I think for guys like that, the target is the 2028 LA Olympics. Starting with OFC Olympic qualifiers next year (NZU22s).
That's the pathway leading to eventual AWs selection if good enough. That and moving out of youth club football into senior club contracts somewhere. Dupont debuts for West Brom and yes he immediately comes into the AWs frame. Just like Bindon quickly did with Reading less than 2 years ago.
In March 2023, the AWs played China at the same time as the NZU22s played China U22s. Players moving a bit between the two squads and training together for the experience. That might happen again next year if NZF have some AWs home games.
That's the pathway leading to eventual AWs selection if good enough. That and moving out of youth club football into senior club contracts somewhere. Dupont debuts for West Brom and yes he immediately comes into the AWs frame. Just like Bindon quickly did with Reading less than 2 years ago.
In March 2023, the AWs played China at the same time as the NZU22s played China U22s. Players moving a bit between the two squads and training together for the experience. That might happen again next year if NZF have some AWs home games.