Futsal Ferns head coach Nic Downes has named a 14-player squad to represent New Zealand at a three-nation tournament in the Philippines.
The tournament, which will run from October 18-22, 2023, will provide the Futsal Ferns with their first full international fixtures since 2019.
Main photo: The last time the Futsal Ferns played a full international was in China in 2019.
They will meet Indonesia and the Philippines, playing at least three matches at the PFF Women’s Tri-Nation Futsal Invitational Tournament.
Four players get their first call-ups to the New Zealand squad.
National champions Papakura City provide five players, while four play for top London club Bloomsbury.
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New Zealand squad
Player/club/NZ appearances/goals
Sarah Alder | Capital Futsal, NZ | 3 Caps / 1 Goals
Shivanthi Anthony | Papakura City, NZ | 6 Caps / 2 Goals
Libby Boobyer | Capital Futsal, NZ | 0 Caps / 0 Goals*
Danielle Bradley | Melbourne Evolution FC, Australia | 3 Caps / 0 Goals
Jordana Bremner | Papakura City, NZ | 0 Caps / 0 Goals*
Maxine Cooper | Papakura City, NZ | 6 Caps / 6 Goals
Mackenzie Falco | Canterbury United Pride, NZ | 0 Caps / 0 Goals*
Emily Gillion | Papakura City, NZ | 0 Caps / 0 Goals*
Francesca Grange | Bloomsbury Futsal, England | 3 Caps / 0 Goals
Ella James | Papakura City, NZ | 3 Caps / 2 Goals
Hannah Kraakman | Bloomsbury Futsal, England | 3 Caps / 5 Goals
Tessa Leong | Bloomsbury Futsal, England | 3 Caps / 0 Goals
Dayna Manak | Bloomsbury Futsal, England | 6 Caps / 4 Goals
Britney-Lee Nicholson | Canterbury United Pride, NZ | 6 Caps / 5 Goals
* Indicates their first Futsal Ferns’ call-up.
The tournament marks the start of New Zealand’s campaign to qualify for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
The Oceania region will be allocated one place at the World Cup and while the qualification process has yet to be confirmed, it’s likely to mirror the pathway for the 2024 FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup.
New Zealand’s Futsal Whites qualified for the men’s World Cup by winning the 2023 OFC Futsal Nations Cup.
Futsal Ferns head coach Nic Downes told NZ Football’s website:
“It’s been far too long between games, and the squad are all really looking forward to being back on court.
“(The Women’s Futsal World Cup) was the missing piece of the puzzle, in more ways than one.
“It gives us that end goal and creates opportunities where that hasn’t been before. Now, we can finally put our plans in place to build towards that event.
“It’s a huge announcement, not just for us in New Zealand, but for all female futsal players around the world, current and future. To finally have the pinnacle event for the world’s best to compete against each other is a wonderful thing.”
All games from the Manila tournament will be live-streamed.
Fixtures
PFF Women’s Tri-Nation Futsal Invitational Tournament
All games to be played at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila
Game to be played on Wednesday October 18, 9pm (NZT)
Indonesia v New Zealand
Game to be played on Thursday October 19, 11pm (NZT)
Philippines v Indonesia
Game to be played on Friday October 20, 11pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Philippines
Game to be played on Saturday October 21, 9pm (NZT)
2nd place v 3rd place
Game to be played on Sunday October 22, 9pm (NZT)
1st place v winner of 2nd/3rd play-off
Futsal Whites qualify for World Cup
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