Building Unity Through Sport

Empowering New Zealand’s Muslim community with football, faith, and friendship since the 1990s.

About NZMSA

The New Zealand Muslim Sports Association Inc (NZMSA) is a registered not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting unity, wellbeing, and active engagement through sport within the Muslim community of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We believe sport is more than just competition — it’s a bridge that connects people, strengthens communities, and nurtures values of respect, discipline, and teamwork. NZMSA brings together Muslim men, women, and youth from across the country to participate in sports while staying connected to their Islamic identity and principles.

Our mission is to build a strong, inclusive Muslim sporting community that inspires teamwork, leadership, and excellence — both on and off the field.

A Brief History of NZMSA

The New Zealand Muslim Sports Association (NZMSA) was born in 1993 at Bill McKinlay Park, when a group of brothers came together with a shared vision — to establish a platform where Muslim youth could engage in sport while staying connected to their faith and community.

By 1994, the interim committee had drafted a constitution, sought community guidance, and officially registered the New Zealand Muslim Youth & Sports Association with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies. This milestone was made possible through tireless teamwork, late-night meetings, and support from respected community leaders.

Since then, the association has grown steadily, organizing tournaments like the Eid Cup and Unity Cup, hosting international events such as FANCA, and building partnerships with FIANZ and local mosques. Today, NZMSA continues its mission to promote sport, unity, and da’wah for Muslims across New Zealand.

NZMSA Highlights

Founded in 1993 at Bill McKinlay Park after community discussions during the Champion of Champions tournament.
Officially incorporated in 1994 as the New Zealand Muslim Youth & Sports Association.
Guided by respected community leaders including Abdul Raheem Rasheed and Lateef Shah.
First leadership: Farouk Khan (President), Mohammed Azeem (secretary), Nasif Mohammed (Treasurer), with a dedicated committee.
Successfully organized Eid Cup and Unity Cup, and hosted international events like FANCA.
Works closely with FIANZ, mosques, and clubs to blend sport with Islamic values and da’wah.
Continues to grow, engaging youth and preparing for future milestones.

News Letters

⚽ Annual Report 2013 ⚽ Eid Cup 2012 Report ⚽ FIANZ Unity Cup 2013 Report ⚽ Annual Report 2013 ⚽ Eid Cup 2012 Report ⚽ FIANZ Unity Cup 2013 Report ⚽

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Explore Masterful Creations

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Benefits of Membership

Why Join the NZMSA?

Community

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Model Ship Journal

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Events & Exhibitions

Get invites to national exhibitions, competitions, and club meetings.

Expert Support

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What Our Users Say

I've played in this federation for over five years now, moving from youth to premier men's. The organization is top-notch. Fixtures are always released on time, the website is updated with results and standings promptly, and the communication from the league office is clear. The refs are generally good and the standard of competition is high but fair. It's a competitive yet respectful environment. Great job by all the volunteers who make it happen!

As a parent of two kids playing in the youth divisions and a club volunteer, I see the work the federation does from both sides. They genuinely care about growing the game at the grassroots level. The support for club administrators makes our jobs so much easier, and the tournaments they organize for the kids are brilliant. It's more than just football; it's about building a community. Highly recommend getting involved.

From a club administration perspective, dealing with the federation is mostly smooth. The online registration and team management system is a lifesaver. My only minor gripe would be the occasional late change to fixture venues, but that's often down to council ground closures, not the federation itself. Their response to queries is always prompt and helpful. A well-run operation that clearly strives for professionalism.

I've been following my local club for decades, and the standard of the league just keeps getting better. The federation does a great job promoting the matches, especially the 'Game of the Week' highlights. The website is my go-to every weekend for results and the league table. You can tell there's a real passion for the game behind the scenes. Keep up the great work!

The level of play is awesome and it's cool to test ourselves against the top Auckland teams. The organization is good for the most part. The only challenge for us is the travel for away games, but that's just geography! The refereeing has been consistent and fair in all our games this season. It's a well-respected league to play in.

I played in this federation throughout my teenage years before moving to a national league club. The coaching and competition I experienced here were fundamental to my development. The structure is perfect for serious players who want to advance. The federation runs a tight ship and it shows in the quality on the pitch. I owe a lot to my time in this league.

Get in Touch with Us

We’re here to answer your questions, guide new teams, and support our community. Reach out today and be part of the NZMSA family.