Nine of the Young Football Ferns have been selected in the New Zealand U-20 squad – the Junior Football Ferns – to compete in Chile this week. The Junior Ferns are preparing for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which starts 30 November, 2008, in Chile.

Bridgette Armstrong, Caitlin Campbell, Victoria Esson, Bri Fisher, Annalie Longo, Sarah McLaughlin, Rosie White, Hannah Wall and Charlotte Wood all made John Herdman’s U-20 side which is playing a quadrangular tournament in Santiago involving Chile, Mexico and Canada.

Coach Paul Temple says he was extremely proud when he found out nine of his U-17 squad were selected.

"This represents how far these girls have come over the past 18 months and also highlights the talent we have in the younger age groups,” he says.

“These players have been selected on merit so it’s encouraging to see them progressing well.”

He also believes the Young Ferns will compete well, despite being younger than most of the players they come up against.

“They have been training hard all year and have good players around them with a little more international experience.  John Herdman is also a top class coach and will add things to their game so there is no reason why they can’t perform in Chile."

The New Zealand U-20 side has been given an intriguing group for November’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Chile, landing England, Nigeria and the host nation.

By landing the hosts, the Junior Football Ferns have dodged powerhouses Brazil and avoided top seeds USA, Germany and defending champions North Korea.

However, head coach John Herdman says initial relief with the draw was tempered by news of recent results.

“Chile have been preparing for this event for the last two years,” Herdman said.

“They’ve beaten both England and Norway recently – and England were second only to Germany in Europe – so their investment in the team is paying dividends. Throw in the African champions Nigeria and it’s a very tough group, but that’s our reality. There are no easy games at a World Cup."

For all the results from their warm up matches in Chile this week, go to www.nzfootball.co.nz 

From Young Ferns to Junior Ferns...