Olivia Ingham

#19 OLIVIA INGHAM – DOB 9/11/05

Olivia Ingham has come through the Wellington Phoenix academy to secure one of the four scholarship places in the women’s squad for the 2023-24 A-League.

The attacking midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix, the first two of which are on scholarship terms.

Ingham was the first female player to join the academy in 2021, after coming through the ranks at North Wellington FC.

She is the academy’s reigning women’s player of the year, having scored and created goals for the club’s reserves and represented New Zealand at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

> 2022-23 season

Olivia Ingham ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in the last game of the 2022 season and was forced to sit out the reserves’ 2023 campaign.

Ingham was announced as one of the women’s four scholarship players a few days out from the start of pre-season is looking forward to returning to the pitch.

“It’s really exciting to have signed my first pro contract,” Ingham said. “I’ve been working hard for the past few seasons trying to strive towards the A-League.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity and it’s cool for all of the girls at the academy that there is a pathway into the first team.

“It’s really beneficial for them to see that it is possible if you believe in yourself, take in what the coaches are saying and enjoy your football.”