Chelsea set to make history in landmark New Zealand fixture
Chelsea Women in New Zealand are preparing to break new ground on Saturday when Sonia Bompastor’s side face Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI at Eden Park.
The Blues will become the first Women’s Super League side to visit Australia and New Zealand on a pre-season tour.
Chelsea completed their second training session at Eden Park on Thursday morning, stepping up preparations for the opening game of their overseas tour. The match kicks off at 4pm local time on Saturday, which is 5am in the UK. Chelsea’s official preview confirms the fixture will be streamed live through CFC+.
The trip carries more significance than simply adding another pre-season fixture.
Aggie Beever-Jones believes Chelsea’s arrival on the other side of the world reflects the continued growth of the women’s game.
The England forward, who recently signed a new contract until 2030, described the opportunity to visit New Zealand and Australia as something the squad do not take for granted. Chelsea were also given a traditional Māori welcome after arriving in Auckland on Wednesday. Beever-Jones told Chelsea’s official website that playing at Eden Park provides an opportunity to connect directly with supporters who rarely get the chance to watch the team in person.
It also gives Bompastor an important football opportunity.
Chelsea’s squad has changed considerably this summer, particularly in attack. Sam Kerr and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd have departed, while Melvine Malard and Manaka Matsukubo have arrived.
Beever-Jones is one of the players with an opportunity to assume greater responsibility. ReadChelsea previously looked at why her new contract gives Chelsea a major long-term attacking piece, with the academy graduate already having scored 32 senior goals for the club.
Saturday should also offer supporters a first proper look at how Bompastor intends to combine her reshaped forward options.
Chelsea begin their WSL title defence against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on 5 September. There is still almost a month before competitive football returns, but the work towards that opener is now gathering pace.
Eden Park represents the first chance to see what the next version of Chelsea Women might look like.
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