The Wellington Phoenix have released Olivia Ingham from the remainder of her contract to allow her to take up an opportunity outside the Ninja A-League.
The attacking midfielder, 20, has signed with Oceania and National League champions Auckland United for the upcoming NRFL Women’s Premiership.
Ingham was the first female player to join the Phoenix academy in 2021 and signed a three-year scholarship deal with the club two years later, which was later upgraded to a full pro contract.
A serious knee injury delayed her A-League debut until March 2024 and she has gone on to make a further nine appearances for the Nix over the past two years.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Ingham for her contribution to the club.
“We’ve seen Liv literally grow up at the Phoenix since joining the academy as a 15-year-old when we were just starting our women’s development programme,” Gill said.
“She was the women’s academy player of the year in 2023 and thoroughly deserved her three-year contract with the first team.
“Unfortunately an ACL injury stunted Liv’s progress and she hasn’t been able to make the impact in the A-League she would have wanted.
“She has a great opportunity at Auckland United, who have the best amateur women’s programme in the country, and I look forward to following her progress.”
Olivia Ingham has fond memories of her time at the Phoenix.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the players and the coaching staff that I have been involved with over the past three years,” Ingham said. “And I wish them all the best for the rest of the season.
“I have enjoyed myself, learnt a lot and I’m very thankful to the club for supporting me through my rehab after rupturing my ACL.
“The time is now right for me to move on and continue my development.
“Thank you Wellington Phoenix for all the memories.”
