The Wellington Phoenix have a strong presence in the New Zealand squad named for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Nine of the 21-strong squad are Phoenix players, headlined by first team squad members Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Olivia Ingham.Academy players Aimee Danieli, Marie Green, Ella McCann, Ella McMillan and Rebekah Trewhitt have also been selected.
All nine are currently playing for the Phoenix reserves, who made it to the final four of the Kate Sheppard Cup before being knocked out by reigning National League champions Auckland United.
It will be McMeeken’s second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup while Elliott, Ingham, Danieli, Green, McCann, McMillan and Trewhitt were all part of Leon Birnie’s squad at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
Phoenix academy female development lead Callum Holmes has congratulated all of the Nix players on their selection.
“We are delighted to have nine players going away to represent New Zealand,” Holmes said. It’s testament to all of the hard work the players put in each day to get better.
“Seeing players represent their country is a proud moment for all their friends and family, and the staff here at the academy. We couldn’t be prouder.
“I am really excited to watch the players showcase their ability on the world stage, and I wish Leon and the team all the best.”
Former Phoenix players Milly Clegg and Helena Errington have also been selected, while head of female academy sports science Issy Coombes is part of the team’s staff.
New Zealand will play Japan in their opening match in Bogotá on Tuesday, September 3 (NZT) before playing Austria at the same venue on Friday, September 6 (NZT). They will then travel to Cali to play Ghana in their final group match three days later.
New Zealand squad for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia (Phoenix players in bold):
Amber Bennett Cashmere Technical AFC, NZ, Zoe Benson Eastern Suburbs AFC, NZ, Kiara Bercelli U.C Sampdoria, Italy, Daisy Brazendale Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Milly Clegg Racing Louisville FC, USA, Lara Colpi BSC Young Boys, Switzerland, Aimee Danieli Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Manaia Elliott Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Helena Errington Bentleigh Greens SC, Australia, Ella Findlay Western Springs AFC, NZ, Marie Green Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Suya Haering FFC Turbine Potsdam, Germany, Olivia Ingham Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Maddie Iro High Point University, USA, Ella McCann Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Zoe McMeeken Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Ella McMillan Wellington Phoenix, NZ, Ruby Nathan Auckland United, NZ
Olivia Page Sheffield United FC, England, Emma Pijnenburg Feyenoord Rotterdam, Netherlands, Rebekah Trewhitt Wellington Phoenix, NZ.
