Ashleigh Ward Defender

Ward started her career playing for Canterbury United Pride in her home country, winning the 2014 and 2016 Women’s National League - the highest level of women’s football in New Zealand.

A brief spell in the United States saw the left-back play for Boston Eagles Women’s Soccer in the NCAA - Division I, the highest level of women’s collegiate soccer.

Following her time in the US, Ward made the move to England, taking a break from football to undertake her degree at Lincoln University, working as a strength and conditioning coach for the Women’s Rugby team alongside her studies.

A return to football in 2018 saw her join London club Actonians, competing in the FA Women’s National League South East. Ward captained the side to the final of the 2021 Capital Women’s Cup, losing to Queen’s Park Rangers while teaching full time.

Ward has also represented the Ferns in international competition, making her senior debut in 2021 against South Korea after representing both the under 20 and under 17 New Zealand sides earlier in her career.