Top women’s soccer in town

Top women’s football comes to Cambridge next Sunday as John Kerkhof Park hosts the first of three National Women’s League matches.

The matches are part of the country’s top domestic competition for women footballers and will see full internationals and members of the New Zealand U-20 and U-17s play in Cambridge.

Representing the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Loaded WaiBOP will play three games in Cambridge, against Capital (October 16), Auckland (November 6) and Canterbury United Pride (November 20).

All these Sunday games kick off at 1pm. WaiBOP have announced that former Football Fern Helen Arjomandi will lead their attack this season.

Her ability to score goals at club, regional and national level saw her become a regular for the Football Ferns, earning 25 caps for her country.

She also represented the New Zealand U-20s at the 2006 World Cup in Russia.

Head Coach Barry Gardiner said Arjomandi’s involvement is a coup for the team.

‘‘I’m delighted to have Helen with us for the summer. I think we all are,’’ explained Gardiner.

‘‘Her leadership and presence will be great for the group, in terms of helping get results as well bringing performances out of the team across the board.

‘‘Just having her on the field will give everyone the confidence to go out and play the way we know we can. And I’m sure she’ll chip in with a few goals too.’’

Arjomandi returns after taking a break from football during the 2015 NWL and the 2016 winter club season.

She last played for WaiBOP in 2014 when she scored 10 goals in the three games she played during a season in which her availability was impacted due to national team commitments.

Joining Arjomandi in Loaded WaiBOP’s attacking ranks are Claudelands Rovers trio Leah Gubb, Ella Golding and Maxine Rawnsley.