Soccer: Junior Ferns get senior chance

Football Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Bindon has retired from the top level before next week's tournament in China. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand women's football side head to China next week with an eye on preparing for appearances at major tournaments in the future.

The Football Ferns, having reached a record high ranking of No 16 in the world, will meet China, Korea DPR and Mexico at the invitational event starting on February 11.

And coach Tony Readings reckons three games in rapid succession will allow his team to test their target of regularly knocking over top-ranked nations at landmark tournaments on the horizon.

"At this event we're meeting three top quality teams in a format which replicates a World Cup or an Olympic Games with three games with short turnaround times,'' Readings said.

"All three teams use a different style of defending which is good for us. We need to be constantly evolving the way we play so we develop the weapons to hurt different sides.''

Those weapons may have a different complexion in China, with two under-20 representatives set to make their senior international debuts.

CJ Bott and Evie Millynn will get their chance with several players unavailable for selection due to injury, including Ali Riley and Anna Green, as well as longer term absentees Bridgette Armstrong, Sarah McLaughlin and Liz Mile.

In the Football Ferns' first outing since last October's 1-1 draw with world No 1 United States, Readings said the injection of youth had dual benefits for the team and the players.

"While we've got a plan for the period through to 2016 and the Olympics in Rio, we've got an eye on 2020 as well,'' he said. "Our role is to develop the team and players for success for the next two-to-three years but also beyond that.

"Evie and CJ get a chance to gain experience and stake a claim for a place in the Ferns group while also helping each of them in terms of their involvement in the under-20 programme.''

One player who will not be involved is goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, after yesterday announcing her retirement from the top level. Bindon enjoyed a career spanning 10 years and 77 international caps but decided the call of family was simply too strong.

"It was extremely tough to make the decision,'' Bindon said. "My mind would play football forever but the body is also a part of that.

"The plan was to go Rio but I'm moving on with the next chapter and it's time for me to be with my young family.''

Football Ferns squad for next week's invitational tournament in China"

Erin Nayler, Rebecca Rolls; Catherine Bott, Abby Erceg (c), Megan Lee, Meikayla Moore, Ria Percival, Rebekah Stott; Betsy Hassett, Katie Hoyle, Annalie Longo, Evie Millynn, Kirsty Yallop; Helen Collins, Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson.