The central defender represented New Zealand at the U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan in 2012.
In August, she was a key member of the history-making U-20 team in Canada, where the side became the first New Zealand women’s age-group team to make the knockout stages.
New Zealand were eliminated in the quarter finals 4-1 by Nigeria.
Now, Moore wants to return to Canada in 2015 alongside her Football Ferns teammates to take part in her first senior FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Having already played in six internationals since making her debut against China in September 2013, Moore’s inclusion in the New Zealand line-up for the OFC Women’s Nation Cup next week has her in good stead to make Canada 2015 a reality.
“That’s my dream for next year. That’s my goal,” she says.
“That would definitely be another dream come true to be in the squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup. I’ve just got to keep working hard.”
First New Zealand have to get past hosts Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Cook Islands in a busy three-game schedule over five days in Papua New Guinea’s Kokopo.
Having played in Oceania age-group qualifying tournaments in the past, Moore knows she and her teammates must adapt to the climate quickly.
And with the squad scattered around the world, playing in various professional leagues they have limited preparation together before their first match against Tonga.
“Everyone works on individual things while separated from the team. When we come together everyone knows how we play and the fundamentals.”
Moore considered the idea of gaining a football scholarship to the United States for next year.
She has decided to shift to Auckland as she looks to cement her place in the Football Ferns for the World Cup, should New Zealand qualify.
Moore plans to study a Bachelor of Science at Massey University.
“The Women’s World Cup is not far away. To be able to immerse myself in the main base of New Zealand Football, I think will be the best thing for me.”
Mainland Pride representative Moore switched from right back to the centre of defence two years ago.
Pride coach Gareth Turnbull, who also formerly coached her at Coastal Spirit, said Moore was a natural athlete.
“She’s very, very quick. She was a 200m sprinter. She’s quite tall as well and uses her body really well to help defend.
“She’s a good communicator and very rarely gets stressed or feels the pressure.”
He said her time away with the Football Ferns and New Zealand age-group sides had increased her confidence as a footballer.
“Going into the Ferns, she’s a little fish in a big fish pond, but coming back [to the Pride], she’s the opposite,” Turnbull said.
“Every time she comes back in, she walks a little bit taller, with her shoulders back – not in an arrogant way in any sense . . . It’s been pretty rapid with her growth.”
Over the past 12 months, Moore has ticked a lot of football boxes.
Aside from making her debut at senior level and attending an under-20 World Cup, she has won the national women’s title with the Pride and the national women’s club knockout crown with Coastal Spirit.
“Sometimes, I don’t know how to explain it. I get lost for words.
“I’m so grateful for the all the opportunities I’ve been given. I’ll just continue to keep working hard and strive for my goals.”
Moore is a huge Manchester United fan and said she would love to one day play professionally.
“That’s where I want to end up after my [university] studies. I’ve always wanted to play in England. I’ve always followed the men’s side of the game [there].”
Story courtesy of The Press
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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