W-League season ready to roll

16 October 2012-FFA & SBS



Bring it on... Perth Glory's Aivi Luik, Adelaide United's Emma Checker, Sydney Fc's Kyah Simon, Western Sydney Wanderers's Servet Uzunlar, Brisbane Roar's Elise Kellond-Knight, Canberra United's Michelle Heyman, Newcastle Jets's Gema Simon and Melbourne Victory's Stephanie Catley (Getty)

The fifth season of the W-League was officially launched at Sydney's Jones Bay Wharf on Tuesday with eight teams vying for supremacy.

CLICK HERE to check out all the W-League fixtures

With the addition of debutant Western Sydney Wanderers, the 2012-2013 W-League will be two rounds longer than last season.

"The Westfield W-League is one of, if not, the world’s premier women’s football competition and this season is set to the best one yet," Head of W-League Damien De Bohun said.

"The local grounds at which the Westfield W-League is played provide a great family-friendly atmosphere, and tickets can be purchased at the gate."

The W-League commences this Saturday with champion Canberra United facing last season's runner-up Brisbane Roar at Canberra's McKellar Park and concludes with the W-League Grand Final on the Australia Day weekend - Sunday 27 January 2013.

Other key dates and features are:

:: Family-friendly AM fixtures including first AM match of the season to be played at Intiga Stadium, Inglewood in Perth (Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – 21 October at 10.30am AWST)

:: First W-League inter-city derby with Sydney FC taking on Western Sydney Wanderers FC at Leichardt Oval (27 October at 2pm AEDT)

:: The historic first Western Sydney Wanderers FC home match at Campbelltown Stadium against Perth Glory (3 November at 2pm AEDT)

:: Sydney FC to play Perth Glory as the curtain raiser to Sydney FC’s first A-League inter-city home derby at Allianz Stadium (15 December @ 5pm AEDT)

"It's a really exciting time to be playing in the Westfield W-League this season and I can't wait to strap on the boots this weekend and hopefully bag a few goals for Sydney FC," Matildas striker and Sydney FC captain Kyah Simon said.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/australia/news/1124695/W-League-season-ready-to-roll

Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon will miss the start of the W-League this weekend

by:
Tom Smithies From:
The Daily Telegraph October 17, 2012
12:00AM

SYDNEY FC striker Kyah Simon will be kicking every ball when the W-League starts this weekend - the only problem is that she'll be kept some distance from the action for the entire 90 minutes.
Simon and coach Alen Stajcic will watch Sydney FC's opening game against Newcastle from the stands.
Both are serving a ban after the furious end to Sydney's last campaign against Brisbane that featured a last-minute equaliser, a red card for Simon, a penalty shootout and Stajcic marched to the dressing rooms by security.
It was a dramatic answer to any criticisms that the W-League might be dull, though nine months later Simon - now the FC captain - is a touch rueful about the consequences.

"Yes, it is a bit of a burden I'm carrying over from last season, and I can't tell you how disappointing it is to miss the first game, especially as it's not through injury or anything," Simon said yesterday.


"But I'll be there on the sidelines and cheering them on. There's nothing I can do about it. And at least I'll be back for round two, against the Western Sydney Wanderers."
It's a partially new-look Sydney FC side - not to mention partially new-look W-League - with FC signings including Sam Kerr and Ellyse Perry in a squad that numbers 12 teenagers among its 20 players.
Simon argues that the accent on youth, which includes her as captain at 21, will play to the sky blues' advantage.

"There are positive and negatives, but I honestly believe what the young girls bring to the squad outweighs any negatives," she said.
"Nothing matters if you put the hard work in and play quality football to try to be successful. We've got a very useful and talented squad that I think can go a long way."
In round two, the W-League gets its first derby, a week after the A-League, with the advent of the Wanderers' women's team - captained by former Sydney striker Sarah Walsh, just to stoke the rivalry further.
The Wanderers open up with a trip to last season's strugglers Adelaide, before facing Sydney FC the following weekend - to the delight of Simon, an alumni of the western suburbs.
"There's a huge fan base in the Western Suburbs," she said. "Growing up there myself I saw how many people are interested in the game and play it.
"It's a question of tapping into that interest, and engaging the supporters. The Wanderers and Sydney FC are working hard on that, and hopefully it'll translate into supporters at our games."
The extra team means two further rounds, equating to more game time and exposure for the players who all juggle studies or second jobs.
"Every footballer loves playing games, nothing beats that feeling, and I think expansion like this and a longer season is a key thing for the W-League to prosper," Simon said.
"It means more exposure, more games on TV and more opportunities for people to watch our game."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/sydney-fc-str/story-fndcv8ir-1226497328859

Born in west, but sky blue tugs at Simon's heart
DateOctober 17, 2012

MATILDAS striker Kyah Simon said her sights were always set on returning to Sydney FC despite speculation that as a native of western Sydney she would become a Wanderer.

