Christchurch United & Halswell United AFC are excited to announce they will be working together in the Premier Women's space for the 2023 season. The combined team will play under the name Halswell Christchurch United. The two clubs have come together to build and develop a pathway which allows both clubs to be competitive in the Premier Women's grade in the Mainland region.
Halswell United has a strong female section, with 5 senior women's, 3 youth and 3-4 junior girls sides in 2023. The collaboration with Christchurch United at the top level allows Halswell to build and develop their player pathway through every level of the women's game.
Christchurch United come into the agreement in a unique situation, with a strong men's programme and academy pathway, however as our female section doesn’t currently have a pathway to their senior team this new agreement opens up that opportunity for our youth female academy players to continue playing for the club as they graduate from the academy space.
Tony Gumley will be taking on the role as head coach. Tony comes into the role with previous experience including coaching football in the premier, youth and old FTC women's and girls programs. Most recently Tony was part of the management team for the successful Christchurch United Mens side. Tony will be supported by Charlotte Merkin and Zoe Pottinger who both have a background in youth coaching and are looking to grow their experience in the Management pathway for this combined women’s side. Both Charlotte and Zoe are excited to learn what this role will involve and are looking forward to supporting Tony and the girls this season.
We wish to thank the Mainland Football staff, Olivia and the Halswell United Executive Board, Paul Ifill and the Christchurch United Staff with Katie, for making this agreement come to life. If you have any questions surrounding this MOU or premier football in 2023 please contact below.
Christchurch United Director of Football: Paul Ifill Paul@cufc.co.nz