The squad is a mixture of established players and recent additions including Elizabeth Milne and defender Meikayla Moore, who caps off a fine season with Coastal Spirit with her first senior call up. Moore is part of the Coastal Spirit team that has reached the ASB Women’s Knockout Cup Final.
“This group of players have been together for a long period of time now and their continued development together is important for the future success of the team,” Readings says.
“There are a few less experienced players in the squad as we continue to give players opportunities to break into the team and strengthen the squad.”
The Football Ferns will be taking part in the first ever Valais Women’s Cup, along with Brazil, China and Mexico. Brazil are currently ranked 4th in the FIFA World Rankings, with China ranked 17th, and Mexico 24th. The Football Ferns are currently ranked 19th.
The opportunity to play the best teams in the world is an important step in the progression of the team for Readings.
“We have proved we can get results against some of the best teams in the world and the next step is to be able to do this on a consistent basis.
“To progress to the latter stages of the pinnacle events we need to beat these teams. The more we play against them the more we learn how to do this.”
With many current Football Ferns now playing overseas, including captain Abby Erceg who recently joined up with Ria Percival and Amber Hearn at USV Jenna, the opportunity to play in the top leagues is beneficial for the players development.
“The key for the team’s success is for players to be playing and training in the best possible environments. Playing professionally in the top leagues in the world can provide this as long as they are playing regularly.”
The Football Ferns will play Brazil on Monday 23 September at Stade de Lussy, Châtel-St-Denis and will face either China or Mexico on Thursday 26 September at Stade St-Germain, Savièse.
Football Ferns Squad
(Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers
Erin NAYLOR (4/0)
Rebecca ROLLS (16/0)
Defenders
Abby ERCEG (85/4)
Anna GREEN (55/7)
Elizabeth MILNE (5/1)
Ria PERCIVAL (81/8)
Ali RILEY (72/1)
Rebekah STOTT (11/0)
Meikayla MOORE (0/0)
Midfielders
Betsy HASSETT (51/6)
Katie HOYLE (75/1)
Annalie LONGO (51/1)
Kirsty YALLOP (67/11)
Forwards
Helen COLLINS (6/0)
Sarah GREGORIUS (41/17)
Amber HEARN (72/32)
Rosie WHITE (46/9)
Hannah WILKINSON (45/14)
Valais Cup 2013 Schedule
Sunday 22 September 2013
China v Mexico
Stade de Lussy, Châtel-St-Denis
Kick off: 11:30pm NZT
Monday 23 September 2013
Brazil v New Zealand
Stade de Lussy, Châtel-St-Denis
Kick off: 2:30am NZT
Thursday 26 September 2013
3rd Place Match
Stade St-Germain, Savièse
Kick off: 12:30am (NZT)
Final
Stade St-Germain, Savièse
Kick off: 3:30am (NZT)
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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