Eyes on Nigeria for North Force players

by Michelle CurranAfter impressing selectors throughout the season, North Force premier footballers Murray Wootten and Matthew Ward were invited to train with the New Zealand under-17 squad at North Harbour.
Coached by Steve Cain, the current squad of 27 are preparing for the FIFA under-17 World Cup in Nigeria, from October 24 to November 15.
"They are cutting the squad to 18 players and six management who will travel to Nigeria," Ward, 17, said.
"At the moment the squad are training three times plus one game a week but that will go up to about five sessions."
The under-17 team were in Whangarei to play North Force at Tikipunga Sports Ground two weeks ago while the northern
outfit had a bye in their regular US1 premiership competition. After the fixture striker Wootten and defender Ward were invited to join the training squad.
Wootten, 16, was part of the New Zealand under-15 team last year, while this is the first time Ward has had the opportunity to join a national training squad.
It is a huge achievement for the teenagers, who both said they were kicking a football around as soon as they could walk.
Wootten attended the under-17 training session on Monday, while both boys trained on Wednesday night with the group.
"The sessions were really intense and were a lot faster than what we're used to," Wootten described.
"It's a very good squad with quality players from around the country," Ward added.
The pair will head down to Auckland to train on Monday and Wednesday, after which Cain will chat to the boys about what
happens next - whether they will be included in the travelling 18 or not.
"We'll just see where it goes from there," Ward said.
While making the New Zealand World Cup side is foremost in the boys' minds, both have the added option of playing trials for overseas clubs.
They both trialled for English Championship side Crystal Palace in November last year and were invited back to trial again at the end of this year.
Wootten, who finished school recently, said it was so he could concentrate on football.
"Depending what happens here, I may possibly go to Portsmouth to trial for their youth team," he said.
Ward who still has one year remaining at school, finds the thought of playing overseas enticing.
"We'll just see what happens after the final squad is named," Ward said.
Both lads plan to rejoin North Force next year, for what is hoped will be a more successful season, Wootten said.
North Force have an away game to Oratia today  in round 18 of the US1 Premiership at Parrs Park in West Auckland, kicking off at 2.45pm, while the reserve side's match gets under way at 12.30pm.
In the Northern Premier Womens' League, North Force women play Eastern Suburbs at 12.30pm tomorrow, at Kamo Sports Park.