The next generation of Football Ferns got their kicks at the NZ Football ferns game against Switzerland in Dunedin on Sunday evening (July 30). 

Coach of the under nine AUFC girls team Liz Conway said the experience at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) was amazing.

“We survived, thrived, stressed and cheered all weekend.”

A good contingent of the team travelled with their families to the Ferns’ game, and some attended another game late last week as well.

The girls managed to meet up at Forsyth Barr stadium to share in the excitement and atmosphere of the tournament.

Kendra, Juna, Maia and Liz 

Maia got a selfie with one of the Argentine players during Friday’s game against South Africa 

Argentina supporter and AUFC player Alexis and Maia

Another small group of eight year old girls got together in Alexandra to watch the Ferns’ game, and they were glued to the action for the entire 90 minutes according to their parents. 

Getting their cheer on: Kate, Sienna, Ashleigh and Ali

Angie, mum to Annie (8), said it was awesome for the girls to see that if they stick at something perhaps this is where they will end up - representing their country.

Ellie, Monnie, Annie and Aurelia at Forsyth Barr

Kendra, mum to Juna (8), said her daughter is “really into analysing the games… and it gives her both knowledge and motivation”.

AUFC player Alyssa said the number of people at the game made her realise how many people play and how many people now want to play.

“I have friends who don’t play who now want to play football. It has inspired me to play harder against the boys and practise my headers because we saw how much people use headers.”

AUFC player Kate’s rugby mad little brother has bought himself a soccer ball, mum Monique said.

“[It's] really cool to see [the Football Ferns] inspiring girls and boys alike.”

Girls’ soccer skills training is likely to be on offer in term four in Alexandra, anyone interested should get in touch with AUFC or follow the club on Facebook.  

AUFC president Aaron Dykes said at the end of season prizegiving that they are expecting the number of girls registering for 2024 to jump, and this would be great for the club and women’s football as a whole. 

Despite being out of the FIFA WWC running due to Sunday’s draw, the Football Ferns have attracted many new fans to the sport. 

Read more: Day to remember at football for rural Central schools.  

PHOTOS: Liz Conway / Supplied