An early Christmas present for Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple.
The Phoenix have signed versatile midfielder Amelia Abbott for the remainder of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League, finalising his first team squad.
Abbott, 23, has signed her maiden pro contract with the Nix after four years at the University of Texas, the last two years of which the Longhorns won the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournaments back-to-back.
She was a key member of the New Zealand side that memorably finished third at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay in 2018, playing alongside the likes of Mackenzie Barry, Macey Fraser and Anna Leat, and scored one of the goals of the tournament in their quarter-final against Japan.
Temple is thrilled Abbott has returned home to play for the Phoenix.“Amelia was part of that now famous U-17 group that won a bronze medal but sometimes in football it ends up being ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” he said.
“She went off to a top college programme in the States and has fallen off the radar a little bit because we dont have access to those leagues, so it’s exciting to have her back in New Zealand and in the A-League.
“I think our fans can expect to see an all-action player. Recently she’s played as a centre back and as a defensive midfield player so that provides us options in the squad.
“She’s got great all-round ability as a player and as an athlete, she’s determined and wants to kick on and start her professional career post college.”
Amelia Abbott is looking forward to starting her pro journey at the Phoenix.
“I’m super excited and happy that I’ve been given this chance,” Abbott said. “Through the last few years I’ve enjoyed watching the Nix play. I’ve tried to keep track of everything from America.
“I’ve had friends in the team and being the only pro team in New Zealand I’ve had my eye on them.
“Even now I know a lot of the girls on the team. It’s been nice coming in and feeling really welcomed and comfortable with a lot of them.
“I’m coming in mid-season so anything I can do to help this season would be awesome and try and be a positive impact.
“I’m not going to put a lot of pressure on myself. I want to enjoy what I can with the girls and make as much as I can out of this opportunity I’ve got.”
She previously played with Annalie Longo, Rebecca Lake, Zoe McMeeken and Alyssa Whinham at the Canterbury Pride and did some coaching with Daisy Brazendale and Ella McCann in Nelson.
“That was quite cool catching up with Daisy and Ella and now being alongside them as a player.
“It’s been fun being like ‘oh my gosh we can all play together now’.
“Growing up in Nelson we didn’t think we’d be able to play professional football in New Zealand but it’s been exciting to see players from all over the country play for the Phoenix.”
Abbott played one match for the Football Ferns in 2021 and is keen to put herself back into consideration for national team selection.
“I’ve been out of the picture for a while but if that was ever an opportunity again I’d really enjoy it.
“I feel like I’ve been there working in the background for a while so it will be exciting to have more of an opportunity for myself.
“It’s nice to be back in New Zealand where everyone is watching a little bit more and I can have a better chance to show what I’m capable of.”
Amelia Abbott has arrived in Wellington after sitting the final exam of her psychology and business degree at Texas last week. She will wear the no. 8 shirt for the Phoenix.
