Northland update 1 July: Most Kaipara/Whangarei, games are on, clubs have been notified re any cancellations. All Far North juniors and youth games at Far North venues are off.

With grounds across Auckland reaching saturation point and showing signs of damage, which will come as no surprise, we've had a clear directive from Auckland Council to restrict play this weekend. Taking heavy rain forecast over the weekend into account, playing on grass this weekend will only cause damage that will take weeks to recover from. 

Following the Council directive to preserve fields and help get more games played over the whole season, we have decided to: 

• Cancel all Auckland community junior, youth and senior football this weekend
• Selected Knockout Cup matches have been shifted onto artificial turf to get them played (see list below)
• These competitions will play as scheduled: 
  • LOTTO NRFL Youth girls and mixed 
  • LOTTO NRFL Men's and women
  • NRF Men's League One 
  • NRF Women's Conference 
  • NZF Northern League 

Thanks for your understanding - this Council directive applies to all turf codes like rugby and rugby league, which will also be affected. We understand the frustration of cancelled games, and really hope taking this action now will help get more football played in the long run. 

Auckland Knockout Cup matches to be played this weekend - check nrf.org.nz for ground details after 4pm this afternoon. 

• NRF Masters Community Plate - Te Atatu Zephyrs M35/8    v Albany United Nishin Evergreen M35
• NRF Masters Community Plate - Waitemata FC Wheezers M35    v West Coast Rangers FC M35 Undalay
• NRF Legends Plate - West Auckland AFC Tailevu    v Bucklands Beach East Chinese M45
• NRF Masters Community Plate - Greenhithe Rebels M35    v Takapuna All Good M35
• NRF Women's Community Plate 2023 - Ranui Swanson Swans W4 v Oratia United Originals W4

Article added: Friday 30 June 2023