Soccer: Dream job could be capped only by World Cup wins

Hayley Moorwood, who took up soccer at 12, says the only thing to top playing fulltime at Chelsea would be success in the cup. Photo / Natalie Slade

World Cup-bound Football Fern Hayley Moorwood rubs shoulders with soccer superstars Didier Drogba, John Terry and co in her day job.

Well, rubbing shoulders stretches the point, but she does get close enough for a friendly wave at the high-security training ground used by English premier league giants Chelsea.

The 27-year-old Moorwood, whose sporting career started as a little Mt Albert league player, is in the Chelsea women's squad competing for the inaugural eight-team English Super League title.

Moorwood's fiance is fellow Aucklander Daniel Bowden, the former Highlanders and Crusaders back who plays for London Irish.

Moorwood reckons she's living her dream as a fulltime soccer player, living on the outskirts of London. Her other dream is to win the World Cup.

The New Zealand team leave tomorrow for a warm-up in Switzerland and the tournament in Germ-any. The Weekend Herald found the midfielder, about to become our most capped international, in optimistic mood at the final training camp at North Harbour Stadium.

How do you rate New Zealand's pool opponents?

Japan are technically great and love to play one and two touch, but we can physically dominate them ... they're quite a small side. We drew two-all last time we played. England are a very physical and technical team but we can match them and we drew nil-all last time we played them. We didn't put out our best side against Mexico in the Cyprus Cup and lost to them but we took away plenty to analyse. They're technically very good and well coached - quite structured and good on the ball.

What's your World Cup dream?

Winning it. Every player needs to believe we can do it, then we can. But we need to score more goals, we're a good defensive side but we must create and take more chances.

The preparation?

In the last three or four years we've had much better preparation under (coach) John Herdman ... he's got us consistent international games and the more you play the better you become. We've come a long way since the last World Cup.

The World Cup will be televised live in New Zealand - it's a chance to showcase the women's game ...

It's also a chance for our younger girls to impress the scouts if they want a professional contract overseas, to make a living in the game they love.

The All Whites were inspirational in South Africa last year and also filled NZ Football's war chest. Has that helped your campaign?

It was great for New Zealand football in general ... I wouldn't know where the money goes although we've certainly got enough for a good preparation and build-up.

Childhood hero?

Goodness ... I was always chopping and changing sports. I didn't take up soccer until I was 12. I played anything - my brother Jason played league for Mt Albert and I was in his team when seven, eight and nine. I was pretty much the only girl. I was playing tennis from 9-12, watching Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis.

How did you start playing soccer?

My brother started playing, I went to watch and it looked like fun. I wanted to be around people more than I was playing tennis, so a team sport was attractive. Plus my mother, older sister and aunt started playing soccer.

Can you believe what it has led to?

As a 12-year-old, I never envisaged the opportunities I've been given for my national team. I've had an amazing career so far and enjoyed all of it.

You are perched on 63 caps, one behind Wendi Henderson's national mark? Will breaking her record be a proud moment?

It will be a huge moment for me ... it reflects the hard work and determination I've put into the game to become a better player.

Your international highlight?

There've been many. The last World Cup in China was a great event, and obviously the Beijing Olympics. The group of girls we have here are great.

Lowlight?

The red card against Australia last year at North Harbour in front of friends and family. It was in the 88th minute - I made a silly, silly tackle I didn't need to go into which got me a second yellow card. It was quite upsetting, happening in front of the people I wanted to be proud of me. They told me not to worry about it, to let it slide. But I was upset.

How professional is the English Super League?

It's rated semi-professional in its first year and the plan is to make it fully professional. Some players are full time and some have to work. I'm not currently working. The calibre is very high and the difference to playing here is that you have a tough game every time, and we play twice a week. I'm with Chelsea on a season-by-season basis. It's played in summer and we get quite decent crowds ... we put a lot of effort into doing things with the kids who come to watch us.

Do you rub shoulders with the Chelsea superstars?

We give them a wave and see if we get one back ... they're quite good with that.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I know this is a cliche but believe in yourself, never give up and follow your dream.

Is there anything you would change in women's soccer?

I think New Zealand women's football is heading in the right direction and has a good future.

Outside interests?

I don't have time for much outside football. I'm a huge family-orientated person. We've been to quite a few Chelsea games. I get tickets through the club and Daniel does through London Irish. I've become a Chelsea supporter - I've adopted them.

How long can you continue - might you be the first New Zealand woman soccer player to crack the 100-game mark?

I'll go as long as the body allows me to. Jenny Bindon, our goalkeeper, is 38, so I should have a few years left.

* chris.rattue@nzherald.co.nz