Zoe Benson signs long-term Phoenix contract
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- 3 min read
Zoe Benson has become the first women’s player to commit to the Wellington Phoenix through to 2029.
The New Zealand age-group international has signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix, the first two years of which are on scholarship terms.
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Benson, 19, joined the club on a youth development agreement (YDA) last December, days after scoring the winning goal for Auckland United in the National League final.
She went on to make 15 substitute appearances for the Nix in the A-League, including in the second leg of the semi-final against Brisbane Roar at Porirua Park, and scored her maiden goal in the 2-0 win over Canberra United in January.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is delighted to have upgraded Benson from a YDA contract to a scholarship deal.
“Zoe really impressed from the moment she arrived at the club,” Priestman said. “And last season she showed her ability to contribute to the team, particularly off the bench.
“She helped us win some games with performances that showed she belongs in the A-League for the long-term.
“We want to use our scholarship contracts to invest in the future and Zoe has great potential.
“I think she’s one of the most promising attacking players in the country so to be able to secure her long-term is not only great for the club but also women’s football in New Zealand.”
Zoe Benson jumped at the opportunity to sign a three-year pro deal with the Phoenix.
“It’s always been a childhood dream of mine to be a pro so when the opportunity came up I didn’t hesitate to sign my first professional contract,” Benson said.
“To sign for New Zealand’s only professional team is even more special.
“Last season was a great experience and I loved it a lot.
“I wasn’t expecting to play in the A-League at all but when the opportunity came up a day after the National League final I went with it and it was really good.
“I didn’t have time to get nervous or anything because I was straight into training and playing, which was good.
“Becoming a starter would be a goal of mine next season and hopefully I can improve and help the team by scoring some more goals.”
Benson has kept busy during the off-season, helping Auckland United win a third straight OFC Women’s Champions League title in the Solomon Islands earlier this month.
Before she re-joins the Nix she’s hoping to represent New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in September.
“I’ve been easing back into football because I will hopefully get selected for the under-20 World Cup.
“I need to prepare for that and put my best foot forward there. It’s a huge opportunity and I really want to play a big role in the team.
“We have a hard group but hopefully we can get some good results and show how New Zealand football is improving and show how we compare to the rest of the world.”
The Wellington Phoenix now have 16 women’s players contracted for the 2026-27 A-League season, with the coaching staff assessing the club’s academy players for further scholarship and potential YDA signings.
