Stadium Taranaki to host new national junior football tournament

The next generation of All Whites and Football Ferns will take centre stage at NPDC’s Stadium Taranaki from 2027, after the venue secured a three-year agreement with Sports Group Management to host the Taranaki Cup.

The inaugural tournament runs from 16-18 April 2027, bringing players aged 8 to 17, and their families to Taranaki for three days of football alongside local teams.

It’s the first time a national youth football tournament has been hosted at the 21,000-capacity stadium and for many of the players, the chance to play on a pitch and soak up the atmosphere at a venue where professional athletes have performed.

NPDC’s Stadium Taranaki Lead Jonnie Orrell says the team is thrilled to welcome the next generation of footballers and their whānau to Taranaki for the inaugural Taranaki Cup.

“Stadium Taranaki has hosted international fixtures, professional athletes and major sporting events, so we're incredibly proud to now open those same gates to the next generation of footballers. Giving young players the opportunity to compete in a stadium environment is exactly the kind of experience that can inspire a lifelong love of sport.”

“While we're well known for hosting elite and professional sport, opportunities like this tournament creates memorable experiences for athletes of all ages and showcases the diversity of events we want to bring to the region," he adds.

Rolando Navas, SGM Director, said Stadium Taranaki was the ideal venue to bring the tournament vision to life.

“We wanted to create something special for young players and their families, and Stadium Taranaki provides the perfect setting. The venue offers an experience unlike anything else available for junior football in New Zealand, and Taranaki has a strong reputation for hosting major events."

Beyond the football, the tournament represents an opportunity to showcase Taranaki to visitors from across New Zealand and is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region. It is expected to generate increased demand for local accommodation, hospitality and visitor attractions while highlighting the region as a destination capable of hosting major national sporting events.

Planning is now underway for the inaugural event, with organisers aiming to establish the Taranaki Cup as a marquee fixture on New Zealand's junior football calendar.

At a glance:

• Stadium Taranaki is owned by Taranaki Regional Council and operated by New Plymouth District Council.
• The venue can host up to 21,000 spectators, expanding to 23,000 for major events, and has welcomed everything from international rugby and FIFA fixtures to concerts and community celebrations.
• Sports Group Management (SGM) delivers high-quality junior football competitions across New Zealand, giving young players more chances to play, develop and enjoy the game.
• Following the success of the Auckland Champions Cup and the Cambridge Cup, the Taranaki Cup will be SGM's third competition on the New Zealand calendar. SGM is thrilled to be creating more opportunities for young people across the country to play more football, and to be working alongside local clubs, schools and communities to make it happen.
• SGM is part of a wider group that has been running junior community and school competitions on both sides of the Tasman since 2022. That experience helps bring well-run, accessible events to New Zealand families, and supports the next generation of players in developing a lifelong love of the game.