Signed!

New Zealand Football Ferns player Hayley Moorwood, who is a Cook Islander through her Aitutakian mother, has signed a professional deal with Chelsea FC to play in the 2011 Super League.

Moorwood has captained the New Zealand women’s soccer team for the last seven years.

Moorwood opted for Chelsea despite interest from London rivals Arsenal and now hopes to help the Blues break into the top two.

“Joining a club like Chelsea is an exciting move at an exciting time for women’s football in England and back home,” said Moorwood.

The 51 cap midfielder takes the number of Football Ferns playing professionally overseas to four this year.

Moorwood has already begun training with her new team at Chelsea’s Cobham based training grounds – the same facility used by the men’s team but is expected to return to New Zealand in late September to lead the Football Ferns as they attempt to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany via the eight nation OFC Women’s Nations Cup at North Harbour Stadium from September 29 to October 8.