As a new era dawns in New Zealand women's football, captain Ali Riley says her side are looking forward to seeing what the future brings under new coach Tom Sermanni.
Assembling today, New Zealand Football officials met with players as the Football Ferns prepare for World Cup qualifiers, apologising for the recent off-field dramas with former manager Andreas Heraf.
Speaking to media after the side trained in Auckland today, Riley said that the Football Ferns were drawing a line under the recent controversies, solely focused on qualifying for the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games.
"It meant a lot for us to have the executive committee come in and talk to us," Riley began.
"It's kind of a historic moment, I think we're all on the same page and ready to get things going and be positive and get things going at the World Cup."
Riley also said that the involvement from New Zealand Football in the wake of Heraf's disastrous stint in charge of the Ferns will ensure that such controversy won't happen again.
"They're really committed to making a change, and making sure that this kind of thing never happens again.
"We're going to work together as a team with our PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] who has been amazing for us, and New Zealand Football.
"It's that team, all three parties together, that's going to help move this team forward, and just change women's sport in New Zealand."
The Football Ferns will travel to the Oceania Women's Nations Cup in New Caledonia, where they will face Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
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