Purely an aspirational article and not coming up with anything new that hasn't been posted here. The only part that caused any kind of reaction for me was that she stated that the ANZ Netball competition was semi professional, why that doesn't ring any bells about how tough it would be to have a professional womens' football side escapes me.
I think an aspirational voice is useful. The women's game is one of the key projected growth areas for NZF (and FFA). On one side, national football bodies need to provide sponsors with meaningful engagement opportunities to women and girls - this is critical to obtain sponsorship and any potential broadcast coverage; on the other, as more young girls start playing football, they need appropriate competitions in which to play - for those at the elite end, this is professional football. These two needs can only have any chance of happening in this part of the world via the Australian W league framework. Sure, there is a long way to go but the vision and commitment to integrate the women's game from a commercial perspective, is paramount to growing success of football, for both genders.
The percentage of NZ/OZ populations with a footballing background continues to grow and more girls will play football if they see potential career paths. The Portland Thorns have built a successful club off the back of the Timbers. It can be done. It's in the interests of NZF and the Phoenix to get on board.