Selection of players at age group level also needs to change as current preference is still physical players over technical players. A better development programme for the age group teams is also required if we really want to develop future players for the Ferns.
I disagree with that. Better technical players are for sure coming into the national U17s & U20s now. It's just that they are still only 15-19 yrs of age. Some like Fraser & Whinham will get a go with the Nix ALW team this season. Clegg with WSW. Nathan with Canberra.
But none of them are yet really ready to make a big impression in senior women's international football. It's gonna take some time.
Unlike say the AWs who now have a swag of talented technical experienced players in that 20-24 age range. That's in many ways just a reflection of the Weenix (and Ole) Academies having been going for longer in the male space, compared to female. Weenix have 3-4 female teams now I read somewhere?? We will see increasing numbers of better female technical players being produced.
I've watched some of both the recent U20 & U17 OFC tourneys. Sure the opposition are often plain awful, but is definitely some real talent coming through. Helen Errington really one to watch I reckon. Signed a deal in Portugal??
https://theniche-cache.com/football/2023/8/18/here-arIZe-six-future-football-ferns-to-help-solve-our-goal-scoring-issues