During the buildup to the 2025 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships, IFAF has posed three questions to the head coaches of the men’s and women’s teams about to compete for continental glory.

New Zealand women's head coach, Jono Entwistle is in his first year as a head coach of a national program, having previously been a player for the national men’s team.

“Transitioning away from being a player to a coach felt like a natural move, having been a coach for local clubs in both flag and contact football for many years, while still having a desire to work within the national program,” he says. “Coaching this group of hard-working women has been beyond a privilege.”

What are the goals for your team in this tournament?

We come over with the goal of winning Gold. A lot of time and work has gone into this campaign, and we’re excited to compete with the other nations for a shot at the top.

What will be the strengths of your team, and which players should we watch for?

This squad has committed to learning the game and preparing the right way, which has built a positive and resilient culture in the program. The 2023 squad who brought home bronze really set the foundation for the program in New Zealand.

We have four returning players from the 2023 campaign, and another two who also played in Finland. There are some really exciting new players on both sides of the ball who we can’t wait to see get international exposure.

What do you know about the other Oceania teams you will play and what are the challenges of playing them twice?

Being so geographically close, the New Zealand and Australian football communities have many ties and relationships. Australia’s growth and development is a great reflection of how this sport is flourishing in the south pacific in general.

American Samoa we obviously know less about, being their debut. In 2016 I was lucky enough to play against them in a contact football exhibition game, and really enjoyed the energy, culture and football skill they displayed. So, I’m sure they will come with that same energy in flag football.