The Wellington Phoenix have added to their women’s squad for the 2026-27 season with four youth development agreements.Â
Striker Lily Brazendale, midfielder Sienna Candy, defender Freya Des Fountain, and goalkeeper Addie Ferris will all be part of the first team after being elevated from the academy.
Bev Priestman believes the quartet are in the perfect place to develop.
“I’m delighted to reward the hard work of people who have been in our reserves and academy,” she said.
“There’s a few of those players who have been putting in a hard shift for a couple of years now and have done well in recent months.
“We felt it’s important for their long-term development to have a hybrid model where they are really challenged with us, but also get confidence and game time with the reserve program.”
Lily Brazendale, 20, made her A-League debut off the bench against the Newcastle Jets last season, and has represented New Zealand up to U-20 level, including netting against Japan at the U-20 World Cup this year.
“Someone like Lily last year, everyone got to see what she can bring off the bench.
“She’s got pace that is difficult to compete with in the women’s game, and I think Lily at her best can be a threat going forward. She showed that on the world stage at the U-20s.”
Sienna Candy, 18, has been part of the Phoenix academy since 2021, and has been selected for New Zealand up to U-17 level.
She scored the opening goal against Eastern Suburbs during the women’s preseason.Â
“Sienna is a real technical player that I think has always stood out whenever I’ve watched the reserves.
“She can play passes, turn and wriggle out pressure in the midfield. I think she has a really bright future.”
Freya Des Fountain, 18, hails from Dunedin and was part of the 2024 Southern United squad in National League before joining the Nix.
She was also selected for New Zealand for the 2026 U-20 World Cup.
“Freya really excites me because she has a really high ceiling. Athletically she is very gifted but also her ability to defend, evade pressure and drive as a centre-back, she fits all the modern-day profiles.
“For someone who’s come all the way up from Dunedin, it’s a great accomplishment to be rewarded with this YDA.”
Addie Ferris, 17, joined the Nix academy at the start of 2026 from Northern Rovers and was a regular for the Nix U-18s in the Dettol Central League season.
“We wanted to provide a young goalkeeper the opportunity to learn from the incredible three goalkeepers who are in our program right now.
“You look at Addie and the work she’ll be doing under Brooke in the reserves, it’ll be a really good learning experience for her and her long-term development.”
The Wellington Phoenix women’s season kicks off at 12.15pm on Sunday, October 18 against Melbourne City at Hnry Stadium.
