The news comes hot on the heels of Amber Hearn signing for USV Jena and Ria Percival agreeing terms with three-time European champions FFC Frankfurt last week and takes the number of overseas players from New Zealand’s World Cup squad to 11.
Football Ferns captain Rebecca Smith also plays in Germany for VfL Wolfsburg.
Hoyle and Gregorius, both 23, played in all three matches for the Football Ferns at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with midfield general Hoyle among New Zealand’s best of the tournament and Gregorius giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead against England in their second group match.
Gregorius has signed until December while Hoyle has put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract and says she is still getting used to the professional footballer label.
“It’s a little bit overwhelming,” Hoyle admits.
“To say I’ve turned professional is something I didn’t really think I’d be able to say but there are more and more opportunities out there now. I’m very excited and I feel it’s just the beginning.”
Hoyle says the Football Ferns have already switched their international focus to qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games and that the increased experience at club level will boost their chances in London.
“I think all the moves to overseas clubs will definitely help the Football Ferns. We get a lot of support and encouragement from national coaches John Herdman and Tony Readings to look abroad as they believe playing and training with the best will help benefit individuals and the team.
“I think the overseas opportunities, whether it’s a scholarship to a US university, a short-term deal or a fully-fledged professional contract, adds football experience and builds character.
“It’s such a short turnaround to London. We’ve just finished a World Cup and there’s potentially an Olympics next year. I’m sure all the players will look to gain whatever they can from their new environments to move the team forward.”
World Cup Football Ferns overseas
England
Emma Kete (Lincoln)
Hayley Moorwood (Chelsea)
Germany
Sarah Gregorius (Bad Neuenahr)
Amber Hearn (USV Jena)
Katie Hoyle (Bad Neuenahr)
Ria Percival (FFC Frankfurt)
Rebecca Smith (VfL Wolfsburg)
Sweden
Kirsty Yallop (Vittsjo)
USA
Betsy Hassett (UCAL Berkeley)
Ali Riley (Western New York Flash)
Rosie White (UCLA)
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
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