Soccer: Soccer women go under microscope

Betsy Hassett works with sports research assistant Kaz Adams. Photo / Dean Purcell

New Zealand's women soccer players are treading where only men have been before as they prepare for the Olympics in July.

The squad is undergoing high-tech testing in one of the new "labs" at the AUT-Millennium Institute, the results of which will be used to prepare individual programmes for the players.

Diminutive midfielder Betsy Hassett and lanky striker Hannah Wilkinson were being put under the microscope on a gruelling treadmill and something called the Humac Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer when the Herald called at the institute in Mairangi Bay. New Zealand Football sports scientist Sarah Manson, who will use the results as part of her AUT studies, says no other sportswomen in the world have been analysed in this way until now.

The resistance testing reveals areas of weakness, or comparisons say between the strength of the left and right legs plus changes under fatigue. The results also assist injury prevention.

Manson, a Canadian, said there was no such link between academia and elite professional sport in North America, where university work had veered towards health and wellbeing in response to social trends such as obesity. Pro sport employed those who had attained high qualifications.

"My two flatmates are from North America and have the same role as mine with New Zealand rugby and athletics," she said.

"We come here because there is this fantastic link between the universities and elite sport. I'm hoping this [analysis] spreads to other women's sports involving similar physical movements."

Hassett and Wilkinson said the analysis would play a significant part in preparing for the Olympics.

The Kiwi women will figure in the first event when they meet Great Britain at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Cameroon and gold-medal favourite Brazil make up the group.

Analysis aside, Hassett looks forward to facing Brazilian ace Marta.

"Marta is the best player in the world - she can play like a man," said 21-year-old Hassett, who plays for UC Berkeley in California.

"She is so fast and strong - we will have to double team her and watch wherever she is all of the time."

AUT student Wilkinson, 20, said it was vital to win the first game if the Football Ferns were to progress to the knockout phase.

She hit the headlines with a brilliant goal against the Americans in Texas in February before the Ferns were denied by two late goals. That performance has boosted Kiwi confidence despite their modest record.