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With the National League Championship now due to start on the weekend of the 6th-7th November, we are delighted to announce the 20 person Southern United squad:
Goalkeepers:
Amy Simmers
Hayley Julian
Emma Andrew
Defenders:
Hannah MacKay-Wright
Kelsey Kennard (Vice Captain)
Toni Power
Renee Bacon
Saffron Hare
Megan Walker
Midfielders:
Rose Morton (Captain)
Kirsty Hayr
Emily Morison
Lena de Ronde
Shontelle Smith
Forwards:
Chelsea Whittaker
Margarida Dias
Ruby Anderson
Georgia Kennedy
Juliette Lucas
Amy Hislop
Wider Squad Members:
Isabel Parry
Anika Itandani
Jemma Wilson
Freya Partridge-Moore
Coach Graeme Smaill is impressed by the resilience his squad have shown through an extended pre-season, “It’s been pretty tough but the girls have been great and got on with it, they've put Covid to the back of their mind with regards to the football side of things, they’ve just been focusing on their football!” Smaill has been especially pleased with the levels of commitment on display, “We really couldn’t have asked anymore of them, they've made the environment a real pleasure to be in.”
The squad is a mixture of players with several National League seasons under their belt and several players who will make their first appearances in the National League. First timers include Megan Walker, Saffron Hare and Emma Andrew, whilst Margarida Dias and Amy Simmers have National League experience with other clubs, but it will be their first campaign in the blue and yellow.
There are players from various parts of our region including Invercargill, Gore and Timaru which is testament to the pathways available within the region. There are also several students who are originally from other areas of the country and they will remain in Dunedin following the end of term, “It’s a huge commitment from those girls, there’s some really key players who make that extra sacrifice.”
Thanks to our sponsors McDonald's Dunedin, ODT, Platinum Recruitment & Night 'n Day for their continued support!