The Cook Islands international, who captained her country at both the 2010 OFC Women’s Nations Cup and 2011 Pacific Games, is one of many new additions to the 24-strong squad that will compete in the eight-week league from late October.
Just five of the line-up – Rebecca Tegg, Michelle Windsor, Jessie Mathews, Lucy Carter and Rachel Head – were members of the Auckland side in the 2011 competition while the squad also includes three players who recently took part in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 for New Zealand’s Junior Football Ferns in goalkeeper Erin Nayler, Stephanie Skilton and Carter.
Despite hailing from another country, 21-year-old Henry will be familiar to most of the group after starring locally for Auckland-based club Onehunga-Mangere United.
The Cook Islands skipper, who is also known as Amanda Henry, will also feel at home amongst her fellow internationals after carving out an impressive international career over the past two years.
Their country had yet to win a match at senior level in the women’s game as the Cook Islanders headed to New Zealand for the 2010 edition of the Nations Cup but defied all expectations when Henry, still in her teens at the time, led them to a bronze-medal finish.
Bronze will not be the colour Auckland coach Steven Upfold has on his mind though and he feels his squad has a pleasing blend of experience and youthful exurberance.
“With only five returning from last year’s group for various reasons, the squad has had a fresh shot of enthusiasm,” he says.
“But while there are a few new faces, we’ve also got a good level of experience with players right across the team who have represented New Zealand at senior or age-group level.”
The National Women’s League is split into a northern and southern conference with Auckland Football competing in the northern section against Northern Football, Waikato Bay of Plenty Football and a team of nothern-based New Zealand U-17 players.
Each squad must contain a minimum of eight players aged under 19.
Auckland’s first match is on October 27 at Bill McKinlay Park against the New Zealand U-17 selection.

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