Riding on the football fever of the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023, the Unity Pitch set up at Napier’s Sound Shell hosted tots’ games, teachers against students, blind football, a futsal skill centre and public free time to use the pitch.

The Havelock North Wanderers Club Sparks Grade 12 girls’ team were the first to enjoy it after winning an NZME radio competition.

The Ford Football Ferns players themselves will do a meet-and-greet and signing with fans at the Unity Pitch on Tuesday, July 11 from 2pm to 3pm.

Napier City Council event manager Kevin Murphy said in a statement it was “absolutely fantastic” to have the Unity Pitch at Napier.

“Football is all about bringing people together, from all walks of life, and I think it’s just what Napier needs after a challenging start to the year,” Murphy said.

“We’re really fortunate to have the Unity Pitch as it is generally only going to cities hosting World Cup games, but Fifa have kindly made it happen for Napier too.”

Other activities lined up for the pitch on Tuesday will include Napier City Council playing against Central Football, junior-only mini-games and girls-only mini-games.