Saffron Millar Takes Her Football Talent to the US

Wānaka footballer Saffron Millar is embarking on an exciting new chapter in the United States!

Saffron’s football journey began at just 9 years old with Wānaka AFC. Throughout her football development, the evolving landscape of girls’ and women’s football in Central Otago led her to seek opportunities beyond her hometown, including time with the Queenstown Rovers Women’s Premier team at age 14, and the Southern United Girls Development Squads, which required her to juggle intense travel and training schedules.

She later returned to Wānaka AFC to play in the Boys U15 Youth Development League before moving to Wellington. There, she trained at Olé Football Academy, competed with Western Suburbs FC's U17 boys' team and finished her final year of school.

In Wellington, Saffron shined with the Capital Women’s U19 Squad, starting nearly every match and competing against top teams from across New Zealand.

Realising there were football and educational opportunities abroad, Saffron set her sights on securing a scholarship to play and study in the United States early on.

“My final year in Wellington and my time at Olé were crucial for creating a highlight reel for US college coaches.”

In December of last year, Saffron accepted a scholarship offer from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.

Her experience in the US isn’t new; she previously represented New Zealand in the U19 Secondary Schools team at the Dallas International Girls Cup and competed in the Las Vegas Mayors Cup with the Waikato U19 team.

“The tournament was huge, with hundreds of college coaches in attendance. I was the only girl from the South Island. I had to meet everyone at the airport and quickly prove myself to my teammates and coaches, which I managed to do - I started most games as a key player in the midfield.”

Back in New Zealand, while preparing for her US journey, Saffron trained with the Wānaka AFC Seniors and played in the Men’s Reserve Team, challenging herself as the only female in the environment.

“I couldn’t rely on my physicality as much. This experience pushed me to improve my skills and adapt to a faster-paced game,” she noted.

Saffron has already made an impact in her debut season at Monroe Community College, contributing a goal and an assist in the first four games, with the team having won three and drawn one.

We’re excited to follow Saffron’s journey and wish her continued success in her football career from all of us at Wānaka AFC!