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Warkworth footballer Joy Alinese has set her sights on representing NZ at the highest level after playing in the NZ team that won an Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) tournament in Fiji this month.
The Mahurangi College student played in NZ’s first-ever side to compete in the Under-15 Girls Youth Development competition.
They took out the tournament after defeating Samoa 12-0 in the final.
Alinese, who plays for the Hibiscus Coast Football Club, said she was delighted with her first call-up and the title.
“The experience was really enjoyable and memorable,” she said. “Football is my life – it means the world to me. I hope to reach the highest levels of football, both in and outside New Zealand.”
Joy started playing football in Warkworth when she was six and most of her daily routine revolves around the game.
“In preparation for this tournament, I trained with my one-on-one coach, Connor Passingham. As a team, despite being from different areas across the country and not knowing each other, our chemistry was incredible.”
The Oceania tournament is designed to provide young footballers with the experience of an international tournament format.
New Zealand Football (NZF) girls’ pathway lead, Alana Gunn, said it was a good opportunity to participate in this type of competition, meet other players and build a team with a strong identity.
