Mackenzie Barry

DOB 11/4/01

> History

Mackenzie Barry was one of five players who joined the Phoenix women for their inaugural season from New Zealand Football’s Future Ferns Domestic Programme (FFDP).

The centre back went on to lead the Nix in clearances, blocks and interceptions during the 2021-22 A-League.

Barry featured in 12 of the team’s matches and captained the Phoenix in the absence of club skipper Lily Alfeld and vice-captain Kate Taylor.

Her performances caught the eye of Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková, who named Barry in the New Zealand squad for June’s internationals against Norway and Wales.

She went on to make her Football Ferns debut against Japan in October 2022 and has been a regular in national team squads since.

Barry was part of the history-making New Zealand team that claimed a bronze medal at the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay.

Originally from New Plymouth, Barry played for Central Football and Northern Lights in the national women’s premiership before joining the Nix.

In the 22-23 season, she was one of just three Nix players to start all 18 of the team’s matches and was substituted just once.

She signed a new two-year deal with the Phoenix in June 2023.

> 2023-24 season

Mackenzie Barry was again a crucial player for the Phoenix in her third season at the club, starting 19 of the team’s matches.

She became the first player to reach 50 games for the club in their final round match against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Barry again led the team in most defensive statistical categories, and was a consistent presence in a season where a number of other defenders suffered injuries.

Barry also continued to be a regular in Football Ferns squads and was selected for the Paris Olympics.

She scored the team’s first goal of the tournament, opening the scoring against Canada with a rasping shot from a corner.