NZ Van Lines are privileged to support the Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Football team in 2023.
Women’s soccer is a sport which has become increasing popular, especially in the lead up to New Zealand recently hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup. NZ Van Lines were privileged to show our support once again to the game and sponsor the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Women’s Football Team in this year’s soccer tournament.
Every year, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) organises an Inter Base 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.”
Following the conclusion of the Inter Base Football Tournament, RNZAF assembles teams for both men and women. These RNZAF teams then proceed to compete in the Inter Service Tournament, where they play against teams from the New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Navy to be the top service within the Defence Force. This year, the Navy hosted the Inter Service Tournament, with the matches taking place in Auckland.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Football Team 2023
Inter Services Football Tournament
The Inter Services Football Tournament kicked off this week hosted by the Navy, aligning with the 100th year anniversary of the Chatham Cup which is one of the most prestigious football competitions in New Zealand, back in 1923 it was the crew of HMS Chatham that gifted the NZ Football Association this Cup.
“We are proud to show our support and sponsor the RNZAF Women’s Football Team again for the 2023 soccer tournament. The RNZAF players looked very smart in their training kits.” Paula Garrett – NZVL Corporate Account Manager.
Heather Lennox of the RNZAF commented, “The RNZAF took on the New Zealand Army (NZA) in the opening game of the tournament on a blustery Albany morning. New Zealand Army opened the scoring with a perfectly curved ball in from the corner. However RNZAF never faltered and evened the score with a solid strike from Tracey Tahuparae just inside the box. A strong physical game ensued and the goals kept coming. Final score for the game was 4-1 to the RNZAF.
Day Two saw the RNZAF team on a high from the previous day’s win, but also ready for another strong physical game against the RNZN.
The Auckland weather didn’t come to the party, with consistent rain and heavy winds to make the game interesting. The opening goal came from an extraordinary strike by the RNZAF’s own Maddie Scott, slotting it easily past the goal keeper. Two further goals followed in the second half and the RNZAF secured the win holding the RNZN scoreless, with a 3-0 win.
The RNZAF Women’s Football team are now the proud recipients of the Buckles Cup. It has been 15 years since they last held this trophy, a feat that only two members of the current team have done before. The team worked extremely hard during training camp and throughout the tournament, showing great determination and commitment.”
NZ Van Lines congratulates the RNZAF team for winning this years tournament.
