Ahead of the Football Ferns’ meeting with Japan at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on June 10, get to know fullback Ali Riley and hear all about her footballing journey.

How did you get into football?

It was something fun to do with my dad, who coached me until I was 14-years-old.

What has been your pathway to international football?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles and, as a senior in high school, sent over a highlights tape to John Herdman, who had been named coach of the New Zealand U-20 team. I tried out and made the team in 2006. I played at Stanford University from 2006 to 2010 before being drafted into the American professional league. In 2012, I moved to Europe to play in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Who inspired you when growing up to be an international footballer?

USA international Mia Hamm was my favourite player but I was mostly motivated by my love of the game and the feeling of playing in a team.

What does it mean to you to wear the Football Ferns shirt?

It is a great honour to play for the national team and represent New Zealand. It is also a big responsibility, since we are in a position to improve the status of women's sport in New Zealand and around the world.

What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome this?

I tried out and failed to make the local club team. Twice. The third year, I made sure I had trained harder and better than everyone else so, when I did finally make the team, I was one of the best players.

What would be your message to kids aspiring to be a Football Fern?

Watch football. Men’s and women’s. Study the game and see what you can improve, both technically and tactically. Don’t wait for somebody else to tell you what you need to improve, it’s about being proactive.

How would you describe the Football Ferns as a team?

A family. An inspirational and diverse group of individuals who are ready to take football in New Zealand to the next level.

What opportunities away from the field has football provided you?

I received a scholarship to Stanford, where I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. I received a Prime Minister’s Scholarship to study nutrition and am now a certified health coach. I travel around southern Sweden giving nutrition presentations to young football players.

What personal traits do you think you have developed from playing football which you believe will help you through life?

Teamwork and discipline. How to lead but also listen.