Soccer: New coach draws side from far and wide

New national women's soccer coach Mick Leonard will have players arriving from all points of the globe when he takes his 18-strong squad to Japan for two matches next month.

While 11 players are based in New Zealand, Leonard has called in the best of the overseas-based players for the matches.

It is a largely inexperienced side, with the emphasis on younger players with a view to next year's qualifying for the world under-20 championships and beyond that the 2007 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

With Australia out of the Oceania equation by then, New Zealand should have a smoother path on to the world stage in the three major women's competitions.

Only Maia Jackman, who has had brief stints overseas, has played more than 20 games for the national side. She has 26 caps, double the appearances of Simone Ferrara. Marlies Oostdam who has 10 is the next most experienced. Four players have yet to play at this level.

New Zealand will play an international friendly against Japan and face Japanese University Selection on May 21 and 23.

Leonard, who will be in London with the All Whites early in June as national goalkeeping coach, has taken over the reins of the women's side until the end of the year.

"I am honoured to have been given the job," he said.

New Zealand Soccer chief executive Graham Seatter said the tour was an opportunity to play against one of the world's top teams.

"However, our focus must also be on the long-term plans," said Seatter.

New Zealand Squad for Japan

Goalkeepers: Pam Yates (Aust) 23 years, 2 caps; Jenny Bindon (National Training Squad), 32, 3.

Defenders: Melissa Ray (NTS), 21, 3; Petria Rennie (NTS) 17, 0; Sarah Gibbs (NTS), 22, 3; Maia Jackman (NTS), 29, 26; Rebecca Smith (Ger), 23, 8; Hannah Bromley (NTS), 18, 0.

Midfield: Hayley Moorwood (US), 21, 8; Kirsty Yallop (NTS), 18, 2; Rebecca O'Neill (Australia), 23, 0; Priscilla Duncan (US), 21, 8; Rebecca Sowden (NTS), 23, 4.

Strikers: Amber Hearn (Eng), 20, 5; Simone Ferrara (US), 27, 13; Michele Keinzley (NTS), 22, 6; Marlies Oostdam (NTS), 27, 10; Emma Humphries (US), 18, 0.