Football: Wellington Phoenix inclusion in Women's A-League vital for New Zealand women's football, says Football Ferns' Rosie White

The Wellington Phoenix women's side might not have to look far for a star signing in the near future, with Football Ferns striker Rosie White hinting at her interest in coming home.

Established earlier this year, the Phoenix will join the Women's A-League for the upcoming 2021/22 season, giving New Zealand its first professional women's team.

For players like White, who plies her trade in the US' National Women's Soccer League with OL Reign, the Phoenix will finally give an outlet for New Zealand's top women's players to play in front of home fans, week in week out.

Former Wales international Gemma Lewis has been named as the clubs first head coach, as part of an all-female coaching staff, with the first group of players to sign for the club to be announced in due course.

"I think it's amazing, first of all," White tells Newshub.

"I'm super excited about it, it's been a long time coming. Generally speaking, it's so important for women's football in New Zealand to have that, and for young footballers to have something to aspire to and something to watch in New Zealand.

"I'm really excited."

While no players have officially been announced, excitement is building to see who'll be unveiled as the Phoenix Women's inaugural side.

And while White won't be able to join up with the squad for their first season, the 110 cap Football Fern is hopeful of a potential spot further down the line.

"I would love to play professional football in New Zealand, it's like a dream. 

"If I can do that in my career, I'd be stoked. I don't know what my plans are next year, my contract's out at the end of the year.

"I will be making a decision pretty soon on what I'm doing. I won't be with the Phoenix this year, but maybe next year."

The Wellington Phoenix Women begin their maiden campaign on December 3, taking on Western Sydney Wanderers.