Wellington’s Phoenix built NZ professional women’s football, but Auckland hosts Chelsea’s visit
Chelsea FC Women will play in Auckland, not Wellington, despite the Phoenix's role in establishing professional women's football in New Zealand.
Chelsea FC Women will play a pickup team at Auckland's Eden Park, marking the first visit by a Women's Super League club to New Zealand. Wellington's Phoenix, which built the country's professional women's game and reached their first grand final this year, will instead supply players to the opposition squad, including captain Mackenzie Barry. The match was brought to New Zealand through government funding, but chose Auckland over the capital despite Wellington's stadium capacity and pioneering role in the sport.
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