OFC U-17 Women’s Championship 2010

Katie Bowen of New Zealand is challenged by Marialba Zambrano of Venezuela during the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2010 (Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The inaugural OFC U-17 Women’s Championship took place in 2010 and doubled as qualification for the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament was hosted by New Zealand with all matches played at North Harbour Stadium. The first edition of the tournament was contested between four nations, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and hosts.

New Zealand were unstoppable, averaging nine goals a game, as they recorded three wins from three to secure the first OFC U-17 Women’s Championship title and a spot as the Oceania representative at the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Kate Loye and teammates celebrate New Zealand goal against Venezuela at FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2010 (Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Competing in their second FIFA U-17 World Cup, New Zealand were drawn into a tricky Group C, however they handled themselves admirably in their opening match losing 2-1 against Venezuela despite leading 1-0 early on.

New Zealand went toe-to-toe against Spain, down 1-0 after four minutes, Kate Loye scored her second goal of the tournament to equalise. But a strong second-half saw the Spanish pull away to record a 3-1 victory, before NZ rounded out the tournament with a tough defeat to eventual runners-up Japan.