The Football Ferns could be relying on youth to help them achieve success at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup in July.
This week players have started to assemble at the team's training camp in Auckland, with many more to join in the weeks to come before the final 23-strong squad for the showpiece tournament is announced.
With just 78 days left to prepare her side, coach Jitka Klimkova is relishing time with the team.
"It's a great opportunity for us to be ready physically and ready mentally," Klimkova told Newshub.
But they're not ready yet. In fact, far from it.
They're winless in 10 games, with no chance of Abby Erceg coming out of retirement to save them.
Klimkova hasn't spoken to the veteran defender since last year.
"We've chatted many many times, face to face, on zoom, virtually and unfortunately she hasn't changed her mind," she revealed.
So Klimkova has turned to youth and there was plenty at Thursday's training. Among them, 17-year-old forward Milly Clegg.
"Everyone is trying to put their best foot forward," said Clegg. "Obviously everyone wants to be in the team so that just lifts the level."
Klimkova hopes the up and coming stars can help give her struggling squad a boost.
"This youth energy can bring that kind of competition into the team and that is what we are working on," said Clegg.
Starting spots are still up for grabs, insists Klimkova.
"The door is open for them, and if they are going to perform they way they, are pushing the more experienced players, I told them it's still open."
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