Katie's homecoming 'FOOTBALL GOT ME THROUGH A DARK TIME'

Playing in New Zealand will be bittersweet for the sporting superstar

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I will be an unforgettable moment - running out onto Eden Park's hallowed turf for the opening game of the FIFA Women's World Cup, playing in front of family and friends for the very first time.

But it'll be a bittersweet one for Football Ferns legend Katie Bowen, 29, who will be thinking of just one person who won't be amid the throng of soccer fans in the stands - her dad and biggest supporter Dave, who passed away in 2017.

"He was my footballing guy my best friend," Katie tells Woman's Day. "I actually didn't even know if I wanted to continue playing after that. It was my biggest hurdle - I didn't know if this was the path for me any more and if not, what the heck was I going to do?

"But in the end, football got me through a dark time and really helped me through the grieving process - and it's in my blood. I can't thank football enough, really.

"And what a legacy for my dad - that first game will probably have me quite emotional, but I know that he'll be with me every step of the way on the field and I'll feel him in the stand It sounds kind of corny, but it's really cool that it's a home World Cup and I'll be able to feel him with me."