently from 1970 to 2004.
This definition, however, is open to debate. For example, in 2004, the New Zealand Football Championship
New Zealand Football Championship
The New Zealand Football Championship is the national association football league in New Zealand. It is a professional/semi-professional status Association football sports Franchise league that is operated by New Zealand Football...
was launched. Some do not consider this competition to be a true successor to the National Soccer League as it does not involve traditional club teams but special franchise teams especially created to compete in this competition. It also lacks a relegation and promotion system allowing clubs to "work their way up" and earn a place in this league (thus making the New Zealand championship a closed shop, eight team affair).
1970–1992
When the National Soccer League was launched in 1970, it became the first national league for any sport in New Zealand. It was also a league in the purest meaning of this word, as it involved clubs playing each other two times, on a home and away basis. Two points were awarded for a win, and one point was awarded for a draw. The club with the greatest number of points was declared the champion. The league was also open and clubs could be relegated from it and promoted to it. This is the most common method of deciding a national champion and prominent examples include the English Premier LeagueFA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
, the Spanish La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
and the Italian Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
.
The league in 1970 involved eight teams. Three clubs came from the Northern League, three clubs came from the Central League while the four clubs from
The Southern League (Christchurch City, Rangers, Shamrock and Technical) decided to back a new club called Christchurch United in the league. The last place went to the winner of a play-off of the fourth placed Northern League team, North Shore United, and the fourth placed Central League team, Hungaria.
Hungaria succeeded by beating their opponents 1-0 in North Shore, and by drawing the return leg 1-1 at home.
The eight teams thus taking part in the inaugural National Soccer League were:
Blockhouse Bay, Eastern Suburbs, Mt Wellington (promoted from the Northern League), Stop Out, Gisborne City, Hungaria, Western Suburbs (promoted from the Central League) and Christchurch United (representing the Southern League).
The northern clubs enjoyed an excellent start to the league, all finishing in the top four places. Central clubs, however, took all the bottom four places.
The final standings in 1970 were:
| Position | Team | Matches played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Blockhouse Bay | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 40-16 | 22 |
| 2. | Eastern Suburbs Eastern Suburbs AFC Eastern Suburbs is a semi-professional association football club in Kohimarama, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.-Club history:... |
14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 33-17 | 22 |
| 3. | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 40-26 | 20 |
| 4. | Mt Wellington | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 35-33 | 17 |
| 5. | Stop Out Stop Out Stop Out is an association football club in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. They are based at Hutt Park, Gracefield in Lower Hutt.The Stop Out organisation was founded in 1919 with the aim of providing recreation to Te Aro Flat children associated with the wellington city missionso as to prevent them... |
14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 25-38 | 10 |
| 6. | Gisborne City Gisborne City Gisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup.... |
14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 22-31 | 9 |
| 7. | Hungaria Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 24-36 | 9 |
| 8. | Western Suburbs Western Suburbs Western Suburbs is an association football club in Porirua, New Zealand. They play their home matches at Endeavour Park in the Porirua suburb of Whitby and compete in the Central Premier League.... |
14 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 18-40 | 3 |
Blockhouse Bay thus became the first winner and the New Zealand Champions.
The bottom club, Western Suburbs
Western Suburbs
Western Suburbs is an association football club in Porirua, New Zealand. They play their home matches at Endeavour Park in the Porirua suburb of Whitby and compete in the Central Premier League....
didn't suffer relegation, as it was decided to expand the league to 10 teams. Mt Albert-Ponsonby
Mount Albert-Ponsonby
Mount Albert-Ponsonby is a semi-professional association football club in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.-History:...
and Caversham
Caversham (soccer)
Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook...
won places in the league following promotion play-offs.
Eastern Suburbs
Eastern Suburbs AFC
Eastern Suburbs is a semi-professional association football club in Kohimarama, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.-Club history:...
won the second edition of the league, while Western Suburbs
Western Suburbs
Western Suburbs is an association football club in Porirua, New Zealand. They play their home matches at Endeavour Park in the Porirua suburb of Whitby and compete in the Central Premier League....
again finished bottom and this time were relegated, with their place going to New Brighton
New Brighton A.F.C., New Zealand
New Brighton A.F.C. is a soccer club in Christchurch, New Zealand. The original New Brighton Association Football Club was founded in 1924 but went into hiatus eight years later. The club was re-founded 27 years later in 1959....
