The 2020 NZ U-20 Camp selections have been made, and here at Football South we would like to congratulate everyone selected, especially four of our local players!

The Women’s players invited to attend the Women’s U-20 Camp are Hannah Mackay-Wright, Ruby Anderson, and Rose Morton – all who have played for Dunedin Technical AFC in the 2020 Women’s Premier League.

Rose Morton was selected, however due to crossing over with exams is unable to attend. We wish her well for future selections!

Hannah Mackay-Wright is nearing completion of her second year playing for Dunedin Tech. She has been a rising star from a young age, being a part of the NZ U17 campaign, which had qualifiers in 2017. Hannah went to Uruguay for the World Cup in 2018, and U20 World Cups qualifiers last year.

Whilst following her passion for the sport and showing commitment to playing at a competitive level, Hannah has been selected for the NZ U20 camp which will be held in Auckland from 12^th – 15^th October 2020.

“Football has always been a big part of my life, and I feel as though my passion is always fuelled from the enjoyment I get whilst playing, as well as all the friendships and opportunities that football provides,” she said.

“I’m pretty stoked to be selected! Like always, its something you are constantly working towards, and proves to me that I am still part of the squad.

“Having confirmation that there is a camp happening this year is exciting, as having things still happening leading up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup is good sign that it will still be able to go ahead, aiding the motivation to keep up the hard work.”

Hannah has set some key goals for the October camp, and is looking forward to seeing where she is in comparison to the rest of the group, which will help her see what standard she needs to be working at.

“I want to try and push myself in the group, and show that I have been working hard down South here, to put myself in the best position for whatever selection is next.”

The dream for Hannah would be to go pro overseas, and play high level football for as long as she still enjoys playing. Being at University, her next step is to look at getting into a high performance environment and see what opportunities arise.

Hannah has a lot of great role models who have supported her along the football journey, including one of her earlier coaches Ryan Stewart, who pushed her talent when she was younger, and passed on knowledge of the game which has helped her be where she is today.

Hannah Mackay-Wright (Left)

 

Ruby Anderson has also accepted her selection into the U20 camp, and is feeling very excited yet nervous saying; “I’m happy I have been given this opportunity to go out there and try my best!”

Ruby has played for Dunedin Tech for three seasons, who are once again 2020 WPL title holders after a smashing season being undefeated with only one fixture remaining.

“From a young age I knew I loved football, as my brothers and Stepdad have always played, meaning each year I have had great opportunities.

“Football keeps me busy! I play not only for the competitive side, but also for the fun. Working towards my goals allows me to keep my passion alive, and see where it leads”

Ruby aims to learn a lot at the camp, and have a great time. She has set a goal to go in with confidence, setting her standards high, and do the best she can.

Her long term goal is to make a NZ Women’s team – which is an exciting goal to have with the future of Women’s football looking so bright here in NZ.

Cam Anderson who plays for SPL Mosgiel AFC is Ruby’s older brother, and biggest role model.

“Cam has always been very competitive with me growing up, and we always have had kicks together, trained together, and he has given me a lot of advice along the way.

“My club team Dunedin Tech also has been a great influence who have allowed me to play for them, even though I am based at home in Timaru.

“I look up to the older girls in my team, as they are great role models.

“Graeme Smail was my first Tech coach, as well as current head coach Craig Johnston have both helped me a lot throughout playing for Tech in the WPL.”

Dunedin Technical AFC head coach Craig Johnston, and the Tech club are immensly proud of these girls.

"All three girls have been with us now for a few years, their development on and off the field has been a pleasure to witness.

"Ruby travels weekly to us from her base in Timaru, so we are looking forward to having her living in Dunedin next year;" said Craig.

Rose Morton has been the stand out woman in the Women's Premier League thiss year, and will no doubt continue to impress in the years to come.

 

Ruby Anderson (Left)

 

The NZ Men’s U-20 ID Camp will be held at St Peters School in Cambridge from 28^th September – 1^st October 2020. Green Island Southern Premier League (2018) player Andrew Cromb, and SPL Queenstown Rovers player Willem Ebbinge have been selected and will be taking part.

Andrew has played for Green Island from the age of five through to 17, and is the only Dunedin club he has been with. He was a part of the Southern United squad for two years during the summer leagues.

“I love the competition in Football, and always striving to be the best I can be keeps the passion going.

“I’m feeling pretty amazing about my selection for the U-20 Camp, it is a new experience and I am looking forward to performing to the best of my ability, and take this amazing opportunity as a way forward.”

He would love to represent NZ and play overseas in the future, but for now is taking it one step at a time and taking as many opportunities for growth as possible.

“I have had so many amazing coaches who have helped me get to where I am today, but my top role model is my Dad who has helped me along my football journey and always been there for me.”

Willem is currently playing for SPL Queenstown Rovers, whilst living at home, waiting to return to University in America. He played for the Wellington Phoenix between the ages of 13 and 18.

"I am really excited about the prospect of representing New Zealand, training in a competetive environment and getting to catch up with some old team mates after my stint in the States," he said.

Willem aspires to keep playing professional football after completing his degree.

Congratulations to Hannah, Ruby, Rose, Andrew and Willem who are making us all proud here at Football South – we are looking forward to following along each individual journey, and see them shine!

 

Andrew Cromb (right)

 

 

Willem Ebbinge

 

- Olivia Marshall Football South Media