New Zealand Football have confirmed the 19-player squad for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2023, set to be played in Tahiti from 13-30 September 2023. 

The side will be coached for this tournament by Leon Birnie who returns to the head coach role after previously leading the U-17 team for two World Cup cycles, including to a historic 3rd place finish at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay. 

Natalie Lawrence had previously been set to be head coach but has decided to take a new role overseas starting in September.  

The full 19-player squad is:

Putri Ardana - Auckland United
Laura Bennett - Melville United
Mackenzie Bryant - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Sophie Campbell - Palmerston North Marist
Isla Cleall-Harding - Taradale AFC
Amber De Wit - Nomads United
Charli Dunn - Western Springs
Alyssha Eglinton - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Emily Humphrey - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Ela Jerez - Western Springs
Kara McGillivray - Auckland United
Kyra Morgan - Western Suburbs
Brooke Neary - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Angela Pivac - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Katie Pugh - Nelson Suburbs
Holly Robins - Wellington Phoenix Academy
Hannah Saxon - Eastern Suburbs
Pia Vlok - Auckland United
Natalie Young - Hamilton Wanderers

“I’m excited to get to work with this talented group of players and kick-off a new FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification cycle” says Birnie.

New Zealand have been drawn in Group B for the tournament alongside Cook Islands and Samoa, and kick-off the competition vs Cook Islands on 14 September 2023 at 4pm (local) / 15 September 2023 at 2pm (NZT). 

Article added: Monday 28 August 2023