.
The National Soccer League continued in this fashion, as summarised below:
| Year | League size | Matches per team | Winner | Relegated | Promoted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 1970 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1970 New Zealand National Soccer League was the inaugural season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. The league's initial sponsors were Rothmans Ltd, and the league was thus commonly known as the Rothmans National League... |
8 | 14 | Blockhouse Bay | |||
| Mt Albert-Ponsonby Mount Albert-Ponsonby Mount Albert-Ponsonby is a semi-professional association football club in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.-History:... , Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... |
||||||
| 1971 1971 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1971 New Zealand National Soccer League was the second season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. The league was expanded at the end of the inaugural season, so there was no relegation from the 1970 league season. Hungaria, who had competed in the inaugural... |
10 | 18 | Eastern Suburbs Eastern Suburbs AFC Eastern Suburbs is a semi-professional association football club in Kohimarama, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.-Club history:... |
Western Suburbs Western Suburbs Western Suburbs is an association football club in Porirua, New Zealand. They play their home matches at Endeavour Park in the Porirua suburb of Whitby and compete in the Central Premier League.... |
New Brighton New Brighton A.F.C., New Zealand New Brighton A.F.C. is a soccer club in Christchurch, New Zealand. The original New Brighton Association Football Club was founded in 1924 but went into hiatus eight years later. The club was re-founded 27 years later in 1959.... |
Hungaria Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... replaced with composite Hungaria-Miramar Rangers side, known as Wellington City. |
| 1972 1972 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1972 New Zealand National Soccer League was the third season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
10 | 18 | Mt Wellington | Auckland City | Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Mt Albert-Ponsonby Mount Albert-Ponsonby Mount Albert-Ponsonby is a semi-professional association football club in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.-History:... changed name to Auckland City. |
| 1973 1973 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1973 New Zealand National Soccer League was the fourth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
10 | 18 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... |
North Shore United North Shore United North Shore United is a semi-professional football club based in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.Their home ground, Allen Hill Stadium, is located in the suburb of Devonport.-History:... |
|
| 1974 1974 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1974 New Zealand National Soccer League was the fifth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
10 | 18 | Mt Wellington | Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... |
|
| 1975 1975 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1975 New Zealand National Soccer League was the sixth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
10 | 18 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Wellington City Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
|
| 1976 1976 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1976 New Zealand National Soccer League was the seventh season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
10 | 18 | Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Gisborne City Gisborne City Gisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup.... |
Hamilton, Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... , Dunedin City Dunedin City Dunedin City is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Dunedin. The team won the Chatham Cup in 1981, and was a member of the National League in 1977 and 1979-87, before withdrawing from the league for financial reasons... |
|
| 1977 1977 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1977 New Zealand National Soccer League was the eighth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. An expansion by two teams meant that it was the first year in which twelve teams took part... |
12 | 22 | North Shore United North Shore United North Shore United is a semi-professional football club based in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.Their home ground, Allen Hill Stadium, is located in the suburb of Devonport.-History:... |
New Brighton New Brighton A.F.C., New Zealand New Brighton A.F.C. is a soccer club in Christchurch, New Zealand. The original New Brighton Association Football Club was founded in 1924 but went into hiatus eight years later. The club was re-founded 27 years later in 1959.... , Dunedin City Dunedin City Dunedin City is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Dunedin. The team won the Chatham Cup in 1981, and was a member of the National League in 1977 and 1979-87, before withdrawing from the league for financial reasons... , Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... |
Courier Rangers Courier Rangers Courier Rangers, known prior to 1968 as Otahuhu Rangers, is a former New Zealand football club based in the suburb of Otahuhu, Auckland. The team was a member of the New Zealand National Soccer League in 1978 and 1979, finishing fifth on their first season but being relegated after finishing 11th... , Waterside, Woolston WMC Woolston W.M.C. Woolston W.M.C. was an association football club based in Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand. It was formed in 1951 as Waterside, before the name was changed to Woolston Working Men's Club in 1969... |
|
| 1978 1978 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1978 New Zealand National Soccer League was the ninth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. A change was made from previous years, with the replacement of goal average by goal difference as a means for ranking teams equal on points.-Promotion and... |
12 | 22 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Hamilton, Waterside, Woolston WMC Woolston W.M.C. Woolston W.M.C. was an association football club based in Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand. It was formed in 1951 as Waterside, before the name was changed to Woolston Working Men's Club in 1969... |
