Meet some of  the team members

WIDE MIDFIELD, JESSICA ROLLINGS SCHOOL: Epsom Girls’ Grammar LIVES: Auckland HOMETOWN: Mount Maunganui CLUB: Western Springs AFC Fav player: Marta, Cristiano Ronaldo Best achievement outside of football: North Island  chess champion (haha!) Fav quote: “Champions keep trying until they get it right!” Best advice for young players: “Work hard to become the best you can be and have confidence in your own abilities.”

WIDE MIDFIELD, HANNAH WALL SCHOOL: Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt; Epsom Girls’ Grammar 2008 LIVES: Auckland HOMETOWN: Lower Hutt, Wellington Fav player: Cristiano Ronaldo Fav quote: “Good, better, best! Never let it rest till your good is better andyour better is best!” Best advice for young players: “Anything is possible – the only person stopping you is yourself. Have the mindset to be number one and never settle for second best.”

LEFT FULLBACK, ANNA FULLERTON SCHOOL: Otumoetai College, Tauranga LIVES: Bethlehem, Tauranga HOMETOWN: Tauranga Fav player: Ronaldo Fav quote: “Live like there’s no tomorrow!” Best advice for young players: “Never give up, keep your head high and take every opportunity. Never forget the people who help you achieve your goals.”

CENTRE MIDFIELD, NADIA PEARL SCHOOL: Avondale College LIVES: Titirangi, Auckland HOMETOWN: Auckland Fav player: Cesc Fabregas Fav quote: “Belief is the foundation of any human emotion. Belief provides hope, creates dreams and gives the soul an aim. Without belief you are nothing.” Best advice for young players: “Don’t let anyone stop you from reaching your goal! If you have belief and desire, follow your dream.”

CENTRE BACK, BRIONY FISHER SCHOOL: Takapuna Grammar School LIVES: Milford CLUB: Western Springs FAV PLAYER: Auckland captain, Marlies Oostdam Best achievement outside of football: National Javelin Junior Champion Fav quote: “The pain of regret is far worse than the pain of pushing yourself.” Best advice for young players: “During training if you’re feeling tired and you feel the pain, focus on your goal and then the pain becomes worthwhile.”
		Briony's favorite player is Marlies Oostdam, Auckland captain

		STRIKER, SARAH MCLAUGHLIN SCHOOL: Hamilton’s Fraser High School LIVES: Hamilton CLUB: Claudeland Rovers FAV PLAYER: Brazilian women’s football striker, Marta Best achievement outside of football: New Zealand U-17 Touch Team
Fav quote: “Love what you do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Best advice for young players: “Always thank and hold close those who help because when things get tough they will be the ones there to support you through it.”

GOALKEEPER, CHARLOTTE WOOD SCHOOL: Mount Albert Grammar School LIVES: Auckland   CLUB: Three Kings United FAV PLAYER: Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas Best achievement outside of football: Bay of Plenty hockey rep. Top academic at Mokoia Intermediate School.
Fav quote: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Best advice for young players: “It’s hard but it’s worth it. Perseverance is key. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.”

Upstart Magazine will feature FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup updates and profiles in each edition between now and October! Keep an eye out!