Grace Jale
Grace Joana Ella Jale is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a forward for Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team. She has previously played for Perth Glory and Canberra United.
Early life
Born and raised in Auckland to a Fijian father and New Zealand mother, Jale started playing football at age 7. She attended Mt Albert Grammar School where she helped the team to a national First XI championship. She also played for the Eastern Suburbs premier women's team. During her first year playing for the Bay Olympic Club Team, she was named Player of the Year and was awarded a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship.Club career
In August 2018, Jale was offered a contract with Czech first-division club AC Sparta Praha, but opted to attend and play for Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the United States.On 19 October 2021 Jale signed with the newly formed Wellington Phoenix team to play in their inaugural season of the 2021–22 A-League Women league.
In July 2022, following a successful season with Wellington Phoenix, Jale joined for Australian A-League Women club Canberra United on a two-year contract.
In August 2023, Jale was signed by A-League Women club Perth Glory. At the end of the season she departed the club.
In August 2024, Jale returned to Wellington Phoenix.