|Manurewa Manurewa (soccer) Manurewa AFC is a semi-professional football club in Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1-History:... , Manawatu United, Dunedin City Dunedin City Dunedin City is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Dunedin. The team won the Chatham Cup in 1981, and was a member of the National League in 1977 and 1979-87, before withdrawing from the league for financial reasons... |
|
| 1979 1979 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1979 New Zealand National Soccer League was the tenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. It produced the biggest winning margin in the league's history, with Mount Wellington never being in serious danger of finishing anywhere but first.-Promotion and... |
12 | 22 | Mt Wellington | Manawatu United, Courier Rangers Courier Rangers Courier Rangers, known prior to 1968 as Otahuhu Rangers, is a former New Zealand football club based in the suburb of Otahuhu, Auckland. The team was a member of the New Zealand National Soccer League in 1978 and 1979, finishing fifth on their first season but being relegated after finishing 11th... , Eastern Suburbs Eastern Suburbs AFC Eastern Suburbs is a semi-professional association football club in Kohimarama, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.-Club history:... |
Hamilton, Gisborne City Gisborne City Gisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup.... , Rangers Rangers A.F.C. Rangers AFC is one of the oldest still existing Canterbury football clubs located in Christchurch, New Zealand.- History :Rangers AFC was founded in 1910 by a group of dedicated players who were denied the opportunity to play on Saturday owing to the nature of their employment... |
|
| 1980 1980 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1980 New Zealand National Soccer League was the eleventh season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Mount Wellington became the first club to win back-to-back titles and also the first club to win the league four times, though their winning margin was... |
12 | 22 | Mt Wellington | Stop Out Stop Out Stop Out is an association football club in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. They are based at Hutt Park, Gracefield in Lower Hutt.The Stop Out organisation was founded in 1919 with the aim of providing recreation to Te Aro Flat children associated with the wellington city missionso as to prevent them... , Blockhouse Bay, Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... |
Takapuna AFC, Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy... , Woolston WMC Woolston W.M.C. Woolston W.M.C. was an association football club based in Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand. It was formed in 1951 as Waterside, before the name was changed to Woolston Working Men's Club in 1969... |
|
| 1981 1981 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1981 New Zealand National Soccer League was the twelfth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Wellington Diamond United won the league for a second time, having previously been champions in 1976... |
12 | 22 | Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Takapuna AFC, Woolston WMC Woolston W.M.C. Woolston W.M.C. was an association football club based in Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand. It was formed in 1951 as Waterside, before the name was changed to Woolston Working Men's Club in 1969... , Rangers Rangers A.F.C. Rangers AFC is one of the oldest still existing Canterbury football clubs located in Christchurch, New Zealand.- History :Rangers AFC was founded in 1910 by a group of dedicated players who were denied the opportunity to play on Saturday owing to the nature of their employment... |
East Coast Bays East Coast Bays (soccer) East Coast Bays AFC is a professional football club in Northcross, North Shore City, New Zealand. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.... , Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... , Invercargill Thistle Invercargill Thistle Invercargill Thistle is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Invercargill. The team was founded in 1936 and continued as a separate team until 1969, when it became part of the short-lived Invercargill United team. It operated again as an independent team from 1974 to... |
|
| 1982 1982 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1982 New Zealand National Soccer League was the thirteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Mount Wellington comfortably won the league for a fifth time, finishing seven points clear of second-placed Hanimex North Shore United... |
12 | 22 | Mt Wellington | Hamilton, East Coast Bays East Coast Bays (soccer) East Coast Bays AFC is a professional football club in Northcross, North Shore City, New Zealand. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.... , Invercargill Thistle Invercargill Thistle Invercargill Thistle is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Invercargill. The team was founded in 1936 and continued as a separate team until 1969, when it became part of the short-lived Invercargill United team. It operated again as an independent team from 1974 to... |
Papatoetoe Papatoetoe (soccer) Papatoetoe AFC is a semi-professional football club based in Papatoetoe, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.Former club coaches include current All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.-History:... , Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... , Dunedin Technical Dunedin Technical Dunedin Technical - known locally as "Tech" - is a semi-professional association football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They compete in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.-Club history:... |
|
| 1983 1983 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1983 New Zealand National Soccer League was the fourteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Manurewa comfortably won the league for the first time, finishing eight points clear of second-placed Hanimex North Shore United... |
12 | 22 | Manurewa Manurewa (soccer) Manurewa AFC is a semi-professional football club in Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1-History:... |
