Claudio Cicco is in the final year of school but the talented defender is making the move to New Zealand, where she will spend the upcoming Liberty A-League season with Wellington Phoenix.
The Phoenix have signed the 18-year-old, who was part of the recent Young Matildas camp and played for APIA Leichhardt in the NPL NSW Women.
Cicco started 21 matches, including the semi-final loss to eventual champions Macarthur Rams in 2022.
She will now embark on her first trip across the Tasman, while Cicco is still in school at Santa Sabina College.
“It’s a conversation we had with her parents to make sure they were comfortable with her moving away from home and that she also felt comfortable moving countries,” said Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence.
“It was tough for a lot of our players last year, but there’s a lot of players that have had that experience that will help her. We’ve got a really good group so she’s going to have a whole Kiwi family to help her through the season.
“Having spoken to her and with how mature she is, she’ll have no problems.”
Cicco will complete her Higher School Certificate in New Zealand.
The Phoenix, meanwhile, will host Melbourne City in their season opener on November 20.
“I’ve always wanted to play professionally, so I feel like I have to start somewhere,” Cicco said. “It’s not too far from home. It’s only three hours and 40 minutes. It’s not too bad.
“My mum is coming the day after I land, just to help me settle in and everything and then every month my family will come over.”
She believes she is ready to step up to A-League level, having played with and against a number of professionals in the NPL.
“I feel like I’ve already been in the environment. With APIA, our whole squad are basically A-League players and I’ve learnt off them and what’s needed at the next level. It’s helped a lot.”
