The celebration of the female game runs all week until Sunday and there are a host of activities taking place, including have-a-go sessions, school festivals and girls-only coaching courses, in both schools and clubs throughout the country.
But the highlight of the week so far has been the appearances by Football Ferns players, three of whom have dropped in on sessions in Auckland to have a kick around with some budding young players, sign autographs and act as an inspirational example for those looking to follow in their footsteps.
Striker Jasmine Pereira kicked things off with a visit to Victoria Avenue School in Remuera while goalkeeper Rebecca Rolls and defender Meikayla Moore gave a treat to a group of Federation Talent Centre (FTC) players by joining in on a training session at Mt Smart Stadium.
Pereira, who plays for Three Kings United, was happy to take time off from her preparations for next month’s OFC U-20 Women’s Championship join in with the festivities.
“It’s awesome, I’m loving it,” she said.
“It’s so good to see young girls getting out there and playing, I don’t get to see it much normally because I’m so busy. It’s nice to see future footballers and maybe up-and-coming Football Ferns.”
The talented teen was a late bloomer herself, ditching netball at 13 to try her hand at a different round ball code.
It turned out to be a wise decision, the former Avondale College student going on to represent her country at age-group level before being included in the senior squad for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Getting up close and personal with a top-class player would have made a big impact on a young Pereira, now 19, in her formative years.
“I guess it’s cool for the girls for me to be here because they wouldn’t get to see Football Ferns very often, only on TV,” she said.
“It’s something little for me but it might turn into something much bigger for them. That’s why it’s important we find time to come down and kick a ball around with them.”
Victoria Avenue student Jaime Francis was delighted to rub shoulders with a Football Fern and has a new-found appreciation for the beautiful game.
“I’m not very good at it but it’s fun,” the nine-year-old said.
“I like the shape of the ball and it’s quite different to all the other sports I’ve played.”
Story courtesy of Auckland Football Federation.

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