Dunedin Technical Dunedin Technical Dunedin Technical - known locally as "Tech" - is a semi-professional association football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They compete in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.-Club history:... |
Auckland University | Number of points for a win changed from 2 to 3 |
| 1984 1984 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1984 New Zealand National Soccer League was the fifteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Gisborne City finally wrestled the trophy away from the major centres, taking it to a provincial city for the first time.... |
12 | 22 | Gisborne City Gisborne City Gisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup.... |
|||
| Auckland University finished 12th but retained their place in the league following play-off wins versus promotion candidates. | ||||||
| 1985 1985 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1985 New Zealand National Soccer League was the sixteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Wellington Diamond United finished as champions, three points clear of 1984 title-holders Gisborne City.... |
12 | 22 | Wellington Diamond United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
Manawatu United | Wellington Diamond United merged with Wellington City and became Wellington City Diamond United - then shortened the name to Wellington United Wellington United Wellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968.... |
| 1986 1986 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1986 New Zealand National Soccer League was the seventeenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Mount Wellington finished as champions, one point ahead of Miramar Rangers.-Promotion and relegation:... |
12 | 22 | Mt Wellington | Auckland University* | Mount Maunganui, Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... , Hutt Valley United Hutt Valley United Hutt Valley United was a short-lived association football club from New Zealand. A composite team, the club was founded in 1987 ostensibly to represent the interests of several senior teams from the Hutt Valley area just north of Wellington in the New Zealand National Soccer League.Hutt Valley... |
Despite finishing 9th, Auckland University were relegated because their ground did not meet the required standard. Manurewa Manurewa (soccer) Manurewa AFC is a semi-professional football club in Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1-History:... finished 12th but were not relegated. |
| 1987 1987 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1987 New Zealand National Soccer League was the eighteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. It was the first season in which 14 teams competed in the league, up from 12 in the previous season, and was also the first season with new sponsors Air New... |
14 | 26 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Dunedin City Dunedin City Dunedin City is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Dunedin. The team won the Chatham Cup in 1981, and was a member of the National League in 1977 and 1979-87, before withdrawing from the league for financial reasons... * |
Waikato United | Dunedin City Dunedin City Dunedin City is a former New Zealand football club based in the South Island city of Dunedin. The team won the Chatham Cup in 1981, and was a member of the National League in 1977 and 1979-87, before withdrawing from the league for financial reasons... finished 12th but withdrew due to financial reasons. Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy... finished 14th. |
| 1988 1988 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1988 New Zealand National Soccer League was the nineteenth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Christchurch United finished as champions for the second season running, three points clear of traditional rivals Mount Wellington.-Promotion and... |
14 | 26 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... , Manawatu United |
Waitakere City Waitakere City F.C. Waitakere City F.C. is a professional New Zealand football club. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.-History:It was formed in 1989 with the purpose of representing West Auckland in the National Soccer League.... , Waterside Karori Waterside Karori Waterside Karori AFC is an association football club in Karori, a suburb of Wellington, New Zealand.Waterside Karori was formed in 19881 when Karori Swifts merged with Waterside. These two clubs had contrasting origins: Swifts were founded in 1894 from a Sunday School, and Waterside were founded... |
Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... , who finished 13th, relegated because their ground didn’t meet the required standards. |
| 1989 1989 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1989 New Zealand National Soccer League was the twentieth season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Napier City Rovers had their debut championship win, by the skin of their teeth over Mount Maunganui, in doing so taking the title away from the main centres... |
14 | 26 | Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
Papatoetoe Papatoetoe (soccer) Papatoetoe AFC is a semi-professional football club based in Papatoetoe, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.Former club coaches include current All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.-History:... |
New Plymouth Old Boys | |
| 1990 1990 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1990 New Zealand National Soccer League was the 21st season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. Waitakere City won the league for the first time, by two points over Auckland neighbours Mount Wellington.... |
14 | 26 | Waitakere City Waitakere City F.C. Waitakere City F.C. is a professional New Zealand football club. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.-History:It was formed in 1989 with the purpose of representing West Auckland in the National Soccer League.... |
Waterside Karori Waterside Karori Waterside Karori AFC is an association football club in Karori, a suburb of Wellington, New Zealand.Waterside Karori was formed in 19881 when Karori Swifts merged with Waterside. These two clubs had contrasting origins: Swifts were founded in 1894 from a Sunday School, and Waterside were founded... |
Nelson United Nelson United Nelson United is a New Zealand soccer club, based in the South Island city of Nelson. Their home ground is Guppy Park. The team was founded in 1968 through the amalgamation of Nelson Rangers and Nelson Thistle... |
