Three Wellington Phoenix academy players have been named in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti.
Left back Daniel Nelson, midfielder Joe McIntyre and striker Jack Perniskie have been selected in the final 23 for the tournament which starts late next month.
Nelson and McIntyre play for the Phoenix U18 side in the Capital 1 division, while Perniskie plays for the academy’s U19s in the Capital Premier League.
“We’re proud to see Dan, Joe and Jack selected for the New Zealand U16s,” Phoenix academy head of player pathways Brad Bicknell said.
“Their selection is a testament to their hard work and character.
“We wish the team all the best for the qualifying campaign and look forward to watching them in Tahiti.”
The winner, runner up and third place from the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship will qualify for the expanded 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
New Zealand have been drawn in Group A at the tournament alongside Fiji, Vanuatu and Cook Islands.
They will play Vanuatu in their opening match on Monday, July 29 NZT before facing Fiji on the following Thursday (August 1 NZT) and Cook Islands on Sunday, August 4 NZT.
All games will be played at Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti.
