Mike Wood · 8 April, 2025

The terms "soccer" and "football" are often used interchangeably, but their meaning can vary depending on where you are in the world. In New Zealand, the term "football" typically refers to rugby union, the country’s most popular sport. To avoid confusion, soccer is the preferred term for association football.

This distinction is crucial in New Zealand, where soccer continues to grow in both popularity and participation. While rugby remains the dominant force in New Zealand's sports landscape, soccer is firmly establishing itself as a major player, with increasing involvement at all levels, from grassroots to professional leagues. So, while “football” might conjure images of rugby here, when you hear "soccer," you’re talking about the game we all know and love.

Where and When Was Soccer Invented

Modern soccer traces its roots to 19th-century England, where various forms of football were being played. Some versions of the game allowed the use of hands, while others didn’t,  leading to confusion and disputes, particularly in school competitions. In 1848, the University of Cambridge introduced the "Cambridge Rules," which formalised the foundation for what would become modern soccer.

Key Dates, Figures, and Milestones

• 1863 - The pivotal moment in soccer’s history came when the Football Association was formed in England. This event led to the creation of a unified set of rules, which outlawed handling the ball except by the goalkeeper. It was also during this time that soccer was officially recognised as a distinct entity, separate from rugby.

• 1872 - The first international soccer match, played between Scotland and England marked a significant milestone in the sport’s development. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but it attracted 4,000 spectators and set the stage for soccer to become a global spectacle. It was the first time soccer was financially profitable, laying the foundation for the sport’s professional future.

• 1888 -  William McGregor established the English Football League, consisting of 12 clubs. This league laid the groundwork for the modern football pyramid that exists today. That same year, the penalty kick was introduced, adding a crucial new element to the game.

• Late 1800s - soccer began to spread beyond Britain. Two German schoolteachers, August Hermann and Konrad Koch, are credited with introducing the game to Germany around 1874. Meanwhile, immigrants are believed to have introduced soccer to the United States, where it quickly gained traction as industrialisation reshaped the country.

As the 20th century progressed, soccer’s popularity soared, driven by the rise of professional clubs and the working class's. In 1900, soccer was recognised by the International Olympic Committee, and in 1930, FIFA staged the first World Cup. The tournament has since been held every four years, becoming the largest sporting event in the world.

How Soccer Came into New Zealand

Soccer made its way to New Zealand in the mid-1800s, primarily through British seafarers, soldiers, and immigrants. Initially, there was no formalised competition, and players often switched between different codes of football, including association football, rugby union, and Australian rules. The first organised men’s soccer match took place in New Zealand in 1882, when the Canterbury Association Football Club played its first game under association rules.

Women’s soccer began to gain traction in 1921, although women were soon banned from using the same grounds as the men’s teams. As a result, the women's game stagnated for several decades. In 1922, New Zealand’s national soccer team made history by winning the first ‘test’ series against Australia. New Zealand Football (formerly the NZFA) joined the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in 1948, solidifying its place in the global football community.

In 1966, New Zealand became a founding member of the Oceania Football Confederation, but despite these milestones, the country struggled to make a significant impact on the international stage. However, soccer gained momentum in New Zealand during the 1970s, and the national team’s successful 1982 World Cup qualification campaign brought further attention to the sport. The early 21st century saw soccer’s popularity soar, thanks in part to the All Whites’ spirited performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Wellington Phoenix’s participation in Australia’s A-League, and the rise of high-profile Kiwi-born professional players. This surge in visibility, alongside extensive live television coverage of English and European competitions, contributed to soccer’s growing status in New Zealand.

How to Play Soccer Rules and Gameplay

The Players

Players are divided into different positions, each with a specific role and responsibility on the field. These roles are essential for the functioning of a team and are designed to balance defence, midfield control, and attack.

Goalkeeper (GK): The goalkeeper is the last line of defence and is responsible for stopping the ball from entering the goal. They are the only players allowed to use their hands, but only within the penalty area.

Defenders: These players focus on stopping the opposing team from scoring. There are several types of defenders:

• Centre-backs (CB): Positioned centrally in defence, centre-backs block opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
• Full-backs (RB/LB): These players defend the wide areas of the field and often support offensive plays by crossing the ball into the opponent's box.
• Wing-backs (RWB/LWB): Wing-backs are more advanced full-backs, playing higher up the field and providing width during attacks.

Midfielders: Midfielders connect the defence and the attack. They control the tempo of the game and are key in both defending and setting up offensive plays.

• Central Midfielders (CM): These players play in the middle of the field, controlling possession and distributing passes.
• Defensive Midfielders (CDM): Positioned just in front of the defenders, these players break up opposition attacks and offer additional protection.
• Attacking Midfielders (CAM): Positioned further up the field, they create scoring opportunities and deliver key passes.

Forwards (Strikers): Forwards are responsible for scoring goals and creating offensive opportunities.

• Centre-forwards (CF): These players are the focal point of the attack and are primarily tasked with scoring goals.
• Wingers (RW/LW): Positioned on the flanks, wingers use their speed and dribbling skills to create chances and cross the ball into the box.

Each position plays a vital role in the team’s overall strategy, whether it’s defending, controlling the game in midfield, or attacking to score goals.

Field Dimensions Standard Pitch Size

A regulation soccer pitch measures 100.6 metres in length and 64 metres in width. For international matches, the field must fall within a slightly stricter range: between 110 and 120 metres in length and 70 to 80 metres in width. These dimensions help maintain consistency across the world’s top-level competitions.

Essential Equipment

• Soccer Boots (Cleats): Essential for maintaining traction and stability on various types of playing surfaces, especially when conditions are wet or muddy.
• Shin Guards: A key protective item that helps shield players’ shins from injury during tackles and challenges.
• Soccer Ball: The core of the game, with standard professional balls measuring between 68-70 cm in circumference.
• Team Kit: This includes the jersey, shorts, and socks, all designed to identify the team and provide comfort and protection on the field.
• Goalkeeper Gloves: These padded gloves provide goalkeepers with the necessary grip and protection for handling the ball.

Game Mechanics Basic Rules, Duration, and Objectives

A standard soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves, totaling 90 minutes of play, with a halftime interval. The aim is simple: score more goals than your opponent by getting the ball into their net. Players can use any part of their body except their hands or arms, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who is allowed to handle the ball within their own penalty area.

In the event of a draw at the end of regulation time, some competitions use extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary, to determine the winner.

Where to Play Soccer in New Zealand

Soccer is now the largest team sport in New Zealand, with over 170,000 registered players in 2024. New Zealand Football (NZF) governs the sport in the country and is responsible for promoting soccer across the six regional federations. With more than 500 clubs and thousands of players at all levels, soccer has a strong and vibrant presence in New Zealand.

For those looking to play recreationally, joining a local soccer club is a great option, as many cities and towns have clubs offering recreational leagues. Pickup games organized by Meetup groups also provide casual opportunities to play. For aspiring professional players, progression through youth development programs and regional leagues is essential. Competing in the New Zealand National League can provide a pathway to higher levels, including opportunities with Wellington Phoenix or Auckland FC in the A-League. Some players also pursue scholarships or overseas contracts to further their careers. Achieving success in professional soccer requires exceptional skill, dedication, networking, and continuous improvement.

Soccer is a sport with a rich history, and its global reach continues to grow, including right here in New Zealand. Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to stay active and have fun, soccer offers something for everyone.

Lace up your boots, grab a ball, and join the millions of people worldwide who call soccer their game!