NZ Van Lines were privileged to support the Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Football team this year.
Every year the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) organises an Interbase Football Tournament, with teams from each base (Auckland, Ohakea, Wellington and Woodbourne) participating over a three-day period. Each base plays against each other to become the overall winning base within the RNZAF.
Players range from personnel that have just joined the Airforce to those who have been in the RNZAF for 20+ years across all ages. RNZAF Women’s Football Manager, Heather Lennox commented, “The best thing about Air Force Women’s Football is having that range of experience and age within the teams. It puts Wing Commanders (WGCDR) playing alongside Aircraftmen (AC), 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.”
At the conclusion of the Interbase Football Tournament, RNZAF teams are selected for both men’s and women’s. These RNZAF teams then compete in the Inter Service Tournament, where teams from the New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy and RNZAF battle it out to be the top service within the Defence Force. This year the RNZAF hosted the Inter Service Tournament in September, with the games held at the turf at QBE Stadium in Albany, Auckland.
Due to covid the last Inter Services Tournament was held in 2019. NZ Van Lines were proud to show support to the RNZAF Women’s Football team sponsoring the training uniforms.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Football Team 2022
“It was a privilege for NZ Van Lines to support women in sport and sponsor the RNZAF Women’s Football Team in this year’s soccer tournament. The team looked very smart in their training shirts, and we look forward to seeing the team touring Australia in the new year!” Paula Garrett – Corporate Account Manager of NZ Van Lines.
The competition was high at the Inter Service tournament, as each team was eager to take the win. The RNZAF Women’s Football team drew against the Navy 1-1 in the first match, the following day it was 3-0 to the Army.
Heather Lennox commented, “Although we did not take away the winner’s trophy, our ladies did not leave empty handed. We won the ‘Team Best and Fairest’ sportsmanship award.
Our very own Lydia Bamford (Defender – Centre Back) was also named the ‘Rookie of the Tournament’ and was awarded the Zac Yarwood Trophy. The Zac Yarwood Memorial Trophy was donated by the RNZN AFC on the passing of Zac during a tragic diving accident whilst conducting training in Devonport in 2019. Zac was a passionate footballer involved with RNZN Football as both a player and manager. The trophy is awarded to the first year player who displays the most potential at the tournament.
Martin Doolan of NZDF with Lydia Bamford awarded the Zac Yarwood Trophy ‘Rookie of the Tournament’
We would love to thank NZ Van Lines for all their support for our ladies. Our team looked impressive in their training shirts and the hoodies kept them warm on the side-lines. It added an air of professionalism to the team and the ladies thrived on it!”