Speaking at yesterday's launch of the W-League, Simon said that spending three years in a sky blue jersey made it difficult for her to turn her back on the club - and her loyalty has been rewarded with the captain's armband.

''If you've got history with a club like Sydney FC, for myself, there's always that chance that you will be back there, and I think that's just inevitable when you do play for a club that previous year,'' Simon said.

The Matildas striker stood alongside the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, at the unveiling of the then yet to be named Western Sydney Wanderers in April. She was included as a football ambassador from the city's west but admits she did not know the details of the announcement.

''I personally didn't know what the announcement was when I rocked up there, I was just told to go in my Matildas stuff, so it was a surprise to me when I got there,'' Simon said. ''It was news to me but I couldn't be happier to be in the sky blue this year.''

Simon, 21, returns to Australia after a stint with Boston Breakers in the US Women's Premier Soccer League Elite. She topped the club's scoring charts with 12 goals in 13 games. She has had little respite between competitions but has welcomed her immediate start in the W-League.

''Too much free time on my hands isn't good so I'm glad to be back with the Sydney FC squad,'' she said. ''I think it's a bit of momentum. I prefer to stay on the ball and continue training and getting fit and trying to better my football in general.''

Meanwhile, former Sydney FC midfielder Servet Uzunlar made the move west to seek a challenge and says her new role as a team leader will help her become a more complete player.

''It was hard but I wanted something different and I wanted to be part of a new club,'' the 23-year-old Uzunlar said. ''Everything fell into place so I had to make that switch. I think it's going to bring out another side in my game that's going to help my football.''



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/born-in-west-but-sky-blue-tugs-at-simons-heart-20121016-27p4d.html#ixzz29TQ6zpuz

Season gets injection of youth as swag of Matildas forced out of W-League

From: The Australian October 17, 2012 12:00AM

A HOST of missing Matildas ensures the fifth season of the W-League will have a younger look when it kicks off with a rematch of champions Canberra United and grand finalists Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.

Seven members of last year's World Cup squad are set to miss the entire season though injury or, in the case of Matildas skipper Melissa Barbieri and the vastly experienced Heather Garriock, due to pregnancy.

Among teams hardest hit by losses are heavyweights Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar. Sydney lose Garriock and Leena Khamis while the Roar will have to make do without goalkeeper Casey Dumont and key defender Kim Carroll for the entire campaign.

Also absent from the Roar's ranks for the opening weeks, including Saturday's highly anticipated opener against Canberra, will be national team stars Tameka Butt, Laura Alleway and Elise Kellond-Knight.

On the positive side for the Roar, this year coached by Belinda Wilson, 2011 player of the year Kellond-Knight is set to return next month following a 12-month absence with a knee injury.

..."The grand final rematch is a case of which team fires on the day," said Kellond-Knight.

"Obviously we want to prove to Canberra that we are the best team so we want to take it to them."

Also absent this season are many of last season's high-profile international recruits, led by US international Megan Rapinoe.

However, highly decorated German defender Ariane Hingst has returned, this time in the green of Canberra, having made the switch from Newcastle Jets.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said while it was disappointing, he saw some benefits in the younger look of the league as he prepares his team for the World Cup qualifiers in 18 months. "This will be another critical season in terms of unearthing talent," he said.

AAP

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/season-gets-injection-of-youth-as-swag-of-matildas-forced-out-of-w-league/story-fn63e0vj-1226497321297

W-League's Bondi season launch

By JAMES GARDINER Oct. 16, 2012, 10:33 p.m.

.GEMA Simon felt a tad out of place posing for photos in her Newcastle Jets gear on Bondi Beach and around Sydney Harbour yesterday.

The former Young Matildas striker represented the Jets at the season launch of the W-League, which kicks off this weekend.

"We did a photo shoot at Bondi and had more photos at the launch," she said.
"It was an interesting look in our soccer uniforms at Bondi.
"I don't think the tourists knew what to make of us.
"It was pretty fun though."

The Jets open their fifth campaign against Sydney FC at Liechhardt Oval on Sunday.
Simon, a striker for most of her career, will line up at left back in a new-look side that is back under the control of Northern NSW Football.