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| 1991 1991 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1991 New Zealand National Soccer League was the 22nd season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football.-Promotion and relegation:... |
14 | 26 | Christchurch United Christchurch United Christchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:... |
Gisborne City Gisborne City Gisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup.... |
Papatoetoe Papatoetoe (soccer) Papatoetoe AFC is a semi-professional football club based in Papatoetoe, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.Former club coaches include current All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.-History:... |
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| 1992 1992 New Zealand National Soccer League The 1992 New Zealand National Soccer League was the 23rd season of a nationwide round-robin club competition in New Zealand football. It was the final season of the first incarnation of the league — it was replaced from the 1993 season by the Superclub competition.-Promotion and relegation:Gisborne... |
14 | 26 | Waitakere City Waitakere City F.C. Waitakere City F.C. is a professional New Zealand football club. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.-History:It was formed in 1989 with the purpose of representing West Auckland in the National Soccer League.... |
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In 1992 the National League was disbanded due to financial reasons.
1993–1995
Following the dissolution of the league a new competition (called Superclub) was launched to decide the championship. To keep costs down, the teams participating were divided into three regional groups (Northern, Central, Southern). This was followed by an eight-team national stage (involving only seven matches) and a short championship stage.The winners in those years were as follows:
| Year | Regional League sizes (N, C, S) | Regional matches per team (N, C, S) | National League size | Matches per team | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 1993 Superclub competition The 1993 Superclub competition was the inaugural season of a nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. It replaced the New Zealand National Soccer League which had run from 1970 to 1992. The 1993 competition was won by Napier City Rovers over West Auckland side Waitakere... |
10, 10, 10 | 18, 18, 18 | 8 | 7 | Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
Waitakere City |
| 1994 1994 Superclub competition The 1994 Superclub competition was the second season of a nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. It was won by North Shore United.-Structure:... |
10, 10, 10 | 18, 18, 18 | 8 | 7 | North Shore United North Shore United North Shore United is a semi-professional football club based in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.Their home ground, Allen Hill Stadium, is located in the suburb of Devonport.-History:... |
Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
| 1995 1995 Superclub competition The 1995 Superclub competition was the third and final season of a nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. It was won by Waitakere City.-Structure:... |
10, 11, 10 | 18, 20, 18 | 8 | 7 | Waitakere City | Waikato United |
The increase in the number of teams participating for the championship, as well as lack of a true national league system, caused a strong drop in playing standards. It was clear that New Zealand not only needed a national league, but also one which was financially stable.
1996–1998
In 1996 a National League was launched for the second time in the history of New Zealand soccer. This time however, the league was (mostly) played during the summer months and did not feature relegation and promotion. Teams were invited to participate and the selection criteria involved the financial strength of the club and its location. The league also featured a championship play-off session at the end of the seasons, involving teams finishing high in the table.To further upset the traditionalists, penalties followed matches which ended in a draw. The winners of the penalty shoot-out were awarded two points, the losers one point while winners in the regular 90 minutes were awarded four points (although this system as dropped in the last year of the National Summer Soccer League). The winners in those years were:
| Year | League size | Matches per team | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 1996 National Summer Soccer League The 1996 National Summer Soccer League was the inaugural season of a short-lived nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. The competition replaced the Superclub competition, which operated until 1995. The 1996 series was won by Waitakere City.-Structure:The league was an... |
10 | 18 | Waitakere City | Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy... |
| 1997 1997 National Summer Soccer League The 1997 National Summer Soccer League was the second season of a short-lived nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. Despite being known as the 1997 league, competition started in November 1996, with the later rounds and final playoffs held in 1997... |
10 | 18 | Waitakere City | Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
| 1998 1998 National Summer Soccer League The 1998 National Summer Soccer League was the third and final season of a short-lived nationwide association football club competition in New Zealand. It was replaced in 1999 by the second incarnation of the New Zealand National Soccer League.... |
11 | 20 | Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
Central United Central United Central United Football Club is a semi-professional Association football club based in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand... |
1999
In 1999, the National Soccer League again took a break. The competition for determining the New Zealand champion was moved back to (mostly) winter months. Two leagues were created, the North Island Soccer League (NISL) and the South Island Soccer League (SISL). The winner of the NISL, Central UnitedCentral United
Central United Football Club is a semi-professional Association football club based in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand...
