The U.S. Mission to New Zealand, in partnership with New Zealand Football, Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee, and Niue Football Association, recently announced the five young women selected for the 2023 Sports Visitor Program.

Included among the five lucky recipients of this once in a lifetime opportunity is Waikato teen, Nyah Nikau. As a special bonus for our region, WaiBOP Football's Nat Broadhead, was chosen as the group's adult chaperone for the trip. 

The 2023 Sports Visitor Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy New Zealand, will take place in New Jersey, United States from June 21 to July 5, 2023.

The selected participants are emerging leaders who are passionate about sport and want to make a positive impact in their communities using sport as a vehicle for change.

Nyah plays for Melville United and Hamilton Girls' High School. She participated in the 2023 Maaori Football North versus South match and also led the karanga fo the US national women's team players, who were visiting at the time.

Nyah is a youth coach and leader in football and continues to smash stereotypes in sports were there is minimal Maaori and Pasifika representation.

“It is an absolute honour to be selected as the chaperone of these talented Rangatahi female leaders in our NZ, Niuean and Pacific Island communities on a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially during the year of our Women’s World Cup," explained Nat.

"By being a leader and your true authentic self in football, as well as paying homage to the people in your circle who support you, it’s amazing where this journey can take you as a female in the game and the doors it opens.  

"I cannot thank my family, friends and my wider WaiBOP, Sport BOP, Sport Waikato and NZ Football whanau enough for the undivided tautoko and aroha they all surround me with.”

This programme, in partnership with the Julie Foudy & espnW Sports Leadership Academy (JFSLA) with a theme of empowering young women and future leaders, will celebrate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Participants will explore leadership and the history of Title IX and female sports in the United States and the program will include a football camp, workshops and meetings, sessions on communication, public speaking, and team building, as well as various cultural and sporting events.