2024/25 FESTIVAL DATES : 26-18 DECEMBER 2025 

VENUE : MANAWAROA PARK, PALMERSTON NORTH

This tournament is part of a nationwide strategy to create more playing opportunities at this level for younger players to enjoy their sport - hopefully developing a lifelong love of physical activity as a result.

This initiative was led by Sport NZ who created this ​‘Balance is Better’ approach. It means things don't get too serious and competitive too early. NZC and CDCA took steps to align with these goals.

Teams in this tournament are nine-a-side, which can assist our smaller District Associations to field a team at this level.

All District Associations are allowed to enter more than one team. Our Districts can also join together to form combined teams, so everyone gets a go!

Please note there is no CDCA tournament team or talent ID selection from this event at all - the focus really is on participating and enjoying playing a game!

• To be eligible to play in this tournament, a player simply needs to be a Year 9 or Year 10 schoolgirl in the calendar year, irrespective of birthdate.
  
• Make sure you are following your local District Association who will decide how many teams they enter - and then the number of teams will determine how the Festival is structured this summer