Today, Milo joins forces with New Zealand Football to support the growth of Fantails, renaming the grassroots sports programme Milo Fantails.
The grassroots partnership will see increased access to football for young Kiwi girls , with 56 clubs able to participate by the end of 2024, up from 46 in 2023.
The Fantails Football programme was started by New Zealand Football (NZF) in 2023 - a programme aimed at encouraging and enabling young female players under 12 to participate in team sport.
Nestlé Head of Marketing New Zealand Fern Castellanos said, “We believe sport is a great teacher for young Kiwis, and our partnership with the Milo Fantails programme represents our commitment to fostering healthy and active lifestyles from a young age."
To support the partnership, Milo is collaborating with football hero and three-time Olympian Hannah Wilkinson to encourage girls to participate in sport.
Hannah said "I’m passionate about sharing my love for football and supporting young people to reach their goals through sport. Milo’s partnership with the Fantails is a fantastic opportunity to inspire a new generation of players."
Milo will run a competition throughout the year giving one very lucky team winning the chance to join a day camp where they will be coached by the football great herself in an exclusive training session designed for young female football enthusiasts.
Statistics from NZF show more than 2,500 girls aged 5-12 have participated in the Fantails programme to date with 62% of those players new to football. NZF has found both football and futsal continue to gain popularity in Aotearoa New Zealand with a 25% increase in girls and women playing from 2022-23 with that number expected to reach record highs following the FIFA Women’s World Cup1.
"This year is set to be the biggest year on record for football and Milo’s support will allow us to provide further access," says New Zealand Football General Manager Brand and Partnerships, James Wear.
"Milo Fantails sessions are a brilliant way for girls to experience the game for the first time in a fun, safe and welcoming environment."
The first season of the Milo Fantails programme marks a significant step towards the development and progression of young football participants in Aotearoa New Zealand.
1 New Zealand Football, 2024.