Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 12:00 pm GMT
Six talented players from the Wellington Phoenix youth team have secured spots on the New Zealand squad for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. This selection highlights the strong football program at the Phoenix and the dedication of these young athletes.
Meet the Selected Players
- Grace Bartlett
- Alysha Eglinton
- Emily Humphrey
- Ela Jerez
- Brooke Neary
- Katie Pugh
These six players were chosen by Alana Gunn, the head coach of the U-17 Football Ferns, ensuring a solid representation from the Wellington Phoenix in this prestigious tournament.
A Strong Legacy
The selected players are no strangers to success. Eglinton, Humphrey, Jerez, Neary, and Pugh were all part of last year’s victorious OFC U-16 Championship team. This championship was crucial as it qualified New Zealand for the U-17 World Cup. Jerez recently signed a scholarship contract, making her the youngest member of the Phoenix women’s first team for the upcoming Ninja A-League season.
Coaches’ Praise
The Wellington Phoenix women’s reserves head coach, Callum Holmes, expressed his pride in seeing so many players reaching the international level. He stated, “It always brings a sense of pride to the academy when we see players showcasing themselves on the world stage. This year we have had 17 players represent New Zealand at tournaments. It’s a great achievement for all the players and a reward for their hard work.”
Tournament Schedule
New Zealand’s journey in the World Cup begins with an exciting match against Nigeria, the bronze medalists from the last tournament. Fans can catch all their matches live on FIFA+. Here’s the schedule:
- October 17: vs. Nigeria
- October 20: vs. Dominican Republic (hosts)
- October 23: vs. Ecuador
Historical Performance
New Zealand has a proud history in the U-17 Women’s World Cup, achieving its best finish in 2018 when they claimed third place. With a strong squad, the team hopes to build on this success.
Full Squad Announcement
The complete squad consists of 21 players, with 18 from New Zealand and three playing in Australia and England. Notably, Laura Bennett will be a key player, having won the golden boot award in the OFC U-16 Championship after scoring 10 goals.
Conclusion
The selection of six Wellington Phoenix players for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup showcases the talent and potential of New Zealand’s young athletes. As these players prepare to represent their country, fans eagerly anticipate their performance on the world stage. The tournament represents not only a chance for individual glory but also an opportunity to uplift New Zealand women’s football as a whole. The whole rugby community is cheering them on
