Central Football is one of seven federations of New Zealand Football, representing regions of Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

While New Zealand Football is the governing body, unlike other sports in New Zealand, the funding model for football means each seven regional federations look after football in their area themselves, only following New Zealand Football's plan as they see fit.

For the local federations, the clubs fund the federation with the rest of the money coming from Sport New Zealand funding and about three per cent from New Zealand Football.

[1] The region has also provided a women's representative team for the New Zealand Women's National League from its inaugural season in 2002 onwards.

[3] Note: Central League includes teams from the Capital Football Federation and is a lower North Island competition managed by Capital Football.