, defeated the winner of the SISL, Dunedin Technical
Dunedin Technical
Dunedin Technical - known locally as "Tech" - is a semi-professional association football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They compete in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.-Club history:...
, 3-1, in extra time, in the championship final.
2000–2003
The National Soccer League was launched for the third time in 2000 as the National Club Championship. Like the original in 1970, it was played during (mostly) winter months and a promotion and relegation system was used. In the first season, a bonus point was awarded for scoring four or more goals in one match but that system was dropped in subsequent seasons. The championship play-offs system at the end of the league was the major difference when compared with the competition launched in 1970.Seven teams, participating in the first edition, came from the NISL (Central United
Central United
Central United Football Club is a semi-professional Association football club based in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand...
, Waitakere City
Waitakere City F.C.
Waitakere City F.C. is a professional New Zealand football club. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.-History:It was formed in 1989 with the purpose of representing West Auckland in the National Soccer League....
, Napier City Rovers
Napier City Rovers
Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City....
, Mt Wellington, Miramar Rangers
Miramar Rangers
Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy...
, Metro
Metro A.F.C.
Metro F.C. is a New Zealand professional association football club, based in Auckland, that competes in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.The club was known as Metro College until the 1980s. They were members of the former top premier New Zealand football league the New Zealand National Soccer...
and Manawatu AFC) and three came from the SISL (Dunedin Technical
Dunedin Technical
Dunedin Technical - known locally as "Tech" - is a semi-professional association football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They compete in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.-Club history:...
, Nelson Suburbs
Nelson Suburbs
Nelson Suburbs is a semi-professional football club in Nelson, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.They have won the Matson's Premier Football League three times and were the first club to reach 300 points, the milestone was reached in just 164 games...
, Woolston WMC
Woolston W.M.C.
Woolston W.M.C. was an association football club based in Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand. It was formed in 1951 as Waterside, before the name was changed to Woolston Working Men's Club in 1969...
).
| Year | League size | Matches per team | Winner | Relegated | Promoted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 2000 New Zealand National Soccer League The 2000 New Zealand National Club Championship, also known, due to naming-rights sponsorship, as the Ansett National Club Championship was the inaugural season of a nationwide club competition in New Zealand football. It replaced the 1999 New Zealand island soccer leagues and was a re-formed... |
10 | 18 | Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers Napier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City.... |
Nelson Suburbs Nelson Suburbs Nelson Suburbs is a semi-professional football club in Nelson, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.They have won the Matson's Premier Football League three times and were the first club to reach 300 points, the milestone was reached in just 164 games... |
Tauranga City United Tauranga City United Tauranga City United AFC is a semi-professional football club in Tauranga, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.It was formed in 2000 from a merger of Tauranga City F.C. and Mount Maunganui F.C.-Club history:... |
Nelson Suburbs Nelson Suburbs Nelson Suburbs is a semi-professional football club in Nelson, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.They have won the Matson's Premier Football League three times and were the first club to reach 300 points, the milestone was reached in just 164 games... , who finished 7th, withdrew due to financial reasons. Metro Metro A.F.C. Metro F.C. is a New Zealand professional association football club, based in Auckland, that competes in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.The club was known as Metro College until the 1980s. They were members of the former top premier New Zealand football league the New Zealand National Soccer... , who finished 10th, retained their place following play-offs. Controversially, Tauranga City United Tauranga City United Tauranga City United AFC is a semi-professional football club in Tauranga, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.It was formed in 2000 from a merger of Tauranga City F.C. and Mount Maunganui F.C.-Club history:... , who finished third in the play-offs, were awarded Nelson's spot in the league, ahead of Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... , who finished second. |
