College Sport Media recently put together a list of promising football players who should feature prominently throughout the remainder of 2018. Below are some Auckland students identified as players to watch this year.
Hannah Blake (Saint Kentigern College)
The Saint Kentigern College Striker helped her school to an outstanding 2017 season winning the College Sport Auckland Championship, Knockout Cup and the NZSS title. The prolific striker will be on hand for some of her final College season as she also has to juggle her commitments with the New Zealand U-20 side heading to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in France and the Future Ferns Domestic Programme.
Arabella Maynard & Talisha Green (Takapuna Grammar School)
The attacking duo headlines the attack for both club and school. Both of the youngsters have pace to burn and a keen eye for goal. The Forrest Hill Milford Women’s Premier players are sure to torment the defences they come up against in the Auckland Premier division.
Alisha Perry (Mt Albert Grammar School)
The youngster has had tough shoes to follow in between the sticks at Mt Albert Grammar but some superb performances, including in the 2017 NZSS National Premier Final where she saved Football Fern Hannah Blake’s penalty, has seen her come into contention for a spot in the National U-17 side for the upcoming World Cup.
Hannah Pilley (Baradene College)
Pilley is an athletic forward who knows how to find the back of the net. Making her debut for Eastern Suburbs’ Women’s Premier side at just 15-years old, Pilley took her goal scoring exploits to the national stage scoring twice in the 2017 New Zealand Football Knockout Cup final. With the talent of Pilley and fellow youngsters Petra Buyck, Ruby Rimmer and Kate Duncan, Baradene will no doubt be challenging St Kentigern College for the Auckland Premier title again this year.
Rene Wasi (Westlake Girls High School)
The 2017 Westlake Girls Junior Player of the Year is one for the future. Wasi has a good chance of making her International debut at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after strong performances in recent times for school, club (Forrest Hill Milford) and Northern Football earning her selection into the recent U-17 National team camp. The youngster claimed the Golden Boot award at last year’s NZSS National Premier Tournament.
Oscar Browne (St Peter’s College)
A fast and skilful attacker who was named MVP at the National Under-17 Club Champs this year with Western Springs who he also represents at Men’s Premier level. St Peter’s haven’t been a major contender in Auckland for some time, but a player of Browne’s quality will no doubt boost their prospects.
Kingsley Sinclair & Leon Van Den Hoven (Sacred Heart College)
The midfield pair are inseparable and enjoyed a busy and fruitful 2017. After both playing for the New Zealand U17’s in the World Cup in India they were selected for the Eastern Suburbs National League side. The Sacred Heart First XI won the Auckland Premier League title last year and lost the National decider on penalties with Sinclair and Van Den Hoven a dominant duo.
Click here to see the full girls article or click here to see the full boys article from College Sport Media.