June Newsletter 

Young Football Ferns muscle up against boys 

After seven grading rounds, the Auckland U-15 boys’ championship is finally underway and the Young Football Ferns are hoping to become the first all-girl team to win the title. Paul Temple’s side started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Oratia United U-15 Boys two weeks ago and followed that up with a 2-1 win against Bay Olympic on Saturday. TV3 recently paid a visit to see how they feared against the boys and that video can be viewed here

“The boys’ league provides us with competition at an increased speed and intensity, there are also numerous physical challenges the players face,” Paul Temple said.

“There is also an unknown factor when we turn up each week, as every team plays differently and presents new challenges, and that element of ‘thinking on their feet’ is great practice for our players' overall football development.”

In their first league game Lauren Murray was the hero with a goal in the second half but Paul Temple said the defence did well to keep a clean sheet. Bridgette Armstrong at centre back was his player of the day.

The same two girls featured in the fixture on Saturday with Lauren scoring in the first half and Bridgette scoring in the second.

Captain of the Young Football Ferns Briony Fisher says the boys have mixed feelings about playing against girls.

“Before the game they're like 'oh it's just girls, we're gonna thrash them…and then afterwards they always tell us good luck for the World Cup and I'm expecting you to do great things.”

Striker Hannah Wall says the boys get particularly perturbed when they get knocked down or if a girl ‘nutmegs’ them. 
“They take it really badly and just come with more physicality and aggression.”

The Young Football Ferns continue their campaign against the boys through July and August. A copy of their schedule is attached below – so get out and support the girls!

Also watch out for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Auckland promotional team who will be at some of the games running competitions and letting you know how to get your tickets for the tournament starting October 28.
 

AFF/US1 15th Grade Boys League