The Dettol National League gets underway this weekend for the Wellington Phoenix men’s and women’s reserves.
They will face the top teams from around the country across an eight-game slate for the women and a ten-game one for the men.
There’ll be plenty of action in Wellington as well, with the two sides playing a combined twelve games in the capital including seven at Fraser Park.
Men’s reserves head coach Joshua Neff is excited to see the team grow throughout the campaign.
“We are looking forward to facing a number of teams for the first time this year to test ourselves in different ways, as well as facing off against our familiar Central League opponents,” he said.
“I am positive the National League will provide a great opportunity for the continued development of our young talent as they continue to work towards their goals.
“Thank you to everyone who supports us and I can’t wait for the first match!”
And women’s reserves head coach Emma Humphries thinks her side are set up well for the competition.
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s National League,” she said.
“The team have been working hard to develop this past year, playing boys teams and have gained some valuable experience in the Kate Sheppard Cup.
“We have had many of our players away the past few weeks representing NZ at the U20 Women’s World Cup – I know they are all looking forward to this next phase as we look to both compete and progress as many as possible into our senior team.”
This is the last year of the current National League format, with the switch to a winter-based and full home-and-away schedule beginning in 2027.
The Youth National League also will take place over the next months, with the Nix girls’ side getting started against Canterbury United Pride this Sunday.
Wellington Phoenix reserves Dettol National League fixtures (home fixtures in bold)
MDNL Round 1 – Saturday, September 26 vs Auckland United, NZCIS – 2.30pm
WDNL Round 1 – Sunday, September 27 vs Canterbury United Pride, NZCIS – 1pm
MDNL Round 2 – Sunday, October 4 @ Cashmere Technical, Garrick Memorial Park – 2pm
WDNL Round 2 – Sunday, October 4 @ Eastern Suburbs, Madills Farm – 4.30pm
MDNL Round 3 – Saturday, October 10 vs Birkenhead United, Fraser Park – 4pm
WDNL Round 3 – Sunday, October 11 vs West Coast Rangers, Fraser Park – 4pm
MDNL Round 4 – BYE
WDNL Round 4 – Friday, October 16 @ Waterside Karori, Martin Luckie Park – 7pm
MDNL Round 5 – Sunday, October 25 @ Napier City Rovers, Bluewater Stadium – 12.30pm
WDNL Round 5 – BYE
MDNL Round 6 – Saturday, 31 October vs Auckland FC Reserves, Fraser Park – 3pm
WDNL Round 6 – Sunday, 1 November vs Auckland United, Fraser Park – 4pm
MDNL Round 7 – Saturday, 7 November @ Ferrymead Bays, Ferrymead Park – 4pm
WDNL Round 7 – Sunday, 8 November @ Fencibles United, Riverhills Park – 4pm
MDNL Round 8 – Saturday, 14 November vs Auckland City, Fraser Park – 2pm
WDNL Round 8 – Sunday, 15 November vs SU University of Otago, Fraser Park – 12pm
WDNL Round 9 – Sunday, 22 November @ Wellington United, TBC – 2pm
MDNL Round 9 – Sunday, 22 November @ Eastern Suburbs, Madills Farm – 4pm
MDNL Round 10 – Saturday, 28 November vs Wellington Olympic, Fraser Park – 2pm
MDNL Round 11 – Sunday, 6 December @ Miramar Rangers, David Farrington – 2pm