The daughter of All Blacks coach Ian Foster is among the latest wave of signings made by Wellington Phoenix ahead of their second A-League Women season.
Utility Michaela Foster has joined winger Charlotte Lancaster, centre-back Te Reremona Walker and goalkeeper Georgia Candy in signing scholarship deals with the Phoenix, leaving the club with only two spots left to fill in their 22-strong squad.
Foster and Candy are new to the Phoenix and the A-League while Walker and Lancster, both recent New Zealand under-20 representatives, are returning players from last season.
Foster is a former New Zealand under-17 captain who currently plays for Northern Rovers in the national league.
Able to play in any outfield position, Foster caught Phoenix coach Natalie Lawrence’s eye with her consistent performances for the Auckland club, who were also beaten Kate Sheppard Cup finalists this year.
“Mickey’s somebody we’ve been keeping an eye on for the last year or so,” Lawrence said.
“She came in and played some games for us up in Auckland, and every weekend I’m watching national league games and she’s been a consistent performer throughout the season.
“She can play any position on the field, she can use both feet and she was the captain of the New Zealand under-17 women’s team so she understands high performance.
Candy was a back-up goalkeeper during New Zealand’s historic Under-17 Women’s World Cup performance in 2018 and will provide some much-needed cover behind Lily Alfeld and Brianna Edwards.
Her acquisition means the Phoenix will avoid the farcical scenario from last season when Lancaster had to be listed as a reserve goalkeeper for a game while Alfeld was away on international duty with the Football Ferns.
“She’s incredible. She’s an outrageous shot stopper, she’s good with her feet, she commands the area and she adds an intensity to training that will keep Bri [Brianna Edwards] and Lily [Alfeld] on their toes.”
The Phoenix are currently into their first week of pre-season as they begin preparing for their A-league season opener at home to Melbourne City on November 20.
