Over a third of the junior Football Ferns squad competing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup come from the Phoenix, with eight ‘Nix named in the side.
Mikaela Bangalan, Zoe Benson, Lily Brazendale, Freya Des Fountain, Alyssha Eglinton, Mackenzie Greene, Brooke Neary, and Pia Vlok will all represent New Zealand in Poland during the tournament.
The Ferns will be aiming to progress past the group stage for the first time since they reached the quarterfinals in 2014.
New Zealand have been drawn in Group D alongside three-time winners United States of America, three-time consecutive finalists Japan, and Italy.
Head coach Callum Holmes is excited to take on the challenge of a tough group.
“These players have earned the chance to represent New Zealand on the world stage and we’re looking forward to seeing them challenge themselves against some of the best young players in the world,” he said.
The U-20 Football Ferns kick off their tournament against Japan at Monday, September 7th.
They then face Italy on Thursday, September 10th, before closing out the group stage against the USA on Sunday, September 13th.
All their matches kick off at 1am NZT, and will be available to watch on TVNZ+.
