Global sports company PUMA has revealed an exciting long-term collaboration with the New Zealand Football Federation, which is set to commence in 2024. This partnership signifies the dawn of a thrilling chapter in the realm of international sports.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
A PUMA press release noted that the partnership boasts several key highlights that are poised to make a significant impact. The first international window featuring PUMA apparel is scheduled for February 2024, setting the stage for a year of sporting excellence.
PUMA will aptly outfit all 10 New Zealand Football national teams, including the Men's and Women's teams from U-17 to the senior teams, as well as the futsal teams and the eFootball team.
New Zealand's Prospects
In 2024, New Zealand will proudly represent the nation at the Paris Olympic Games, while the Men's futsal side, the Futsal Whites, will make their debut appearance in the Futsal World Cup, New Zealand Football revealed in a press release.
New Zealand is currently witnessing an upsurge in football talent, with an increasing number of players participating on the international stage and in Europe. The sport's popularity in the country has been further fueled by the successful co-hosting of the Women's World Cup alongside Australia in July and August 2023.
Embodying an illustrious football history, the Men's team, famously called the All Whites due to their iconic white shirt, has participated in the World Cup twice (1982 and 2010) and emerged victorious in the OFC Nations Cup five times. Similarly, the Women's team, affectionately known as the Ford Football Ferns, has exhibited their prowess in the Women's World Cup on six occasions and clinched the OFC Nations Cup six times.
With this strategic and forward-looking partnership, PUMA and New Zealand Football aim to propel the sport to new heights of excellence. The joint aspirations of both entities create an exciting environment and foster the growth of football in New Zealand and beyond.
Andrew Pragnell, CEO of New Zealand Football, conveyed his enthusiasm for this promising collaboration. Pragnell affirmed, "This partnership ushers in a new era that will elevate our national teams and New Zealand Football to greater heights. PUMA's commitment to excellence aligns with our desire as a football association to continually raise the standards of the game in New Zealand. As the most participated sport in the country, football deserves the support it receives as it continues to flourish."