Phoenix fans flock to meet their heroes

RISING STAR: Emily Morison, 14, of Greytown, a member of the Wellington under-15 team and the "Stop Out" under-17 and under- 19 teams, with Phoenix player Vinny Lia.

Phoenix fans flocked to Memorial Park in Masterton today to catch a glimpse of their heroes training, before they head to Wellington's Westpac Stadium in two days time to face the Melbourne Victory.

Phoenix fan Nick McLaren, 11, was hanging out to get his jersey signed by Carlos Hernandez "because he scores the best long-range goals".

Rep player and Phoenix fan Emily Morison, 14, said her favourite players were all the Phoenix strikers, being a top striker herself.

Also among the crowd of Phoenix fans were the ball boys (and girls) who have been plying their trade at the Heartland Wairarapa under-20 matches and will be the ball kids for the Phoenix game on Saturday.

Heartland board member Trish Morison said that football is growing rapidly in the Wairarapa with the Heartland team getting over 200 supporters to their first ever game in the National Youth League.

The Wellington Phoenix have turned around their fortunes recently, winning three matches and drawing one in their last four games and gaining confidence and momentum in the process.

The training session was the last chance for Phoenix players to impress Coach Ernie Merrick before the team heads to Wellington.