Talented teens Malia Steinmetz and Grace Jale are both in the frame to represent their country at the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup but will have a different trophy on their minds this weekend when the quarter-finals of the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup take place.

As well as being involved in the full Football Ferns set up at different times, both young players have worn the silver fern at age-group level but, despite gracing the world stage, some of their fondest memories are closer to home and it’s clear how much the Kate Sheppard Cup means to them.

Steinmetz lifted the highly-sought after trophy with Forrest Hill Milford United two years ago while Jale had to settle for a runners-up medal last season as her Eastern Suburbs side was agonisingly defeated by Glenfield Rovers.

For Steinmetz, being part of Forrest Hill’s first ever title triumph in the country’s premier women’s knockout competition is something she will never forget.

“We still talk about it today – it was one of the best things that ever happened to us,” she says. “To finally win that game and have our name on the trophy was an amazing feeling.”

Forrest Hill, based on Auckland’s North Shore, will have the chance to keep their hopes alive of capturing that feeling again when they travel down the southern motorway to meet Hamilton Wanderers on Sunday and Steinmetz says motivation won’t be a problem.

“I’m feeling really pumped and excited for us, it’s always good to be in a quarter-final and having that kind of atmosphere – it’s going to be a big match,” she says. “We’ve won against them before and they were a tough side physically. They’re always up for it and have a great team atmosphere backing them.”

The sense of occasion will be just as strong back in the City of Sails as Eastern Suburbs play host to Glenfield Rovers, their challengers from the other side of the Harbour Bridge, in a repeat of last year’s final. If the match is anywhere near as entertaining this time then those who gather at Madills Farm will be in for a real treat.

After an action-packed encounter that see-sawed either way, Glenfield finally emerged victorious in a nine-goal thriller and the pain of that defeat is still felt deeply by Jale.

“It was a real goal frenzy – we had it in our hands and then we lost it,” she recalls.

“Glenfield are one of our biggest rivals so it will be a big game again. They’re right up there in the league so we’re battling off for that as well. They’re always tough opponents but I feel like we can do it and knock them out.”

As well as preparing for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Steinmetz and Jale have both been leading a double footballing life for some time as members of the ground-breaking Future Ferns Domestic Programme (FFDP). Now in its second year, the New Zealand Football-led programme brings together the country’s most promising players to train and play under the expert eyes of head coach Gareth Turnbull and assistant Gemma Lewis.

Club time for those in the programme can therefore be limited but Steinmetz and Jale always relish the opportunity to return to the local fold.

“It can be hard coming in and out of the team but I have so much love for this club,” says Steinmetz of her beloved Forrest Hill.

“They really support us with what we’re trying to do so we always try to get back in there whenever we can and see each other outside of the club scene. So hopefully I can slot right in and play the type of game we love to play,” she adds.

“It’s all about always trying to be as good as you can be whatever environment you’re in. You know when you play for your club it’s still going to be a tough match and you need to bring everything you’ve got. You want to be one of the best players out there – that’s the mentality going into it. You’ve got all this experience backing you and you just want to be able to express it out on the pitch.”

Jale has the same affinity for Eastern Suburbs and wants to thank the club for its support by helping to win what would be a maiden Kate Sheppard Cup.

“Going back into the club is always great, it’s a friendly environment and I love it – the team is like a family,” she says.

“To win the cup would be a massive achievement because clubs from all over New Zealand play off for it. It would be great to give back to the club in that regard.”

Both matches are part of a full quarter-final programme this weekend in the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup, see below for all the fixture details.

Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup Quarter-Finals

Saturday 14 July

Wellington United vs Wairarapa United, 12pm, Newtown Park

Sunday 15 July

Coastal Spirit vs Dunedin Technical, 12.30pm, Cuthberts Green
Hamilton Wanderers vs Forrest Hill Milford United, 1pm, Porritt Stadium
Eastern Suburbs vs Glenfield Rovers, 1pm, Madills Farm

Article added: Saturday 14 July 2018