Bruce MacDonald Masters 2025 – Napier

Hosted by Central Football | 1st – 2nd November 2025


Northern United is on the move – and we want YOU there!

After the success of our last Masters event in Whanganui, we’re back with something even bigger and better. Join us for one of the most exciting social football weekends of the year as Northern United heads to Napier for the 2025 Bruce MacDonald Masters!

This is our major event of the year – bringing our members, supporters, and the wider football whānau together. Whether you're chasing glory on the pitch or just there for the fun, this weekend promises great football, unforgettable memories, and the kind of team spirit that defines Northern.

What’s the Bruce MacDonald Masters All About?

The tournament honours the legacy of Bruce MacDonald, a true giant of the game and a champion of Masters football in New Zealand and beyond.

Bruce was West Ham born, and coached in England and the USA before making a lasting impact here in Aotearoa. He left a legacy in Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North, and especially in Hawke’s Bay, where he spent his later years.

But it was in Masters football where Bruce’s heart truly lay — coaching, playing, managing, and most importantly, bringing people together. From leading New Zealand teams to the World Masters Games in Thailand, to coaching futsal and directing the Hawke’s Bay Masters Games for over 15 years, Bruce lived and breathed the beautiful game.

He was just as well known for his kindness and generosity, collecting gear for communities in Nepal and South Africa. His service was recognised with multiple awards, including the Goodwill Ambassadors Award and the William Bridge Award for Services to Masters Football.

The Bruce MacDonald Masters continues his mission — celebrating the love of football, camaraderie, and community.


Team Categories

  • Men’s Categories:
    • 35+ Social: Witness the dynamic blend of experience and passion as our Over 35's Men's team takes on competitors with similar abilities.
    • 45+ Social: Embrace the camaraderie as our seasoned players compete in the Over 45's Men's category, showcasing enduring love for the beautiful game.

  • Women's Categories:
    • 27+ Social: Cheer on our talented Women's team as they bring flair and finesse to the field in the Over 27's Social category, proving that age is no barrier to the love of football.

Whether you're still hunting for silverware or just keen to enjoy a social kick with mates, this is your chance to get involved.


Costings (Estimates)

Team Entry: $420 incl. GST per team - We’ll budget on 14 players per team – approx. $30 per person

One Night Dinner: $20 per person We’re bringing the BBQ trailer! Expect epic burgers and kebabs as part of our signature Northern hospitality.

Accommodation: Will be based on your selection


Accommodation Options

We’re coordinating group accommodation so we can all stay together and keep the good vibes going all weekend.

Please let us know your preference when registering your interest. All prices are per unit per night, based on a minimum of 2 adults. Each extra person is $35/night. These are indicative prices only and may change.

2-Bedroom Villas – $299/night (sleeps 6)

  • Super King, 2 Singles, Double divan
  • Full kitchen, Smart TV, SKY, heat pump, deck
  • Serviced daily

Motel Studio Twin – $89/night (sleeps 3)

  • 1 King, 1 Single
  • Kitchenette, SKY, daily service

Motel Studio Double – $89/night (sleeps 2)

  • 1 King bed
  • Kitchenette, SKY, daily service

Ensuite Unit – $159/night (sleeps 6)

  • Queen + 2 sets of bunk beds
  • Basic kitchen, bathroom, bedding provided

Deluxe Ensuite Unit – $159/night (sleeps 6–8)

  • Queen + 2–3 sets of bunk beds
  • Full kitchen, private bathroom, deck, bedding included

Kitchen Cabin – $89/night (sleeps 8)

  • Queen + 3 sets of bunk beds
  • Full kitchen, shared bathroom, bedding included


Important Info

  • Teams and accommodation will be grouped as much as possible.
  • Room sharing helps keep costs low — let us know your preference when registering.
  • Final costs confirmed once we lock in bookings.
  • Transport coordination and gear info to follow closer to the event.


What we need from you:

  • Register your interest: If you are eager to join us in Napier, kindly register your interest. We need to gauge numbers to kickstart the planning process, including accommodation and transportation options.
  • Days away: The games are played on the Saturday and Sunday. Our aim to go down on Friday and return Monday. So, check in with your annual leave entitlements.


Register Your Interest by 30 July 2025!

This gives us time to lock in accommodation, confirm numbers, and start planning the best weekend of the year.

This isn’t just a tournament, it’s a celebration of football, friendship, and what it means to be part of the Northern family. Let’s head to Napier, represent with pride, and make this one for the history books.

Let’s Go Northern!