NZ Van Lines Joins Forces with the Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Football team in 2024.
NZ Van Lines is honoured to support the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Women’s Football Team in 2024. Women’s soccer has gained immense popularity, particularly with New Zealand hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. NZ Van Lines were privileged to show support for the third consecutive year to the game and sponsor the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Women’s Football Team in this year’s soccer tournament.
The RNZAF organises an Inter Base Football Tournament every year where teams from Auckland, Ohakea, Wellington, and Woodbourne compete over three days. This tournament fosters camaraderie and competition, allowing personnel, from newcomers to those with over 20 years of service, to engage in friendly rivalry.
There was a new format at Interbase this year for the Women’s teams, playing a 7 aside tournament for two days, before finishing off with the cup match between Ohakea and Auckland.
RNZAF Women’s Football Manager Heather Lennox says highlighted the unique aspect of the tournament, stating, “The best thing about Air Force Women’s Football is the diversity in experience and age. It puts Wing Commanders playing alongside Junior Aviators, so rank is not a barrier within sport, it’s a great leveller and a great way for higher command to know their people better and vice versa.”
Inter Services Football Tournament
The Inter Service Football Tournament took place this September, again hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy with the matches taking place in Auckland.
“NZ Van Lines support over the years has been amazing and really helped to bring the team together, providing us the opportunity to look professional and create that cohesive team environment that promotes football, women and the Air Force.” commented Heather Lennox of the RNZAF.
Despite their best efforts, the RNZAF Women’s Football Team faced challenges during the tournament. In their opening match against the Royal New Zealand Navy, they secured a 0-0 draw—a result that reflected a well-fought game but fell short of their goal. In the subsequent match against the NZ Army, they lost 3-0. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we were after this year. However, the big takeaway for us was how the team improved immeasurably from game one. The ladies fought hard, our grit and determination were impressive, we just couldn’t translate that into goals. The NZ Army were an extremely strong team this year and very deserving of the win.”
During the prize giving ceremony, most awards went to the NZ Army, but three RNZAF players were named to the New Zealand Defence Force team, set to play a fixture in April next year. “This recognition reflects the talent and hard work within our team,” said Heather Lennox.
NZ Van Lines is proud to support the RNZAF Women’s Football Team again this year. “The RNZAF players looked fantastic in their training kits,” remarked Paula Garrett, NZ Van Lines Corporate Account Manager. “We are excited to support them as they strive for excellence on the field and represent the values of teamwork and dedication.”