They have been boosted with the addition of American imports Tori Huster, Tiffany Boshers and Angela Salem, but are without last season's high-profile stars Melissa Barbieri, Lisa De Vanna and Ariane Hingst.

Barbieri is having a baby, De Vanna has returned to Perth and Hingst has joined champions Canberra.

Emily van Egmond is the only current Matilda in the Jets squad.

"It's fair to say we will be underdogs," Simon said.
"But we are pretty confident of performing well.
"We have been together for nearly a month. In the past we have all come in until a week or two out," she said.
"The Americans have settled in now.
"Everyone is getting used to the style we want to play.
"It is pretty exciting."

NNSW Institute of sport coaches Wayne O'Sullivan and Peter McGuinness have taken over the coaching reins from Clayton Zane, who is now the Jets' youth team coach, and have implemented a new playing style.

"We are looking to play a high-tempo game, what the coaches call sexy football," Simon said.
"It similar to what the Jets A-League side are doing.
"We have to be cautious when we press and when we play the up-tempo stuff, but all the girls have been working hard and are pretty fit.
"We have played a few trials and have done well."

The addition of new club Western Sydney Wanderers has expanded the W-League by two rounds.
Most of the talk at the launch, which was held at Jones Bay Wharf, centred on the new club.
"There was a lot of hype around Wanderers and the new derby," Simon said.
"Perth will have a pretty strong team with Lisa DeVanna, Katie Gill and a couple of other internationals.

"Canberra have retained the majority of their players.
See your ad here"Most of the teams will be stronger. There won't be any easy games."
Simon had surgery in March to repair patellar tendonitis in her right knee, but is now recovered and looking forward to her new role.
"The knee is all good now," she said.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local-sport/

Del Piero’s not the only game in town: Why W-League is a potential gold mine for savvy sponsors

NewsOctober 17, 2012

Del Piero’s not the only game in town: Why W-League is a potential gold mine for savvy sponsors

The 2012-13 W-League was launched in Sydney on Tuesday. The combined running costs of the eight teams in season five will amount to an estimated $1.5m, or the equivalent of three-quarters of a year of Alessandro Del Piero at Sydney FC. Nicki Bowman, a member of Football Federation Australia’s Women’s Advisory Group, argues there is great value for potential sponsors looking for a value proposition.

“Investment”. A loaded word. In the context of shares, real estate, mining projects and bank deposits, it is seen as a (mostly) positive thing. Something that delivers more than it costs, and provides a net benefit to the investor.

In other contexts, however, it is a euphemism for “Just take your money and chuck it down the toilet” – and nowhere more acutely so than in the sporting context. Last year the English Premier League clubs lost a combined total of GBP 392 million ($A615m) – in what is widely regarded as the most popular league in the world, with huge fan bases, merchandising and television revenue. Even the oligarchs are scared.

In our equivalent of the EPL, the Hyundai A-League, the arrival of Alessandro del Piero has generated enormous interest and excitement, and has already translated into increased member numbers for Sydney FC, massive merchandising sales and a boost in crowds. At $2 million per year, Sydney FC is no doubt confident that del Piero can deliver this and more to their bottom line, and in turn lift the whole of the A-League. In other words, he is expected to deliver a healthy return on the investment in cold hard dollar terms, not just feel-good factor and column inches. Based on what has already occurred – so far, so good!

In launching the Westfield W-League on Tuesday in fine style at a fabulous waterfront restaurant in Sydney, Damien de Bohun, the FFA’s Head of A-League and W-League, echoed these sentiments – firmly establishing the FFA’s view that the WWL is not just a ‘nice thing to do” – it is a key part of the FFA’s strategy in terms of both development and commercialisation of women’s football in this country.

In contrast to this approach, recently there was a call for Gina Rinehart to “invest” some of her rivers of cash into women’s football – clearly in the context where “investment” = “donation”. I take issue with this on a number of levels. First, I suspect football has a sufficient quota of mining billionaires at present. But most importantly, on the basis that in my view women’s football – and in particular the Westfield W-League – is a gold mine (or maybe iron ore mine?) waiting to be tapped.

Let’s look at some of the figures. When aligned with a Hyundai A-League team, the incremental cost of running a Westfield W-League team to the owners is reputedly in the order of $150,000. Per season. For the whole team – players, coaches, support staff, grounds, transport – the lot. A stand-alone team such as Canberra probably costs around $250,000. So in other words, with eight teams, the cost to the owners comes out at approximately $1,500,000 per annum – or three-quarters of an Italian superstar.

