Claudia Bunge took a huge leap in her footballing career three weeks ago. Where she was selected to be a part of the Football Ferns China Tour.

Bunge was selected to start against China, along side many very experienced Football Ferns. Only two days to prepare in China before their first match, the 20-year-old showed composure, confidence and clear decision making in her international debut.

“Getting the call up to start was really awesome, kind of a hard feeling to describe. Its something that I was dreaming of doing one day. I was really nervous before the game. It was just an unreal feeling,” Bunge said.

Claudia also had the pressure of sitting a University Exam the day after her debut.

“It wasn’t too difficult to be honest. Massey Uni were really supportive; they gave me all the tools that I needed to have for my studies while I was over there,” says Bunge.

With many first-time experiences for Claudia in China, she stated a few personal highlights.

“Definitely my debut, getting a starting position. I wasn’t really expecting much game time. But getting the call up was something pretty special. Also getting to know the girls in the squad was really cool as well.”

Being only 20 years old and representing New Zealand at the highest level of Football, Claudia shows fearlessness and determination in achieving her goals. A great role model to younger generations out their struggling with the journey.

“I know at times it’s not the easiest thing being an athlete, its really tough. There’s going to be times when you’re not selected for teams. But I guess just keeping at it, I keep doing it because I love it. That’s pretty much what got me to where I am now.”

The Northern Lights co-captain is currently competing for the National Women’s League 2019 title. The Lights are sitting second on the table after Round 11 just three points behind Canterbury United.

Facing Canterbury in the final last season, going down 3-2 in extra time. Revenge is on the cards for the Northern Lights.

“We’ve got a really special group. I think we have a team that’s capable of winning. Falling short last year in the final, coming second the girls are really wanting to take it out this year and I think we have the team that can do that. Our goal this year is to win the league.”

Bunge says, “keep at it. If you are doing football because you love it, there is going to be times where you’re not going to make teams or pick up injuries, whatever it may be. But I think as long as you stick with it and continue to love the game, it will take you places.”

This Sunday, the Northern Lights will host Canterbury United at Allen Hill Stadium in Devonport for the second to last round of the National Women’s League. It will be a match you will not want to miss.

Northern Lights vs Canterbury United
Allen Hill Stadium, Auckland
Sunday 1 December, 1pm
#NWL #NLvCU

For the table and more information on the National Women’s League please click here

Article added: Thursday 28 November 2019