| 2001 2001 New Zealand National Soccer League The 2001 New Zealand National Club Championship, also known, due to naming-rights sponsorship, as the Qantas National Club Championship was the second season of a nationwide club competition in New Zealand football. The competition was won by Central United.The league was played during winter, with... |
10 | 18 | Central United Central United Central United Football Club is a semi-professional Association football club based in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand... |
Metro Metro A.F.C. Metro F.C. is a New Zealand professional association football club, based in Auckland, that competes in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.The club was known as Metro College until the 1980s. They were members of the former top premier New Zealand football league the New Zealand National Soccer... |
North Shore United North Shore United North Shore United is a semi-professional football club based in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.Their home ground, Allen Hill Stadium, is located in the suburb of Devonport.-History:... |
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| 2002 2002 New Zealand National Soccer League The 2002 New Zealand National Club Championship, also known, due to naming-rights sponsorship, as the Southern Trust National League was the third season of a nationwide club competition in New Zealand football. The competition was won by Miramar Rangers.... |
10 | 18 | Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy... |
Waitakere City Waitakere City F.C. Waitakere City F.C. is a professional New Zealand football club. They currently compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Premier.-History:It was formed in 1989 with the purpose of representing West Auckland in the National Soccer League.... |
Caversham Caversham (soccer) Caversham is an illustrious association Football club in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are competing in the ODT FootballSouth Premier League.They are named for the suburb of Caversham to the southwest of Dunedin's city centre, best known for its former international sports venue Carisbrook... |
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| 2003 2003 New Zealand National Soccer League The 2003 New Zealand National Club Championship, also known, due to naming-rights sponsorship, as the Southern Trust National League was the fourth and final season of a nationwide club competition in New Zealand football. The competition was won by Miramar Rangers.The league was played mainly... |
10 | 18 | Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy... |
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2004
2004 was the transition year between the National Soccer League and the New Zealand Football championship. Regional competitions were played but no New Zealand champion was determined.2004–present
On October 15, 2004 the New Zealand Football ChampionshipNew Zealand Football Championship
The New Zealand Football Championship is the national association football league in New Zealand. It is a professional/semi-professional status Association football sports Franchise league that is operated by New Zealand Football...
was launched (NZFC). It marked a turning point in the history of the game in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, as for the first time traditional clubs were not eligible to participate in the top league. They were replaced by eight franchise style entities.
Champions
- 6 - University-Mount Wellington
- 6 - Christchurch UnitedChristchurch UnitedChristchurch United is a semi-professional association football club in Christchurch, New Zealand. They compete in the Robbie's Premier Football League.-Club history:...
- 5 - Waitakere City
- 4 - Napier City RoversNapier City RoversNapier City Rovers are an association football team based in Napier, New Zealand. They are currently competing in the Central Premier League.-Club history:The team was founded in 1973 via a merger of Napier Rovers and Napier City....
- 3 - Wellington UnitedWellington UnitedWellington United AFC is an association football club in Wellington, New Zealand competing in the Capital Premier League.-Wellington Diamond United:Wellington Diamond United was the result of the merger of Diamond and Zealandia/Wellington United in 1968....
- 2 - North Shore UnitedNorth Shore UnitedNorth Shore United is a semi-professional football club based in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.Their home ground, Allen Hill Stadium, is located in the suburb of Devonport.-History:...
- 2 - Miramar RangersMiramar RangersMiramar Rangers AFC is a semi-professional New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. They are current holders of the Chatham Cup, the fourth time they have won the trophy...
- 2 - Central UnitedCentral UnitedCentral United Football Club is a semi-professional Association football club based in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand...
- 1 - Blockhouse Bay
- 1 - Eastern SuburbsEastern Suburbs AFCEastern Suburbs is a semi-professional association football club in Kohimarama, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.-Club history:...
- 1 - Manurewa AFC
- 1 - Gisborne CityGisborne CityGisborne City FC is a soccer club in Gisborne, New Zealand who play in the eastern league 1st division. Their home ground is Childers Road. They have won the National League, Air New Zealand cup, and the Chatham Cup....