The Wellington Phoenix have bolstered their women’s squad by signing four players to youth development agreements.
Forwards Lily Brazendale and Grace Bartlett plus goalkeeper Harriet Muller have all earned their chance with the Phoenix first team after impressing in the academy, while attacker Zoe Benson has joined from Auckland United.
Brazendale, Benson (both 19) and Bartlett (18) were all part of the New Zealand side that won the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Tahiti in September to qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with Muller (17) representing New Zealand at the recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Head coach Bev Priestman believes the signings show the strong pathway there is for young female footballers in Wellington.
“We’re very lucky as a club,” she said. “We have alignment top to bottom and we have an unbelievable academy.
“You’ve got Tory Schiltgen who is the head coach of the reserves in our A-League staff, so that alignment really helps.
“I’m really thrilled to be able to put three YDAs on the table, and hopefully they become more than that in the future.”
Brazendale has already made her A-League debut from the bench against Newcastle Jets, while Bartlett was on the bench against Melbourne Victory, and more chances to play will likely arrive.
“These players know there’s a huge opportunity available to them. You’ve already seen young players get an opportunity and grab it with both hands.
“Trying to make a matchday squad every week means that training matters to every player.
“We want to develop players along the way. Healthy competition does that. It helps players find a new level of consistency.
“We want to develop Kiwi talent. It’s a big part of the club’s philosophy.”
For Benson, the signing marks a banner week after she scored the winning goal for Auckland United in the Dettol Women’s National League final and was named player of the match.
“Zoe’s been a long-term discussion for the academy.
“She’s done very well for New Zealand U-20s, she’s done very well for Auckland United and is probably one of the biggest prospects in New Zealand.
“Her plan was always to come down and join the academy. We got her in after the injuries and looked at her, and she fits in so well.
“What I’ve seen so far is she’s very technical and has end product. Any young player that has that, we’re excited to see.”
There are now 28 players in the Wellington Phoenix first team squad.
The women will return to action on Sunday against last season’s premiers Melbourne City in Melbourne.