So what do you get for your $150-$250k? An entire team of brand ambassadors who are generally articulate, attractive, young and fully tapped into social media. A free to air highlights package once a week on ABC, and from this year games will also be streamed live. This national exposure is enhanced by TV news coverage, SBS’s The World Game, the Girls FC and Matildas Facebook pages, and the simple fact that the teams travel around Australia for their games, drawing increasingly bigger crowds. In contrast with the Socceroos, almost all the Matildas play in their domestic league, so you have ready access to the highest profile players, many of whom have extensive followings on Facebook and Twitter. And the demographics look great – high-spending Gen Y’s comprise the bulk of the following, as well as the youth and tween market – an advertiser’s heaven.

The opportunities to tap markets unavailable or not well aligned to the male game are extensive – children’s products, female clothing brands and sports brands, gym chains, personal hygiene products – the list goes on (can I say tampons on SBI?). And beyond these “female-oriented” brands, as Damien de Bohun also pointed out, there is the oft-quoted statistic that women make 85% of all purchasing decisions in most households (seems low to me, but I’ll run with it!). With the correct approach, these sponsors should be lining up, and many of them align perfectly with the overallWestfieldsponsorship of the W-League competition. Add to that the huge potential for increasing crowds, developing merchandising suited to females (yes, that means shirts that are fitted to women’s bodies!) and utilising the players for promotional purposes, and it all adds up to a sea of genuine opportunity for potential owners, sponsors and partners. As a stand-alone team,Canberrahas always recognised this and their success on and off the field is testament to their beliefs. Sydney FC has just signed Blackmores as shirt sponsors for its W-League team – so far as I am aware the first major, stand-alone sponsor for an A-League aligned club – but I am certain it won’t be the last.

Finally, and lest you misread me – I am as excited about del Piero as the next person (not least because I am half-Italian), and in no doubt about the extraordinary advantages he can deliver. However, the men’s game is not the only game in town, and as we ready ourselves for the upcoming W-League season, let’s stop talking about “investment” in the pejorative sense for women’s football, and instead explore the wealth of commercialisation opportunities available, and a huge pool of talent ready, willing and able to take up the mantle!

http://sportsbusinessinsider.com.au/news/category/sponsorship-and-marketing/del-pieros-not-the-only-game-in-town-why-w-league-is-a-potential-gold-mine-for-savvy-sponsors/

Emily in a New York state of mind

By JOSH LEESON Oct. 17, 2012, 10:58 p.m.

.NEWCASTLE and Australia star Emily van Egmond is ready to take the W-League by storm after helping Western New York Flash to the Women's Premier Soccer League Elite championship in July.

The fifth instalment of the W-League begins on Sunday for Newcastle against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval.

Van Egmond, 19, returned home to the Jets from Canberra United last year and was one of the club's best in a disappointing season where they missed the semi-finals.

But she believes her stint of professional football in the United States has her in career-best form.

"I've come on leaps and bounds after going over there and being young and playing against the older girls who have experience from playing in the WPS the years before.

"It was really good and I really enjoyed my time under coach Aaran Lines over there, and I learned a lot.

"Probably the physicality side of things was best for me. I got a lot fitter and it was so much more professional than out here. We'd train in the mornings, we got paid and we were full-time."

The Flash are based in Buffalo with players travelling over an hour for matches in Rochester, New York.

After 14 games the Flash finished second with nine wins, three draws and two losses.
In the final they defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-3 on penalties after the sides were locked at 1-all.

Jets coaches Wayne O'Sullivan and Peter McGuinness will be hoping the Flash's winning touch follows van Egmond home into the W-League, where success has eluded Newcastle so far.

Van Egmond played in the inaugural season of the W-League for the Jets as a rookie playing alongside Matildas legends Cheryl Salisbury and Joey Peters.

Now, the daughter of Jets A-League coach Gary van Egmond is the sole senior international in the Newcastle line-up and is expected to be the on-field general in the central midfield of an expected 4-3-3.

When asked if there was extra pressure on her this season, van Egmond said: "I don't think about it that way, I just go out and enjoy it.

"I guess you could say a few of the girls look up to me because I have that label with the Matildas, but I just treat every training session as I would."

Van Egmond's US campaign has not only benefited her. Through friendships forged at the Flash she was able to coax Americans Tori Bosher and Angela Salem to join the Jets.
Chicago's Tiffany Boshers has also made the move. "Sully [O'Sullivan] called me and was asking my plans for this year and as I'd been away for the majority of the year I was obviously going to come home," she said.

"I said if you're after any internationals I have two girls who are keen to come out."

