New Zealand women's soccer international Michele Clarke is to play for Wairarapa United in the Wairarapa championship men's soccer league. Clarke, who was at striker for the national side in their 3-0 test loss to Canada last weekend, has been travelling over the hill to play for Upper Hutt in thecentral league women's competition, but is making the move to what is essentially Wairarapa United's second string men's line-up on the advice of New Zealand coach John Herdman. Herdman considered Clarke (nee Keinzley) was not receiving the quality of soccer required by a player aiming for a spot in the New Zealand team to play in the Women's World Cup in China in September in the central league competition. He felt she needed to be involved in a quicker and more physical style of soccer on a regular basis and so the decision to play for the Wairarapa United seconds was made. Just when Clarke will make her first appearance for that side was not known at the time these notes were penned as her transfer for Upper Hutt still had to be completed. However, it could be as early as this weekend. Having a woman playing in a men's competition is nothing new for Wairarapa with the Masterton United side which currently contests the second division of the Wairarapa championship comprising a mix of both men and women.
