Whilst it's nice to have a strong local connection to some of the Ferns, that's also a large part of the current problem.
Pathway local club football-national league (eg Pride)-first Ferns selection-then overseas club.
Real improvement in depth of talent in the men's game, and now higher expectations for say the U20s and this U23 Olympic team, and coincided with a changing pathway. Talent spotted at 10 to 15 yrs-go to Ole or Weenix Academies-signed by NZ's only pro club Nix, or overseas club-first Oly Whites/AWs selection.
Only once the pathway in girls/womens game now resembles boys/mens, will the Ferns halt their slide in results. Obviously a W League Nix team will greatly help as a starting point. But you you also want the most talented girls in the country coming through the 2 best academies in the country (Ole/Weenix) from a young age, not staying in their local province playing club football, training only at nights 2-3 times a week.
Pathway local club football-national league (eg Pride)-first Ferns selection-then overseas club.
Real improvement in depth of talent in the men's game, and now higher expectations for say the U20s and this U23 Olympic team, and coincided with a changing pathway. Talent spotted at 10 to 15 yrs-go to Ole or Weenix Academies-signed by NZ's only pro club Nix, or overseas club-first Oly Whites/AWs selection.
Only once the pathway in girls/womens game now resembles boys/mens, will the Ferns halt their slide in results. Obviously a W League Nix team will greatly help as a starting point. But you you also want the most talented girls in the country coming through the 2 best academies in the country (Ole/Weenix) from a young age, not staying in their local province playing club football, training only at nights 2-3 times a week.