Versatile Football Fern Ria Percival recently made history by bringing up her 150th international appearance, becoming the first ever New Zealander to do so.

We caught up with Ria to find out how she feels about writing herself into the record books and to reflect on her remarkable career so far. 

How does it feel to have reached such a significant milestone? 
I can’t really put into words what this means to me. Being part of this team now for 14 years, I have been here since the age of 16, and still remember vividly my very first game. So to see how far I’ve come and what I’ve achieved is something I’m very proud of. I’m not one who likes attention and a fuss being made over but I’m very honoured, humbled and proud to have achieved this. 

You are the first New Zealander to ever play this many games, how do you feel about that? 
To be the first and only footballer, male or female, to reach this milestone so far is something special. But I think especially being female it shows that working hard, pushing yourself and committing to this game over the years pays off. It isn’t easy and takes a lot of dedication and commitment but also makes you realise anything and everything is possible if you want it badly enough. I think the growth in women’s football is only on the rise and it will just keep getting bigger and better with the years to come. Achieving this hopefully gives females someone to look up to and something to work towards in each of their own journeys playing football.

It wasn’t the result you were hoping for in your 150th appearance but how did you enjoy the occasion? 
Although it was an amazing achievement and a massive milestone, I also saw it as just another game representing my country and striving and pushing towards our goals moving forward, especially preparing for the Olympics. I’m just taking it year-by-year, being a senior player and having more of a leadership role in the team, my focus is helping the younger players coming through to develop, grow and work on themselves to becoming the best footballers they can be. But also off-the-pitch support and growth is massive so I’m trying to help them there in any way I can.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career so far? 
My family have been my rock over the years and have always supported me throughout my whole career. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. I get emotional just thinking of them as I take time to reflect and think about this whole journey knowing they have been right with me all the way. I also have to mention my fiancee, I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of her, through thick and thin she is still there supporting me. A massive thank you to all my friends and family that are all over the world, friends I have made through different clubs over the years that still follow my career and support me through my journey. A shout out also has to go to my first club in New Zealand all those years ago, Lynn-Avon United. Playing in a women’s team and senior league at the age of 14 or 15 alongside national team players helped me mature and grow as a footballer. Last but not least is my Football Ferns family, we have had many highs and lows throughout the years – many memories created and shared that will stay with me forever.

Do you have a favourite game or moment that you’ve had for the Football Ferns and why?
It’s hard for me to really pick out one or a certain moment I’m proud of, every time I step onto the pitch to represent my country is an honour and something I’m proud of, whether it be a World Cup or Olympics, or just a friendly game. I suppose I would have to highlight attending my first World Cup and Olympics at the ages of 17 and 18, that’s something I’m proud of and will always remember vividly. On a club level, it would have to be playing in the UEFA Champions League final back in 2011 with FFC Frankfurt, that’s a vivid one. 

Why do you think you’ve been able to enjoy such a long career at the highest level?
I think the importance of staying fit and healthy is the key. The way you have to manage, look after and take care of yourself is the main thing to play at this level. The opportunities I have had over the years to experience and play in all different leagues and clubs around the world has been incredible, each country has a different style of football so to have played in so many different countries has allowed me to work on different parts of my game over the years. 

What advice would you give to young players? 
I would say it isn’t easy but it’s worth it. It takes hard work, graft, commitment, sacrifice, dedication and a self-belief in yourself. If you want it enough you will go above and beyond to become the best player you can be, when things are tough you will keep pushing through, you may have to sacrifice time with friends or having the freedom to do other things but that’s part of becoming a professional footballer. My main point is that you have to have fun, you have to enjoy it, because if you don’t then what’s the point? I’ve been playing football for 19 years now and I can still say I enjoy it just as much now as I did when I was 11-years-old. Dream big and believe in yourself, football can take you all around the world and give you many amazing experiences. 

What do you enjoy most about being in the Football Ferns environment and what makes the team special to you?
The Football Ferns environment is something I can’t put into words or describe really. I call it my second family or coming together and being with my sisters. We are all so close and get on so well, the bond we have is something I haven’t felt anywhere else. Anyone new coming in would feel like they have been there for a while and we try to make them feel at home and comfortable as quickly as possible. The girls mean so much to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Article added: Wednesday 08 April 2020