AFF and Western Springs goal keeper, Nadia Olla has turned her footballing dreams into a reality, as the 18-Year-Old made her debut for the Football Ferns a few weeks ago in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Semi-Final against New Caledonia.

In her debut, Olla managed to keep a clean sheet against New Caledonia as the Football Ferns went on to win the match by an outstanding 8-0 victory.

Olla told AFF Media that she has been dreaming of this moment for a long time and was happy to take the field alongside some of her footballing idols, which Olla admits, still feels like a bit of a dream for the young goal keeper.

“Getting my first cap was one of the highlights of my life so far – let alone the tour, and of course qualifying for the World Cup, which was amazing” Olla said.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time, so to be given the opportunity to play for the ferns was a real honour and privilege.”

“It still kind of doesn’t seem real in a way, because for so long these women were players on posters on my bedroom wall.”

“Occasionally when the Football Ferns had a home game, I’d get a photo with a few of the players or get them to sign my shirt, but now to be able to call them my teammates is a real privilege.”

“They’ve done so much for me personally, inspiring me to play/follow my football dream, I am just grateful to be able to play alongside them.”

Throughout the camp, Olla spent time rooming with fellow AFF and Western Springs player, Sarah Morton as well as Football Ferns Veterans, Sarah Gregorius and Anna Green.

Olla says, both Gregorius and Green were able to share important information to Olla and Morton, who spoke about their experiences from previous World Cups and Olympic Games, as well as what it takes to be a professional footballer.

“Being able to train with every experienced player allows you to learn a lot from just observation” Olla said.

“Sarah (Morton) and I roomed with Sarah Gregorius and Anna Green and we got to talk to them quite a bit about their experiences with the Ferns, including World Cups and Olympic Games.”

“From the conversations, I was able to get a bit more of an insight on what their professional environments are like and what it takes to be a professional footballer.”

Article added: Tuesday 11 December 2018