Although the Football Fern’s Sunday fixture ended in defeat, there was a monumental victory for one of own, Sarah Morton. The former Central FTC and NWL product jumped at the opportunity of a lifetime when she was called into Andreas Heraf’s starting eleven for the clash against Japan. For a young and aspiring Central footballer to break into the senior national side, especially for such a high-profile home fixture, is a testament to the drive and commitment Sarah has embodied throughout her development.

The team at Central Football couldn’t be more proud of Sarah’s latest milestone and hope that experiences such as this can only encourage and inspire other young female footballers to pursue their footballing dreams. With hard work and dedication, more of our aspiring youth players could follow in Sarah’s footsteps and earn the honour of wearing that iconic fern.

In her own words, Sarah has offered insight into her recent experiences and tells the story of how this wonderful day came to be. Here is her account……..  

The week leading into the Japan game was pretty full on. We were in camp from Monday 4th June, training every day and meeting with the coaches. It was my first time in a Football Ferns camp so I was really soaking it all in. Each training was another opportunity for me to challenge myself and also to try to challenge the more experienced players. I didn't want to come across as someone who was there just to make up the numbers. I knew that we had been chosen for a reason, and I really wanted to showcase that.

The atmosphere within the camp was really positive. Everyone worked hard for each other and for the coaches, who took a lot of time to explain the changes to the playing style and coaching staff. It was all very new, but everyone was open to these changes and believed that with time and practice we could become a very effective team.

The biggest blow during the tour was finding out that captain Ali Riley was ruled out of the Japan game. She's such a confident and bubbly individual and a great player, so hearing that she wouldn't be playing was a bit of a shock. I definitely didn't think that I would be getting game time because of that, especially with so much other talent present in the camp.

It was during our training on the Saturday that I seemed to be working with the starting 11 for the exercises we were doing. I didn't really think much of it until we had a player meeting that night for the starting line up! I was in at left back. The nerves and excitement really kicked in, but all of the girls were so supportive. Both Gareth and Andreas came up to me and said it was a reward for my performances within the FFDP over the past few months. Their encouragement was awesome, and they really helped to boost my confidence going into the game!

But wow, the game was a moment I will never forget. Walking out onto the pitch and singing the anthem in front of 7000 kiwis, friends and family. It was a surreal experience. It was hard not to tear up! I had never really let myself imagine what that moment would be like because I didn't think it would happen so soon. It was so special knowing that my mum, dad and sister were able to see me play. I think they might have been as nervous as me!

The game was tough. I don't think I've ever been so focused during a game. We were playing with a new formation against one of the most skilled opponents in the women's game. I didn't really get on the ball often, as it was a defensive game. The Japanese were so quick and precise with their movements and passing. Nevertheless, I focused fully on my defensive role as this was vital to help stem each Japanese attack.

‘Mouse's’ goal was such a huge moment for us as a team. We had just conceded, and so to reply quickly was something we had talked about as a group. To concede 2 more before halftime was devastating. However, we came into the second half empowered and ready to stop the opposition from scoring any more.

Despite my focus on the game, I don't think I could stop smiling. I felt such a love for the team and for the game that I began to realise why each of the girls sacrificed so much to wear the fern. Playing for the full 90 minutes was more than I thought I'd ever get on for during this first tour. It was truly unforgettable.

Of course, I was gutted that we didn’t get the result that we were looking for. However, I fully support the coaching staff and the journey that will be taking us forward. The formation was very new to everyone, but we put our hearts and souls into adjusting to it, especially considering the short time we had been together. Against a world-class opposition such a Japan, we did pretty well. Time and practice can only give us an opportunity to get better as a unit, and I think that - come the 2019 World Cup - the Ferns will be ready to reach new heights.

For myself, playing in Wellington for my first game was more than I could ever have imagined. I just hope I did my friends, coaches and most importantly my family proud. Coming from rural Hawke's Bay and developing through Central Football, I think this really helped me to become the hard-working player that I am today. We've always punched well above our weight as a federation, and the support and coaching I received as a young footballer was immense. From training and playing with boys teams several times a week, to my involvement with the Central NWL team, I was constantly driven to be better and do better. This federation was always putting me out of my comfort zone, and I really thank all of the coaches for that!

After the tour, I'll be focused on making the squad for the u20 World Cup in France, and working hard on my fitness and bettering my ball skills. Whether I make another tour is ultimately not up to me, but I will continue to work as hard as I can to get more game time and continue to gain experience for the Football Ferns.

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As mentioned previously, the team at Central Football are extremely proud to have played a part in Sarah’s footballing development and we wish her every success in the future. We look forward to following her growth as a player and her journey to become an established senior Football Fern. Sarah's story truly highlights what can be achieved within Women's footballing pathways in New Zealand. Not only does her account provide an insight into the life of a high-performance athlete, it also offers inspiration to the next generation of young aspiring female footballers. 

#oneofourown #forthefern #getin

Article added: Saturday 16 June 2018