Maia Vink has named her 23 player strong squad to take on the rest of the federations in the 2020 ISPS HANDA Women’s Premiership.  With the majority of last year’s squad included and the return of Football Fern, Anna Green, Vink will be looking to hit the ground running when they kick off on the 1^st of November against the NFF Lights.

“We’ve got a nicely balanced squad this year with experience in areas, and exciting youth bursting onto the scene as well” Vink commented.

“The return of Anna Green has been a huge boost, in addition to the current form of FFDP/Wellington Phoenix player Mickey Robertson, Under 20’s Charlotte Wilford-Carroll and Georgia Candy, we definitely have strengths across the park.”

“Capital have some promising young players coming through as well, the likes of Olivia Ingham, Pepi Olliver-Bell, Helena Errington and Nina Kondo are all putting their hands up to earn their place this season. They’ve brought an enthusiasm and zest which creates a fantastic energy within the group.”

“We learnt a lot from last year, and  13 of those players will be returning with one more year of confidence and experience for 2020.”

“This year we’ve shifted focus and with the support of local clubs we’ve worked with 43 players in different moments through the Winter Training Group. To see even more growth across the last 8 months is extremely positive and 10 new players have utilised those opportunities to earn their place in the squad. I want to thank everyone that has added value in different ways through the Winter Training Group. 

Appointed as Head Coach of the Capital Football Women’s Premiership team in February after her apprenticeship under Natalie Lawrence last Year, Vink was buoyed by the excitement of kicking off in November as Head Coach.

“I’m extremely humbled to be working with such a fantastic staff and wider player group. We are embracing the challenge that this season will bring as the league continues to get stronger across the country. 2020 has been an extraordinary year, with the whole football calendar in doubt at one point, we are happy that we can come together, get out there and really put our name forward as a competitor in this year’s Premiership, albeit in a condensed season.”

With last year’s golden boot Emma Rolston missing from the list, Vink will be looking elsewhere to find continuity upfront.

“We wish Rollo all the best, and celebrate her involvement in FFDP as she trains towards International events. We have adjusted the squad early, with American Kaley Ward leading the line and encouraging a creative presence through the rest of the team. I’ve been extremely impressed by the way the players have implemented learnings quickly, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so throughout the season.”

“The return of Anna Green and Mickey Robertson has brought experience only international players can bring. The exposure to that level of play for our younger players, is invaluable, especially in solidifying our attacking style of play.” 

“It has been a long pre season, with warm up games challenging us in all areas, so we are definitely ready to get the ball rolling come the first of November.”

Capital Football kick off their campaign away to the NFF Lights on November the 1^st, with their first home game on 7^th of November at Petone Memorial Park against Southern United, 1pm kick off.

CAPITAL FOOTBALL ISPS HANDA WOMEN'S PREMIER SHIP SQUAD

Goal Keepers

Alina Santos – Western Suburbs

Georgia Candy -  Waterside Karori

Molly Simons – Wellington United

Defenders

Anna Green – Lower Hutt AFC

Caelin Patterson – Petone FC

Ellen Fibbes – Petone FC

Hope Gilchrist – Wellington United

Jemma Roberston – Wellington United

Sarah Alder  - Wellington United

Molly Woodhead – Wairarapa United

Midfielders

Charlotte Wilford Carroll – Wellington United

Helena Errington – Western Suburbs

Katie Barrott – Wellington United

Mickey Robertson – Lower Hutt AFC

Nea Blackham – Wellington United

Nina Kondo – Wairarapa United / Island Bay United

Tui Dugan – Wairarapa United

Forwards

Dani Ohlsson – Wellington United

Kaley Ward – Waterside Karori

Libby Boobyer – Petone FC

Olivia Ingham – North Wellington FC

Pepi Olliver-Bell – Wellington United

Sam Whyte – Wairarapa United

Article added: Wednesday 21 October 2020