Wellington Phoenix Women

Wellington Phoenix Women are New Zealand’s representatives in the A-League Women, and the importance of that role cannot be overstated. Founded in 2023 as one of three expansion clubs, the Phoenix Women hold a unique position as the only New Zealand-based team in the competition, providing a pathway for talented female footballers from across the country to compete at the highest level in Australasian women’s football. The club’s establishment was widely celebrated as a significant step forward for women’s football in a country that hosted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Playing in the distinctive yellow and black of the Phoenix brand, the women’s team has quickly built a following in Wellington, and the connection to the established men’s programme provides stability, professional infrastructure, and brand recognition that have helped accelerate development. The appointment of Bev Priestman as head coach signals serious ambition for this young but growing programme.

Team Overview

History

Wellington Phoenix Women entered the A-League Women in the 2023-24 season alongside Central Coast Mariners Women and Western United Women as part of the competition’s expansion. The club’s first season presented the inevitable challenges that come with building a women’s program from scratch, including assembling a competitive squad, establishing team chemistry, and navigating the logistical demands of competing across the Tasman Sea. Despite the difficulties, the Phoenix showed promising signs and the New Zealand footballing community rallied behind the new venture.

The 2024-25 season saw the Phoenix Women build on their first-year foundations, gaining valuable experience and continuing to develop their squad. The club attracted talented New Zealand internationals alongside domestic A-League Women players, gradually raising the standard of the team. The cross-Tasman travel demands remain a unique challenge for the Phoenix, but the club has managed these logistics effectively with the benefit of experience gained by the men’s team over many years.

A significant appointment came in July 2025 when Bev Priestman signed as head coach on a two-year contract, making her the lone female head coach in the 2025-26 A-League Women season. Priestman brings extensive international coaching experience and a reputation for developing players and building competitive teams. Her appointment signalled the Phoenix’s ambition to accelerate their development and push for a place in the upper reaches of the competition.

Key Players

• Grace Wisnewski - A talented Football Fern and versatile midfielder who brings international experience, energy, and technical quality to the Phoenix engine room, having represented New Zealand at FIFA Women’s World Cups.

• Ava Pritchard - A dynamic and pacey attacker whose ability to beat defenders and create chances makes her one of the most exciting young players in the Phoenix Women’s squad and a growing threat in the A-League Women.

• Michaela Foster - An experienced goalkeeper whose shot-stopping ability, commanding presence, and organisational skills provide a solid last line of defence for the Phoenix Women.

• Victoria Pickett - A composed and intelligent midfielder whose ability to dictate play, retain possession, and deliver key passes gives the Phoenix a strong presence in the centre of the park.

Stadium

Sky Stadium, located on Wellington’s waterfront, is one of the premier sporting venues in New Zealand with a capacity of 34,500. The dramatic waterfront location, modern facilities, and excellent sightlines create an outstanding match-day experience. While the women’s team is still building its supporter base, the growing enthusiasm for women’s football in New Zealand means attendance figures are trending upward. The venue hosted 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, which adds serious credentials as a fitting home for the Phoenix Women.

NC — Staff sports writer, australiafootball.com