Football Fern Hannah Wilkinson makes her mark at Auckland United FC

New Zealand Football Ferns’ Hannah Wilkinson and the Auckland United FC U13 Academy Team pictured in front of Wilkinsons’s latest work which now adorns the old AUFC clubrooms at Keith Hay Park. (Photo by Nicole Fish [Nerys’ (far right) Mum])

New Zealand Football Ferns’ FIFA Women’s World Cup hero Hannah Wilkinson has left her mark on Auckland United FC in more ways than one, brightening up the old sheds with stunning 6m x 4m mural.

The Ferns made themselves at home at AUFC during the FIFA Women’s World Cup where Wilkinson lit up the tournament and earned the nation’s respect with a inspirational match winning goal in the opening game of the tournament, a breakthrough moment she has now memorialised on a suitably grand scale.

“On the 20th of July 2023, we broke a barrier,” Wilkinson said.

”The nation, and the world, witnessed an exceptional display of the beautiful game at Eden Park. Our potential was finally seen, we earned respect, and young girls and boys were inspired.”

Hannah Wilkinson paints Football Ferns mural at Auckland United FC clubrooms, Keith Hay Park.

Hannah’s bold new work perfectly encapsulates the breakthrough moment the Football Ferns stole the hearts of the nation.

”We crashed through the wall and into the Kiwi sporting scene.”

“The support we’ve received from Aotearoa throughout the tournament has been incredible,” she said.

The heroics will live long in the nation’s collective memory and the mural will act as a constant reminder to all of our youth about what hard work can achieve on the global stage.

”It’s such a rewarding experience to give something back to the community, and thank Kiwis for their ongoing support.” said Hannah.

Get on down to Keith Hay Park this weekend and witness the work of art in all it’s glory.