Rotorua United are aiming to take the next step up after being crowned the 2016 WaiBOP Premier League Division 1 champions.
United won the inaugural Bay of Plenty and Waikato title at Neil Hunt Park on Sunday after opponents Otumoetai Bay defaulted.
The result left them seven points clear of second placed Northern United - who lost 4-1 against third placed Melville United on the weekend.
United captain Kim Emmanuelle-Maguire was "delighted" for her team and said the key to success was a "never give up" attitude from both players and coaches.
"It feels really good, it's brilliant to be crowned champions," she said.
"We went into this season not knowing what to expect, there are strong teams in the league and we have had to work very hard.
"If we were ever losing we would always get back up and it was all about being a team. Every player dug really deep.
"It was important to take every game as it came and we never gave up no matter what."
Coach Ron Cane admitted he was "surprised" to win the title in his first year in charge of the team.
"In many respects this achievement was unexpected. We were up against difficult teams," he said.
"But that's what makes this so great. I'm absolutely chuffed at what they have done and it's very special.
"There is tremendous unity here and our motto all season has been 'unity is our strength' and they have shown this.
"I couldn't ask for more as a coach. They gave it everything and now they have their just reward."
On the way to clinching the title United won 14 of their 17 games and scored 72 goals whilst conceding just 15 - the best attacking and defensive records in the league.
"We are strong in every area," said Cane.
"It is crucial to have a solid defence, and our back line has been outstanding. That needs to be recognised because without that you don't have a strong base to work from.
"And then with the excellent creativity in midfield and lethal strikers we looked dangerous everywhere."
The champions will now contest two matches in the Lotto NRFL playoff series against Northland Football Club to qualify for the Northern League premier women's competition, based out of Auckland.
"We play to win. The two games will be a good experience for our young side," said Emmanuelle-Maguire.
"Just to be involved in the game is awesome to see if we are up to the next level. I think we can make that step up to be honest."
Cane added: "We need to keep this momentum going."
"They are going to be two very difficult games but if we are focused and play to our strengths then we can get that winning result.
"I hope that this is the beginning of something special here at the club."
Lotto NRFL playoff series fixtures
Sunday, 18 September
Northland Football Club v Rotorua United, Whangarei.
Sunday 25 September
Rotorua United v Northland Football Club, Neil Hunt Park, Rotorua.
*Officially presented with the WaiBOP Premier League Divisio