The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) is proud to announce that its TDS U14 Girls Academy Squad will travel to New Zealand in October to compete in the McCartney Tournament in Taupō.
The tournament, scheduled for 9–11 October, will provide the young home grown players with an exciting opportunity to test themselves against club teams from across New Zealand in a competitive football environment.
Led by coaches Teretia Teinaki and Susan Williams, the squad has been identified as a key development group within CIFA’s pathway programme, with the tour designed to support both the football and personal growth of the players.
Head Coach Teretia Teinaki and Assistant Coach Susan Williams said the tournament aligns strongly with CIFA’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young female footballers.
“The opportunity for our TDS U14 Girls Academy group to travel to Taupō for the McCartney Tournament highlights our commitment to creating meaningful pathways for our local players. By identifying this group as a development squad, we are intentionally giving our young athletes access to experiences beyond our shores—exposing them to higher levels of competition, new environments, and valuable learning opportunities that support both their football and personal growth.”
“This is a strong commitment and investment from CIFA Leadership and aligns perfectly with the CIFA Women’s Strategy, which focuses on increasing access, participation, and international exposure for our female players. Most importantly, this initiative is about opening doors—ensuring that our local talent is given every possible opportunity to grow, compete, and be inspired, as we continue to build a strong and sustainable future for women’s football in the Cook Islands.”
The McCartney Tournament will offer valuable match experience, exposure to different playing styles, and the chance for the players to represent the Cook Islands on an international stage as they continue their football journey into OFC Tournaments 2027 and beyond.
CIFA Media
