{"id":323099,"date":"2024-10-10T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellingtonphoenix.com\/?p=323099"},"modified":"2024-10-11T08:39:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T19:39:02","slug":"young-nix-duo-receive-aut-blue-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellingtonphoenix.com\/news\/young-nix-duo-receive-aut-blue-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Young Nix duo receive AUT Blue Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wellington Phoenix academy graduates Ella McMillan and Alby Kelly-Heald were two of the 37 student athletes recognised at this year\u2019s Auckland University of Technology Blue Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McMillan and Kelly-Heald, who are now with the Phoenix women\u2019s and men\u2019s first teams respectively, received AUT Blue Awards in Auckland on Wednesday night.

The awards recognise AUT students who excel in their chosen sport or area of art, design and culture, while maintaining high academic standards.

McMillan, 19, is in the third year of her bachelor of sport and recreation degree, majoring in sports science.

The centre back signed a two-year scholarship deal with the Phoenix in August and recently represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 Women\u2019s World Cup in Colombia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 03: Alby Kelly-Heald looks on during a Wellington Phoenix A-league training session on October 03, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kelly-Heald, 19, is in the second year of his bachelor of sport and recreation degree, also majoring in sports science.

The goalkeeper graduated to the Phoenix first team squad late last year, signing a scholarship deal through until the end of the 2026-27 season. He signed an upgraded contract on full pro terms in September.

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