Sydney FC star Ally Green will link up with the New Zealand national squad next week ahead of their two game series against Australia in Townsville and Cairns, with a view to becoming a fully fledged Football Fern in time for the next international window in June.
The 23-year old from the Northern Beaches has been invited by New Zealand’s Head Coach Jitka Klimková and will look into changing her FIFA nationality should the camp go well.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and one which is impossible to turn down,” said Green.
“My focus has always been playing well in A-League Women’s competition for Sydney FC and it has drawn the attention of the New Zealand national team.
“It will develop me as a player and as a person and I can’t wait to get into camp to see what that holds.”
Former Kiwi Head Coach Tom Sermanni first reached out to Green in 2020 and then again before the Olympics last year, however the full back wasn’t ready to make a decision while Covid-19 also meant there wasn’t as many training camps.
Then new Head Coach Klimková got in touch before the South Korean camp in November and USA trip in February, however Green would only have been a training player and wanted to concentrate on playing games with Sydney FC.
“It’s perfect timing now with the season about to end,” said Green. “And it’s now or never especially with the World Cup coming up next year.
“This is the perfect opportunity to be introduced to the NZ team and I’m sure I’ll love it.”
The Sky Blues defender who has been instrumental in Sydney FC’s success over the past five years qualifies for the Kiwi’s through her mother Lisa, who was born in Auckland.
“She’s very excited about it and the whole family is really,” Green continued. “My cousins on my dad’s side are also in New Zealand.”
Green will join fellow Sky Blue Paige Satchell in the camp before working out what is next when it’s over.
“I’ve talked about it with Paige, and she has been pushing the conversation for a while now.
“At the end of the camp I will sit down with Jitka and see if it’s the right step forward for both of us.
“If I’ve performed well enough in this camp, I’ll change my FIFA nationality and I should be available to play in the next window in June.”
Green first needs to focus on Sunday’s Liberty A-League Women’s Grand Final against Melbourne Victory at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
A win would add a second Championship medal to the two Premiership medals Green already holds.