In three pre-season matches the Jets have lost and drawn with Sydney and beaten the Herald Women's Premier League Select side 6-1.

Van Egmond has said defending champions Canberra, Brisbane and Perth as the teams to beat but is confident her youthful Jets will cause some surprises.


http://www.theherald.com.au/story/404908/emily-in-a-new-york-state-of-mind/?cs=306

Westfield W-League season preview


Stephanie Brantz

Wednesday, 17 October 2012 11:30 AM

The Westfield W-League is set to be more tightly contested than ever before. With a new team in the league and various stalwarts out for the season, the field is more level than ever before. Here is an overview of what to expect from the women’s competition this season.

Adelaide United
Adelaide finally broke their lengthy winless streak last season and while victories were hard to come by, the developing squad under new coach Dave Edmondson made the opposition work hard for their points.

Now the Lady Reds are more settled and Edmondson has continued to build on what he started.

Defender Abby Erceg returns as Captain and brings with her fellow New Zealand internationals striker Sarah McLaughlin and midfielder Holly Patterson.

Returning to the side are Kristi Harvey, Ruth Wallace, Rachael Quigley, Grace Henry, Emma Checker and Georgia Macri and striker Marijana Rajcic, whose good season in Europe will only boost her chances for a Matildas berth.

Adding in the young local talent and four interstate players, Edmondson believes the squad has more balance than in the past and is hopeful of a return to the top half of the table.

Brisbane Roar
With Jeff Hopkins moving to the A-League, the Roar have a new coach in Belinda Wilson, who arrives via a stint in Norway, and roles with FNSW, the AFC, and the FIFA technical committee.

Several key players will be missing for the season opener, though Elise Kellond-Knight will be back in Round 4 (knee) and Laura Alleway returns to Australia in time for Round 2. Goalkeeper Casey Dumont is unfortunately out for the season (groin) and midfielder Aivi Luik has crossed the country to join Perth Glory.

On a positive note, Katrina Gorry has found her way back up North from Melbourne and will add much needed experience to the midfield, while Wilson has also signed Hannah Beard- a forward with experience at both Liverpool and in the US College system.

Roar stalwarts Captain Clare Polkinghorne, Tameka Butt, Lana Harch, Amy Chapman, Vedrana Popovic and Emily Gielnik will all be back in orange, along with the new faces who step up from the Diamond League.

Facing a firing Canberra United is a tough way to start the season but Wilson is looking forward to the challenge. Having been overseas since before the league’s inception, she is keen to see the standard this year and how her side measures up.

Canberra United
Canberra look to have the one quality every club strives to achieve – consistency.

They have managed to retain the bulk of their Championship winning squad including Golden Boot winner Michelle Heyman, midfield general Sally Shipard and captain Ellie Brush.

The biggest loss for the team in green is their talismanic goalkeeper Lydia Williams (out for the season with injury). Mackenzie Arnold (Perth Glory) and Trudy Burke (Sydney FC/Illawarra Stingrays) have been recruited to battle for the keeper’s jersey and will be delighted to have Caitlin Cooper returning to the backline and German powerhouse Ariane Hingst (ex Newcastle) in the defensive midfield role.

With plenty of home-grown ACT talent in the ranks, Coach of the Year in Season 2011/2012, Jitka Klimkova, has scaled mountains in a solid pre-season and Canberra should prove once more, the team to beat as they go for back to back titles.

Melbourne Victory
The Victory women have suffered perhaps the most disruptive preseason of all the teams in the league with the departure of coach Vicki Linton in September.

The reorganisation has left the club somewhat in limbo and losing experienced trio English Striker Jodie Taylor, midfielder Katrina Gorry (Brisbane) and American defender Kendall Fletcher has been a big blow for incoming boss Mike Mulvey.

Brianna Davey remains between the sticks, going from strength to strength after recently making her debut for the national side, while young guns Ashley Brown and Stephanie Catley will certainly make their presence felt and will now be two of the more experienced heads on the park.

Mulvey - who impressed in his brief stint in charge of former A-League outfit Gold Coast United, is still keen to sign some international talent, and remains hopeful that Fletcher may return in a Victory strip before the end of the season along with American defender Danielle Johnson.

Regardless, he is confident that with guidance, this young team will develop and find their feet as they settle into the season.

Newcastle Jets
Once again the off-season has brought many changes for the Jets ladies this year with the departure of Ari Hingst to Canberra, Lisa De Vanna most likely to Perth and Melissa Barbieri on maternity leave.

A change of coach sees Wayne O’Sullivan return to take the reins and he’s been busy recruiting and shaping the new-look team from the Hunter.

