The Football Ferns are set to play in an Auckland boys' league this season, in New Zealand Football's latest initiative in women's football. The Herald understands that the plan - called the Football Ferns Development Programme - will involve the 25 best domestic based players from around the country. Related Content Football: Tyrone Mings cops five-game ban after stomp on Ibrahimovic Football: Barcelona complete miracle comeback Football: Zlatan Ibrahimovic cops three-game ban for throwing elbowHowever, the plan will be controversial. It is expected to severely weaken the Northern Women's Football League and other regional competitions with the top players taken out of circulation. The next tier is the under-17 boys' Metropolitan league - with the top clubs in Auckland - so the Conference league is effectively the fourth tier of players at that level.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 09, 2017 09:56 UTC