Paige Satchell thinks Football Federation Australia has missed an opportunity to grow the women's game across the Tasman after they squashed the Wellington Phoenix's bid to join the W-League.
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The New Zealand international was unveiled as Canberra United's 16th signing on Friday morning, for what will be her first stint in the competition.
Her arrival comes just days after the FFA doubled-down on its player eligibility rules, which limits five foreign players per squad, and effectively shut down Wellington's W-League ambitions.
The Phoenix had hoped to become the W-League's 10th team this season, with the co-hosted 2023 World Cup on their sights.
Satchell, an 18-capped Fern, hopes a New Zealand team can join the W-League leading up to the historic tournament.
"It's always disappointing because it would have been great to grow women's sport in New Zealand, especially with the World Cup coming up and having a bunch of players together in preparation for that," Satchell said.
"It was great I was able to get a signing here to continue my development for the World Cup as well.
"Hopefully in the future we'll be able to bring a team in, especially before the World Cup. That would be a great opportunity just for preparation, getting the Ferns back and playing in the league."
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The 22-year-old striker joins Canberra after a one-season stint with German club SC Sand, playing nine games in the Bundesliga.
She returned to Auckland in March and spent the winter playing in the Future Ferns Domestic Programme, as well as continuing her studies at Massey University.
Satchell, who landed in Canberra on Thursday, is excited to play her first W-League season and meet her new teammates next week.
"I've always wanted to come to the W-League. I was playing in Europe last year but this is always something I've aspired to play in," Satchell said.
"I've followed the league for quite a few years and it's always been a great league, there's some really talented players among it. I'm excited to challenge myself and develop myself as a player, as well as getting to know the girls and coaching staff.
"We're going to have a few Kiwis in the league this season, so it's great to have some of the Ferns and Matildas playing against each other. I think it's going to be great advertising for the World Cup having us combine in the same league, as well as for the women's sport in general, getting that promotion."
United will begin their preparations on Monday and have two players left to announce, including a second goalkeeper to join Sally James.
Canberra United squad:
Grace Maher, Laura Hughes, Rachael Goldstein, Lauren Keir, Hayley Taylor-Young, Nicki Flannery, Bianca Galic, Clare Hunt, Jessika Nash, Ashlie Crofts, Isabella Foletta, Demi Koulizakis, Sally James, Jessie Rasschaert, Kendall Fletcher and Paige Satchell
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