Emily van Egmond’s time in the US proved fruitful for Newcastle in more ways than one, with the side now boasting two of her Western New York Flash teammates, midfielders Angela Salem and Tori Husters as well as Chicago Breeze midfielder Tiffany Boshers.

As well as Van Egmond, W-League veterans Tara Andrews, Stacey Day and Gema Simon return to action, joined by a good number of Novocastrians including Sammara Schmitzer, Gemma Pearce and former Jets captain Hayley Crawford as well as Queenslanders Eliza Campbell and Michaela Hatzirodos.

O’Sullivan is keen on a high tempo, technical style and believes he has a squad capable of delivering.

Perth Glory
Perth Glory look to be the most resurgent side in the women’s competition this year.

Experienced Westfield Matilda Collette McCallum returns after a one-year break, to skipper the Glory women. She will have plenty of her national teammates to keep her company, with Kate Gill returning (after her season out due to injury), Aivi Luik (ex-Brisbane Roar) switching coasts to sign with Perth and (our mail says) the dynamic Lisa De Vanna due to return to the West.

With Chelsea Goalkeeper Carly Telford between the sticks the Glory women look in good shape to threaten for a finals finish this season.

Coach Jamie Harnwell had a baptism of fire in his initial season in charge, but says he is happy with the way the team has come together and is looking forward to repaying the faith of the Glory supporters.

Sydney FC
Sydney are another side with a significantly changed squad. Danielle Brogan and Leena Khamis (injured), Heather Garriock (pregnant), Sarah Walsh and Servet Uzunlar (Western Sydney) are all unavailable, so Coach Alen Stajcic has had to remodel his starting side.

Matildas star Kyah Simon resisted the call to the new Western Sydney side and will captain the Sky Blues. She will be in good company in the attacking third with national teammate Sam Kerr moving over from Perth to join her.

Former Perth striker Emma Kete and fellow New Zealand internationals Hannah Bromley and Annalie Longo will also be in Sky Blue this season, as will Ellyse Perry (ex Canberra) - the dual international will juggle NSW cricket duties with her role in the Sydney backline.

While the side this year contains 12 teenagers and has less experience overall than in the past, teams should dismiss Sydney at their own peril.

Always competitive, expect the youngsters such as debutant Lorissa Crummer to step up on the big stage.

Western Sydney Wanderers
The new kids on the W-League block are raring to go. Steve Roche, formerly of Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League, has the reins as coach and has built a strong spine for the fledgling club.

Experienced striker Sarah Walsh will wear the captain’s armband for their inaugural season, ably supported by former Sydney FC teammates Teigen Allen, Servet Uzunlar and Catherine Cannuli (ex-Brisbane).

Roche has also recruited from the now defunct Mariners women’s side including Trudy Camilleri, Jessica Seaman, Sam Spackman and Jenna Kingsley, who has been prolific in front of goal at Premier League level.

With their international signings close to being confirmed and the likes of Alex Huynh(ex Newcastle), Rachael Soutar(Sydney FC) and Linda O’Neill(Newcastle) already with W-League experience, Roche expects the side to be highly competitive in their first year.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/brantz-opinion-display/Westfield-WLeague-season-preview/50511

Next step for Westfield W-League

Thursday, 18 October 2012 4:29 PM



The Westfield W-League is back, and it's bigger and better than ever before. With the new season kicking off this Saturday, what's in store for the 2012/13 campaign?

No doubt the biggest news is the addition of an eighth team for 2012/13. Wanderers FC will make their competitive debut against Adelaide United, making it an eight-team competition for the first time since 2009.

The addition of Wanderers FC also means a longer regular season, running from October through until mid-January, with the clubs now playing 12 matches rather than 10. And as the competition grows in profile, the Westfield W-League 2012/13 Season is moving towards full home and away fixtures.

The addition of a new club and longer season is a powerful indicator of the evolution of women's football in Australia.

It's hoped that these changes will not only be beneficial in terms of attendance figures and the promotion of the Westfield W-League as a whole, but also to the players, many of whom compete on the international stage for the Westfield Matildas.

Looking ahead, reigning champions Canberra United will be eager to defend their title when they open their campaign against Brisbane Roar in a Grand Final rematch at McKellar Park on October 20.

Last season's final went down to the wire as a double from Canberra United's Michelle Heyman and an Ashleigh Sykes strike were enough to see off two-time champions Brisbane Roar in a 3-2 thriller.

Heyman will be the striker to watch this campaign, as the 24-year-old two-time golden boot winner looks to maintain the rich vein of form that saw her rack up an impressive 15 goals last season.

