About Us
Birkenhead United, a volunteer-led football club based at Shepherds Park in Beach Haven, draws players primarily from the Beach Haven, Birkdale, Northcote, Birkenhead, Chatswood, and Glenfield areas, though participants come from across Auckland to join the club's programs. In 2023 our home underwent a $2.8M upgrade as part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Legacy fund. Our primary player base is approximately 1500+ registered players aged from 5 years old through to 50+.
Founded as Birkenhead in 1960 and merging with Birkdale in 1963 to become Birkenhead United, the club has a rich history in the Northern League. Since 1965, Birkenhead has mostly competed in Division 1 or Division 2, with early stints in the Premier Division in 1968 and 1970, and notable Chatham Cup progress in 1970 and 2010.
The 2010s marked a period of sustained success for the club, achieving Premier Division status in 2013 and narrowly missing the top spot four times between 2013 and 2017. Birkenhead also made significant strides in the Chatham Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 2012 and 2013, the semi-finals in 2015, and winning the cup in 2016 and 2018. In 2021, Birkenhead United formed a strategic partnership with Scottish Premiership team St Mirren FC and Nelson Suburbs. The club attained NZF ClubMark Level 1 status in 2015 and published its Football Philosophy Document in 2019.
In recent years, Birkenhead United has continued to build on its successes, maintaining a strong presence in the Premier Division. The club's youth development programs have also flourished, with several players progressing to professional teams both locally and internationally. In 2022, Birkenhead United celebrated further achievements, including another run in the Chatham Cup and several league accolades.
Birkenhead United AFC remains committed to fostering talent and promoting a positive football culture, ensuring its continued prominence in New Zealand football.
Commitee and Support Staff
Our BUAFC committee oversees all aspects of Birkenhead United. They are responsible for making decisions across all areas of Birkenhead United, encompassing senior, youth and junior teams, women's divisions, finance decisions, safety protocols, sponsorship initiatives, facility maintenance, and other governance issues critical to the club's successful operation.
In addition to the committee's efforts, our dedicated support staff and volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the club's daily functions. Their commitment and hard work ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from organising events and managing logistics to providing essential support to players, coaches and managers. Their contributions are invaluable to the vibrant and thriving community at Birkenhead United AFC.
