Manaia Elliott

#21 MANAIA ELLIOTT – DOB 21/4/05

Manaia Elliott is one of the women’s four scholarship players for the 2023-24 A-League.

The winger has signed a three year contract with the Wellington Phoenix, with the first two years on scholarship terms.

Elliott joined the Phoenix academy from Melville United AFC in Hamilton at the start of 2022, with her parents following her to the capital soon after.

“It was such a great opportunity to move to the academy,” Elliott said.

“Paul [Temple], Katie [Barrott] and Callum [Holmes] have taught me so much already and I am so grateful for the belief they have in me.

“My parents have been so supportive of me throughout this journey too and this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

> 2022-23 season

Manaia Elliott captained the Young Football Ferns at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, starting all three of their group matches.

Elliott was a key part of the women’s reserves side in 2023 and led New Zealand to an eighth OFC U-19 Women’s Championship title in July.

“I’ve been able to pick up a few leadership roles with the under-17s and the under-19s, which has helped me massively.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to bring that into the Phoenix first team. I have a new perspective and a good tactical awareness of the game.”