Brisbane Roar will also be hoping their top scorer from last season will continue to shine, after 20-year-old super sub Emily Gielnik was picked up by WSL side Liverpool Ladies in the off-season.

And when Sydney FC take on Newcastle Jets in round one, all eyes will no doubt be on dual international Ellyse Perry, who left former club Canberra United after being told she had to choose between football and cricket.

There's a lot to get excited about for what will be the biggest and best Westfield W-League season yet, with new coaching staff, several intriguing transfers and the newcomers no doubt keen to get their first season off to a winning start.

Make sure you tune in for round one on Saturday, October 20.


http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Next-step-for-Westfield-WLeague/50643

Westfield W-League welcomes Wanderers

Edwina Lawry
Thursday, 18 October 2012 4:27 PM




The Westfield W-League is an eight-team competition once again with the inclusion of Wanderers FC for the 2012/13 campaign. So what can fans expect from the league's newest addition?

Shinji Ono may be making all the headlines for Wanderers FC in the Hyundai A-League, but the Western Sydney women have also come together to unite the local football community and will look to claim a few scalps in their inaugural season.

Perhaps most remarkable has been the club's ability to acquire an impressive mix of experience and youth, including three current Westfield Matildas.

Catherine Cannuli, Servet Uzunlar and Teigen Allen, as well as former international Sarah Walsh, know exactly what it means to compete at the peak of women's football in Australia.

They will undoubtedly be charged with teaching the youngsters how to deal with the competitive nature of the league.

To add even more experience, four former Central Coast Mariners players will return to the Westfield W-League with Wanderers FC, as will Westfield Young Matildas Alesha Clifford and Olivia Kennedy, who was named NSW Premier League Player of the Year in 2010.

Despite boasting some fantastic talent, it remains to be seen whether head coach Stephen Roche, who has plenty of experience working as a mentor for the Central Coast Mariners women's team, can take his newly formed team to a successful inaugural campaign.

With a large portion of the team either hailing from or having played their football in the local area, there is plenty of spirit and desire for Wanderers FC to make a mark on the Westfield W-League.

The newcomers begin their season with a journey south to face Adelaide United. The Reds had a poor 2011/12 season, taking only a single win from their 10 matches, but they will undoubtedly be keen to take advantage of their opponent's lack of Westfield W-League experience in order to exorcise some of last year's demons.

The expansion of the league will do wonders for Western Sydney and women's football in Australia as a whole, but it's hard to see Wanderers FC pulling off a miracle championship victory in their first season, despite the strength of their squad.

An opening day win over Adelaide United, however, doesn't seem far-fetched, and the "unknown element" of having never competed as a club before should only boost their confidence. The season ahead looks very interesting indeed for football fans in Western Sydney.

Wanderers FC kick off their first season in the Westfield W-League on Saturday, October 20 against Adelaide United.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Westfield-WLeague-welcomes-Wanderers/50641

Juggle puts the world at Perry's feet and fingertips

DateOctober 19, 2012
Chris Barrett

Ellyse Perry has seen enough of the Hume Highway for a lifetime; stopped off for a break at the service station at Marulan, between Sydney and Canberra, probably more times than she can remember.

That well-worn path now behind her, the 21-year-old dual international officially starts her new sporting life this weekend, playing for both the NSW Breakers women's cricket side and then her new W-League club, Sydney FC, as national competitions begin simultaneously in both codes. Fresh from helping Australia's Southern Stars to the defence of their World Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka last week, the fast bowler from Sydney's north shore will line up for the Breakers against the ACT at Blacktown in games today and tomorrow. On Sunday, she swaps the spikes for boots - a custom Perry has performed regularly for half her life - to line up as a defender for the Sky Blues against Newcastle Jets at Leichhardt Oval.

Perry joined Sydney FC after an ultimatum in May by Jitka Klimkova, coach of her former W-League team, Canberra United, that she quit cricket and focus on football. She declined and was snapped up by Sydney.

''I'm solely based in Sydney now. So, it's really nice, I suppose, to spend each night in my own bed at home and not have to worry about travelling between cities so often,'' Perry said. ''I trained the same amount when I was playing for Canberra but some of those sessions weren't with the team. So, it's really nice to work solely with Sydney at each of the training sessions and obviously only be a short drive away rather than a six-hour drive in a round trip.''

There will continue to be complications and sacrifices for Perry, who throws study into the mix as well, to maintain this wildly successful double-pronged career. There will be more mad dashes between cities for games - there is an upcoming clash of dates with the Breakers in Adelaide and Sydney FC at home on the same weekend - and she will no doubt miss some games. However, it is a balancing act she revels in.

