Dynamic duo tackle development position

Dynamic duo tackle development position

Mainland Football is excited to announce current Football Fern, Annalie Longo, and age group representative, Ashley Ward, in a shared role as its Women’s Development Officer (WDO).

The pair, in their early twenties, will bring a high profile into the role, “Both are young and close to the international scene, as well as having experience in the USA, NZ National League with The Pride and are multiple winners of the local Premier League.” says Alan Walker, Mainland Football’s Development Manager.

“Their experiences within the talent pathway towards national selection will add a great understanding of what is required to develop young, aspiring girls into senior, talented players. There’s already a buzz amongst the FTC (Federation Talent Centre) girls as word has got out, they can’t wait to meet them; they are heroes to some of our girls.”

Twenty-four year- old Longo says she too is excited about the space the female game is in and is looking forward to encouraging the game and growing the participation in the region, adding, “we have a target of 3000 female members within the next 2 years, so I will be looking at what’s currently happening, then working with the clubs’ FDO’s to develop strategies to achieve these goals.”

The two are no strangers to working together, turning out each week for their Cashmere Technical side in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and will likely team up for another Mainland Pride campaign in the National League.

“I’ve played a lot with Ash”, says Longo, “and we will work well together to achieve the best results for the female footballers in this federation.”

Longo has already begun in the position, recently attending the New Zealand Football WDO Conference, to better understand the scope of the role in growing our girls and women's game.

“I am very passionate about the female game, having played since I was 4 or 5 years old. I love the game and the opportunities it brings. Women’s footy is exciting, and I am passionate and proud to be representing Mainland in the female space.”

While Longo is potentially offshore on national duties (the Football Ferns Squad for Rio2016 is named next week), Ward will step into the role in a part-time capacity to support the female game, assisting with delivery to schools, clubs and development opportunities.

Currently studying Sport and Recreation Science at ARA, Ward’s desire is to develop strength and conditioning in the women’s game, with a specific focus on building stronger players in their younger years.

“I really want to work with the up-and-coming talent we have in Mainland, so they can hopefully reach the next level like Annalie and I have.”

ENDS

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