IMPACT stories

Impact stories

MILO Fantails programme

In 2025 the New Zealand Football Foundation (NZFF) supported the Milo Fantails programme, investing $1,000 into 70 Fantails hubs across New Zealand to help the delivery of fun football coaching sessions for girls under 12.

The Fantails Project

Since 2023 New Zealand Football (NZF) have run fantails projects all over New Zealand. They sought to increase the number of young females playing football across the country by providing hubs where they could make friends, develop their skills and fall in love with football. In 2025 the New Zealand Football Foundation (NZFF) invested in this cause to support the development of grassroots football for girls.

This project aligns perfectly with the NZFF's mission of removing barriers to participating in football, giving young girls the opportunity to get involved in football in a fun girls-only environment. The cost of sessions is limited to $5 mitigating cost as a barrier to play.

Milo Fantails Football Programme | Soccer Programme for girls aged 4-12 ...

2025 Impact Stats

Participation:

34% of participants had never played football before, highlighting key pathway of MILO Fantails into football
28% joined via MILO Fantails previously, showing that the programme retention is really strong
Only 22% played at a club, suggesting Fantails is a key grassroots entry point rather than a competitor to clubs.

Age Split:

Most participants are aged 6–8 (57%), with peaks at 7 years (24%) and 8 years (18%).

Top Drivers to attend the programme:

Number one drivers are “To learn/improve skills” (34%) and “To have fun” (31%)
Socialising as a driver grew notably from 5% (2024) to 15% (2025), suggesting Fantails’ community aspect is strengthening.

Programme Impact:

Enjoyment and safety remain outstanding: 94% enjoyment and 98% safe environment.
Confidence and skill development solid (81–83%)

Value and Satisfaction:

Ease of access has increased from 87% - 94% throughout the year, highlighting the impact of opening new hubs in harder to reach areas.

93% agreed Fantails is worth the money (70% strongly agree, 23% agree).
76% overall satisfaction (42% extremely satisfied, 34% very satisfied).

Advocacy & Retention:

Recommendation intent: 93% are likely to recommend (80% very likely).
Future participation: 92% likely to rejoin or continue in football.

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Grant Recipients

$808,916

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$108,189

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$72,645

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$62,239

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$88,960

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$569,734

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$106,950

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$20,000

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