Kelsi wins more national honours

Wairarapa College fifth former Kelsi Rutene was "pretty surprised" when told of her selection in the New Zealand under-17 girls soccer team to contest an age group tournament at Coffs Harbour in Australia from July 8 to 15.
National honours are nothing new to Rutene who was chosen for the New Zealand under-14s at the age of 10 and has also made the New Zealand under-16s.l.
But she admits to being no more than hopeful of making this latest side because of the stiff competition from players in the bigger centres.
"I guess I was always a chance, but I really didn't think about it too much," she said.
A "chance" she may have been in her own mind, but judging from a letter received from Soccer New Zealand it is patently obvious that Rutene is regarded highly in those circles.
They said she has been identified by NZ Football as a prospective candidate to represent her country in the Oceania federation elimination competition for the 2008 FIFA World Cup for women under 20 years of age,
The planning and build up for this competition was now under way, and the age group tourney at Coffs Harbour would provide further exposure for those contenders.
Rutene is unsure of her playing position in the national under-17s, but she prefers the centre midfield role and is optimistic of being used there.
"That's where I would like to be but I'm happy to play anywhere," she said.
Kelsi Rutene is continuing a family trend of making national age group soccer sides with older sister Sonya playing for the New Zealand under-14s in 2002.