The Wellington Phoenix have secured one of New Zealand’s top young players from the country’s leading amateur women’s football club.
The Phoenix have signed Auckland United forward Pia Vlok on a three-year contract, the first two of which are on scholarship terms.
Vlok, 16, helped Auckland United win a remarkable four trophies last year and was named player of the match in the National League Championship grand final.
She was also named the best player at the 2024 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Fiji and went on to represent New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
New Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says the club is committed to investing in the most talented players in New Zealand.
“Pia has shown on many, many occasions her quality in big games both for Auckland United and for New Zealand, and her ability to contribute to a team,” Priestman said.
“I have a history of developing young players. It’s something I’m really passionate about and to help someone realise their true potential is extremely rewarding and exciting.
“I just can’t wait to see how Pia adapts and grows in an A-League squad and contributes to this team.
“Hopefully she can be a future Football Fern, and we will do everything we can to support that journey starting with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year.”
Pia Vlok visited the Phoenix’s training base at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) last week before she makes the move to Wellington in September.
“It’s a dream come true to sign with the Phoenix,” Vlok said. “I’ve been wanting this ever since I was little.
“I watch heaps of their games and my teammate at Auckland United, Chloe Knott, is a big inspiration for me and she was at the Phoenix so I could see it being a possibility for me.
“Coming here and seeing the facilities it’s now real. It’s a big step for my career, but I think I’m ready.
“The coaching staff and everyone involved seems super positive, and I’m really excited to be part of the Phoenix.”
Vlok is also excited by the club’s ambitions and is looking forward to showing Phoenix fans what she’s capable of.
“I like dribbling and all that and scoring some goals.
“With the Phoenix I hope to add my bit, see what we can do and try and win the league.”
She first started playing football at Three Kings United (now Auckland United) and spent time at Central United and Bucklands Beach AFC before rejoining Auckland United as a 12-year-old.
“Most of my development has been there. Everyone at the club, including all of the coaches, are so great.
“A special thanks to Jo Dawkins, he’s been a massive help for me.”
Vlok is also a year 12 student at Mt Albert Grammar School (MAGS) in Auckland and is following in the footsteps of Milly Clegg, who also joined the Phoenix while still at MAGS.
“It’s awesome. I’ve chatted to Milly a bit because she was at Bucklands Beach with me.
“It’s so cool to have someone to look up to.”
Pia Vlok is the 20th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League with the final few signings to be made before the squad assembles for pre-season training in September.
