Zoe Capstick’s footballing journey has taken her around the country and in July it will take her across the Tasman, after being named in the New Zealand under-16 girls’ football team.
The Nelson College for Girls Year 11 student will travel to Melbourne from Saturday, 5 July, to Sunday, 13 July, as part of the NZSS Football girls under-16 representative side. The team will play several matches against quality invitational sides, with the aim being to provide quality international experience for the next group of potential Football Ferns.
Zoe moved to Nelson from Wellington three years ago and is now a key member of the Suburbs women’s team competing in the New Zealand Football Women’s South Island League.
Her calmness under pressure and elite cardiovascular conditioning are key strengths of her game.
Zoe is one of just five South Island players named in the 18-strong squad.
She says that she is most looking forward to the opportunity to play alongside new teammates from across the country and to test herself against Australian opposition.
“I’m definitely most looking forward to playing in a new team with new girls from all over the country,” she says. “Also, the experience of playing teams in Australia and seeing where I stand against them. And the experience of playing for this NZSS team.”
Zoe began playing football at seven, took a short break between the ages of 10 and 11, then returned to the sport at 12.
She prefers to play left back but is also comfortable at centre back or on the left wing.
Australian winger Hayley Raso is her favourite player, admired for the way she plays the game.
“She’s tough, super fit and so fast. I’d love to be able to play the way she does.”
