Women's open training - Thursday 5th December 6pm

Join Chris Acott, our Director of Football, for a women's opening training session at Morland Fox Park from 6pm to 7.30pm this Thursday 5th December. The open training session is an opportunity for players to come and meet like-minded people and experience women's football at the Blue Rovers.

Leonie Gordon, the Club Secretary and women's coordinator, says: "There are some phoenominal women footballers in Tauranga, all with their own goals, values and motivations. We offer a supportive women's management group, healthy team culture and quality coaching for women who want to play their football closer to home, and who want a club they can call their own."

Chris Acott, Director of Football, says: "We've been the top Tauranga club in the W-League for the past two years, but it's just the start. We're looking for more great players to join us, and help build something really special and enduring for the club and for Tauranga."

The Blue Rovers

The Blue Rovers are the third largest female club in the Bay of Plenty. Females make up 1 in every 4 of our players, women make up almost half of our governing committee, two-thirds of our club officers, and coach or play at all levels. In 2024 we had girls-only teams at every junior and youth age group. Things that are important to us include:

• Recognising players are unique. Every player will have their own goals and priorities. We work with players to try and understand and meet their needs from football to friendship to fitness.
• A partnership relationship. Like every team, everyone has their part to play. Player's come willing to learn and put in a full effort, whānau support the players to reach their goals, and we provide opportunities to play, learn and foster friendships in a fun and safe environment.
• Communication. In any relationship people don't always get it right, but we want to, and we're not afraid of the tough conversations.
• Development. Helping players unlock their potential and be the best version of themselves. This includes matching players with teams and leagues that provide the right challenge point.

Chris Acott, Director of Football

Chris has been the Director of Football at the Blue Rovers since 2023. He started his coaching journey in 2002 while playing football in the US. Since then he has coached across the community and talent pathways in New Zealand and overseas including:

• Selection as a support coach for the New Zealand Football Ferns 2016 Olympic Games campaign.
• Coaching football ferns: Erin Naylor, Meikayla Moore, Sarah Morton, Naida Olla.
• Coaching the NZ National Women's League 2012 winners.
• National Talent Centre Coach.
• National Age Group Coach.
• Federation Talent Centre Coach.
• Implementing NZF's whole of football plan and pathway in a large Auckland football club.