Cheri-Lee Atkinson is passionate about many things be it football, opening up the game for all, her Māori heritage or opportunities for women. With that in mind, 2023 is proving to be a dream year for the Hamilton-based, WaiBOP Football board member.

Atkinson is not only primed to see her home nation enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the co-hosting of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, but is flourishing in her board role and is now also helping to deliver change for the female community at a governance level.

The year, though, started with an unexpected, but richly rewarding experience at the fourth edition of the FIFA's Women in Football Leadership Programme. The overarching aim of the co-hosted FIFA/UEFA programme is simple: to promote women in leadership positions in the world of football.

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