Club Newsletter - March 2026
Welcome to the New Season
Kia ora Te Atatū AFC whānau,
Welcome to the 2026 season! It's great to see players, coaches, volunteers, parents and supporters back around the club as we gear up for another exciting year ahead. Whether you're new to the club, or a familiar face, we're stoked to have you with us.
Senior Football Gets Underway This Weekend
This weekend marks the start of competition for our Men's Firsts, Men's Reserves & Women's First teams.
Our Men's First Team kick off their campaign in the NRFL Northern Conference. After earning promotion into this league last year, we're looking forward to seeing our men step up into the new competition.
The Men's Reserves are hoping to continue their winning ways from last season, kicking off in the NRFL Northern Conference U23's.
Our Women's Firsts begin their season in NRF League One, with the group keen to hit the ground running and get off to a strong start.
Community Football Just Around the Corner
Behind the scenes, the club is in full prep mode as we count down to the start of the community football season. Teams are coming together, coachers and managers are getting ready, and everyone is working hard to make sure the season gets off to a smooth and fun start.
We’ll be sharing more updates soon as teams and schedules are finalised, so keep an eye out.
Thanks to everyone who gives their time and energy to the club - we have an amazing football community, and we’re looking forward to another great season together.
As Director of Football at Te Atatū AFC, my goal this year is to continue building an enjoyable, inclusive and welcoming club environment for players of all ages and abilities. A key focus is developing sustainable programmes that help our players improve and enjoy their football, from First Kicks and Junior football through to Youth, First Team and Senior Social Football.
I want the club to offer a clear and positive pathway where players can develop, stay involved in the game long term, and feel connected to the club at every stage.
Success for the year will be building on our strong club culture, improving player and coach development, and ensuring Te Atatū AFC is a place where people enjoy coming to football and feeling part of a positive football community.
Liam Mulrooney, Director of Football
School Holiday Football Fun
We’ve got an extra chance for football fun in the first week of the school holidays, run in partnership with our own Youth Coach Ryuta and TASS! This full‑day programme is perfect for young players who want to improve their football skills while having plenty of fun in a positive, challenging environment.
Sessions will take place at Te Atatū AFC and will be delivered and overseen by Youth Club Coach Ryuta.
When: Wednesday 8 – Friday 10 April
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm (drop‑off available from 8:30am)
Who: Players aged 5–14 years
Where: Te Atatū AFC
Cost:
$45 per day
$130 for all three days
Sign up now 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260808707038864
Football Development Programme (FDP) – Term 2 Registrations Open
Te Atatū AFC’s Football Development Programme (FDP) is back for Term 2, with registrations open now. Run by our Director of Football, Liam Mulrooney, this term‑based programme is designed for players who are committed to developing their skills and growing their understanding of the game.
Aimed at 8–15 year olds, the 10‑week programme focuses on technical development and game awareness in a competitive but enjoyable football environment. Sessions are available for both boys and girls throughout the year, with girls‑only groups offered each term.
Term 2 Details:
Dates: 10 weeks, Tuesday 28 April – Tuesday 30 June
Mixed Boys & Girls: Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:30pm
Girls Only: Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:30pm
Register here 👉 https://www.teatatufootball.org/fdp
Get to know the team behind the club!
Each newsletter we’ll introduce one of the great people working behind the scenes to keep things ticking. Did you know our committee is made up entirely of volunteers?
Meet Esther Bushell - Media Manager
Hi, I’m Esther, and I look after the club website and social media channels. I’m a long‑time clubbie and a player in the Women’s First Team - although I’m temporarily side-lined after rupturing my ACL last year!
I love getting creative and exploring new possibilities on social media, including designing the graphics and posters you might see on our socials and around the club.
We have such a strong identity at Te Atatū AFC, and I think having a clear, consistent brand really helps showcase that.
I also love sharing what’s happening across the club and in our wider community - so if you’ve got photos, stories, results, celebrations, or ideas, please send them my way. Don’t be afraid to reach out or tag us!
Interested in sponsoring Te Atatū AFC? Let’s have a chat.
We’re excited to roll out refreshed sponsorship packages for the season ahead! With flexible options for businesses and supporters of all sizes, there are plenty of ways to support the club and our community.
Want to keep up with what’s happening around the club? Make sure you’re connected with us across the season.
🌐 Website: www.teatatufootball.org
📱 Socials: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for news, updates and stories around the club
📧 General enquiries: info@teatatufootball.org
📸 Got content to share? Send photos, stories, or ideas to media@teatatufootball.org.nz

