The 2026 season is finally upon us. It feels like the club has already been going for months, so it’s exciting to realise that it all officially starts this Saturday!

It has been a busy but exciting start to the year for the club. Our Academy is now in full swing, recently competing in the Global Games in Queenstown, and we also completed a successful Academy Day where special connections were made from both near and afar. This included a valuable visit from former Men’s First Team Head Coach Graeme Atkinson, formerly of Preston North End FC. We have also introduced a Women’s Development Officer, Ella Hartel, and two girls’ programmes that we did not have previously. Through these additions to our pathway, we are pleased to be making positive steps in the right direction for the game.

In the older area of the pathway are our performance teams, and speaking on behalf of the Men’s First Team, we are really pleased with how things are shaping up. We have had a cracking start to the season, currently continuing undefeated in all competitions, which has also seen us compete against and knock out Southern League opposition along the way. The support from the club and the growing connection with our supporters is becoming stronger, as seen through the increasing attendances at games — something we truly cherish.

We are also working closely with the Women’s Senior environment. During pre-season, we held a combined camp and shared valuable contributions across both programmes. Within this space, we now have three competitive teams, which Katie Pottinger has been managing closely. We look forward to continuing to support her and the environment as they progress through the season.

When thinking about how busy we are at the club, special mention must go to our management and technical team. Paddy Rousse, our newly established Junior Development Officer, in his first year has absorbed many of the responsibilities that were previously handled under one role. With our Junior and Youth teams and programmes, it is now hard to imagine how we managed without him. He has been everywhere — helping to maintain strong programme standards, engaging with our junior teams, and ensuring we are well prepared for the season.

In addition, Olivia Smith, Tom Kean, and Craig Bowen deserve recognition for their operational support. They have played a key role in managing the changes to our U9s structure, including the introduction of new goals and formats that will take place from this Saturday, all while juggling field availability as we wait for our exciting new fields at the Domain.

Lastly, we have an exciting partnership announcement and a holiday programme on the horizon, which we hope to share shortly. This will be an excellent connection for the club and will provide further opportunities down the track.

Enjoy the first game of football this season!

Oliver Hawkins DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL

If you have any questions, please email: gm@halswellunitedfc.co.nz

Halswell United are excited to announce a partnership with the Ricki Herbert Football Academy (RH3) to deliver high-level football holiday programmes and provide a pathway for our players to experience the academy programmes and tours they regularly offer.

Ricki Herbert is one of the country’s most successful coaches, having led the All Whites during their most successful era at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and previously serving as Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix. The club is excited to have his coaches connecting with our players as we look to host a July Holiday Camp at Halswell Domain.

More information will be announced shortly.

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Welcome to R+B Build to the team!

At Halswell United AFC, we believe football is about more than just the game, it’s about bringing people together and making a positive impact in our community. That’s why we’re proud to partner with R&B Build, a company that shares our values of family, quality and commitment to Christchurch.

R+B Build is a family-owned design and build business, founded by Brett and Linsay Armstrong. They specialise in creating beautiful, architecturally designed, bespoke homes. Their in-house, award-winning design studio, RBA, focuses on thoughtful design and attention to detail, making high-quality, custom homes accessible right here in our community.

This partnership helps Halswell United continue to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can enjoy the game.

Please join us in giving a warm Halswell United welcome to Brett, Linsay and the whole R+B Build team.

Support the businesses that support us. If you’re planning a build, check them out.