Young Rovers heading for higher trails
TWO teenage girls with promising football careers ahead of them have earned the chance to represent their country in the sport.
Amy Hislop (17), of Alexandra, has been selected for a New Zealand under17 development camp next month, while Nieve Collin (15), of Queenstown, has been selected for the New Zealand secondary schools under15 team.
The national junior team to play at the Under17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay from November 13 to December 1 will be chosen from those at the development camp.
Amy, a Dunstan High School pupil, said her reaction to the news was ‘‘disbelief’’ and ‘‘utter excitement’’ at the prospect of playing in a World Cup.
‘‘It’s a longtime goal of mine. It has taken a lot of hard work,’’ she said.
‘‘It takes a bit of adjusting, I guess, but I am just going to try my best and do a lot more fitness and see what happens.
‘‘It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the World Cup.
‘‘I really wanted it since I learnt to play football.’’
She added that last year she was even considering quitting football, but she ‘‘could not stay away’’ from playing the sport she loves.
Amy, who has played for Queenstown Rovers for five seasons, will head to the camp in Auckland from July 1720.
About 23 girls have been invited to the camp and 21 players are expected to be picked for the World Cup squad, as well as nontravelling reserves.
The talented young striker used to play for Alexandra before Queenstown and also played Rippa rugby when she was younger.
Nieve, another Rovers player who is reaching new heights in the sport, will play in the New Zealand secondary schools under15 side that will play other national school teams in a tournament in Sydney on July 814.
This is Nieve’s second season playing for Queenstown Rovers and the tournament will be her first time playing football outside New Zealand.
‘‘I was really proud that I am the only girl in the region for my age group to be picked,’’ the Wakatipu High School pupil said.
‘‘I have never really played with the girls so it will be good to see how we can work together.
‘‘I think my height and how determined I am got me there.’’
The striker/midfielder said her ability to play in multiple positions was one of her biggest strengths on the pitch.
Both girls have been training regularly in Queenstown and preparing to face the challenge next month. THE buildup is over, the day is finally here.
After months of preparation, the Southern Football League begins today.
Queenstown FC — one of the three southern qualifiers — kicks off proceedings today in Christchurch against Cashmere Technical.
Southern fans will get their first taste of action tomorrow, when Dunedin Technical hosts Southland United at the Caledonian Ground.
In the other two matchups, Ferrymead Bays plays Nomads United and Nelson Suburbs hosts Coastal Spirit.
Southern premiership champion Dunedin Tech will probably be among the contenders.
Alongside a handy young core, it made four key signings last weekend.
They came in Southern United’s Irish contingent of Conor O’Keeffe, Stephen Last, Danny Ledwith and Garbhan Coughlan.
Tim McLennan — the golden boot from the Football South premiership — adds goalscoring ability, while experienced midfielder Andy Coburn will also be key.
Coach Tony Martin said the side was eager to get started and he was expecting a high level of football.
‘‘It will certainly be a lift in intensity and a lift in the level of competition,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re looking forward to that because it’s an opportunity to make ourselves better.’’
Looking to upset Tech’s start is Southland United. In just its second year as a club, it claimed a spot in the league after a close race for the top three.
Coach Luis Pavia said the side had experienced some player turnover midway through the season, but had adapted well.
Hayato Wakina would be among its key players. In his second year with the club, the Japanese striker is capable of being creative and can turn a tight game.
He also brings national league experience, having played for Hawke’s Bay United.
Other key players would be James Tucker, who is back from Austria, and Bob Cox, who has developed this year and put in some strong performances.
‘‘We don’t have much pressure,’’ Pavia said. ‘‘It’s our second year as a club. It was really good to qualify for the South Island league in our second year.
‘‘Now we want to play well, we want to be known as a team who offers some good performances, we want the players to enjoy this opportunity. But we have no pressure to win the South Island league this year.’’
Queenstown’s trip to Christchurch to play Cashmere Tech gives it arguably the toughest start of any team.
However, coach Jamie Whitmarsh hopes to make that a positive by using it to gauge the standard.
The side was the pick of the teams in the Football South league for the first half of the competition, before losing its way towards the end.
However, it rallied to beat Dunedin Tech in its final game to qualify for the Southern League.
The travel factor might not have much effect, the team being used to travelling.
Games are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays until the season’s end on September 2.