On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea Women will take on an Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI at Eden Park, Auckland. This unique fixture is part of a broader International Football Festival that aims to showcase the growth of women's football in New Zealand.
The Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI features several well-known Wellington Phoenix players such as Mackenzie Barry and Abby Erceg, who will be representing Auckland against their club rivals from London. Other notable names include Makala Woods, Grace Jale, and Pia Vlok, who are part of the A-League Women All Stars side that will face Chelsea in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The match will be coached by former Football Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, with a squad including Liz Anton, Olivia Chance, and others. Bindon believes this encounter is an incredible experience for younger players like Laura Bennett, who can learn from playing alongside established stars such as Ellie Carpenter and Lucy Bronze.
Chelsea Women, the eight-time Women's Super League champions, will field a star-studded team featuring England internationals Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren James. Among them is Katie McCabe, who recently joined Chelsea after spending 10 years with Arsenal. McCabe praised New Zealand’s fan base, noting the strong support for women's football following events like the 2023 World Cup.
Chelsea right back Ellie Carpenter also highlighted the importance of bringing top-level football to countries like New Zealand and Australia. She hopes that this match can help boost women's football in these regions and inspire future generations of players.
The event is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting women’s football, with support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The fixture represents an exciting step forward for women's football in New Zealand, showcasing its potential to grow and thrive on the international stage.