While Perry is playing football on Sunday, the Breakers will play a third match of the weekend, a T20 game against the ACT. Availability for either of her teams will come down to the scenario each weekend, she said.

''I think it's really a week-by-week thing depending on where the games are, who are the opponents and what's next for both teams,'' Perry said.

Co-operation between Breakers coach Joanne Broadbent and Sydney FC mentor Alen Stajcic is key to the juggling act coming off and Perry keeping alive a goal of being part of world champion teams in two sports. The Southern Stars' latest triumph has only reinforced her ambition to reach similar heights with the women's national football team.

''I'd absolutely love to be able to share that same success in soccer,'' she said. ''The Matildas have had a lot to celebrate, particularly the Asian Cup win back in 2010 and obviously the World Cup is a huge event. For the Matildas to be able to go there and make a final, or maybe eventually win it, my dream is to be a part of that.''

If and when they do, expect her to still be rolling the arm over, probably the next day.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/juggle-puts-the-world-at-perrys-feet-and-fingertips-20121018-27tzb.html#ixzz29gYSHRcD

Lady Reds eye big improvement

By Chris Komorek
Updated 15 minutes ago

Adelaide United's women's team will be looking to put some horror seasons behind them when they kick-off their fifth Women's League campaign this weekend against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

United men's season is off a dream start, with consecutive wins against the Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers catapulting them to the top of the A-League ladder.

United's Lady Reds will be hoping they can emulate the blistering start when they visit Burton Park for newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers' inaugural W-League match.

Whether the Lady Reds give the Wanderers a baptism of fire will depend on how far they have come since their past three horror seasons, when they recorded only one win, a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory

Returning coach David Edmonson said the Lady Reds would be playing a different brand of football this time.

"I'm confident we'll be a lot more exciting and attractive to watch and [the results] will come as well," he said.

"Last year, the plan was to make us more competitive based around possession and how we defended. This year very much the focus is on the other end of the field and being more attacking and more positive in the way we play."

New blood
Only half of last season's starting XI will don the red strip this year, after a post-season cull of the list.

"[We've recruited] a couple of new attacking international players, so hopefully that brings a slightly different mindset as well," Edmonson said.

"We'll be taking every game as it comes, but we'll expect to get that first win on the board this Saturday and hopefully we can build from that.

"Obviously we've got targets, and a top four finish is definitely one."

Adelaide will not take lightly a Wanderers team with the attacking prowess of 75-game Matildas war horse Sarah Walsh.

"They're a very well-organised club. They've signed two or three Matildas so we're certainly not under-estimating them. It's definitely a game we aim to win," Edmonson said.

The true indicator of how far the Lady Reds have progressed will come in round three against reigning premier Canberra United and a round later when they hit Hindmarsh Stadium for the first time this season, against Brisbane Roar.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-19/lady-reds-eye-big-improvement/4322862?section=sport

W-League Jets ready to get started

Friday, 19 October 2012 11:49 AM

The Newcastle Jets W-League team kick-off their 2012/13 campaign against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.

Jets W-League coaches Wayne O’Sullivan and Peter McGuinness have selected a 20-player squad that will participate in the fifth season of the competition.

All 2012/13 Newcastle Jets Members receive free entry to every Jets W-League home match this season (not including finals).

O’Sullivan said the Jets women’s side provides a clear pathway for aspiring girls playing within Northern NSW.

“The large majority of the local girls who have come into this squad have either been involved with our NSWIS program or are actually involved with it now,” O’Sullivan said.

“This allows us to fast track the development of the team from both a tactical and technical perspective. In addition to this, we are able to develop the positive culture that has been established over the past three years.

“However, in order to be competitive in a national competition, it was important that we recruited quality players that will continue to help us develop and also allow us to be competitive.

“The squad we have selected is a balance of experience and youth which will enable us to play a high tempo technical style of football.”

Emily van Egmond has returned after spending the past year in the WPSL Elite (USA) allowing O’Sullivan to make contact and recruit two of van Egmond’s teammates in American imports Tori Huster and Angela Salem.

Huster, Salem and van Egmond were all part of the Western New York Flash side which recently won the 2012 WPSL Elite competition.

The Jets recruits also include Tiffany Boshers from Chicago Breeze and Queenslanders Eliza Campbell and Michaela Hatzirodos.

“We have both short and long term goals linked strongly to the Northern NSW vision of sustainability and development of pathways for local female players over the next three years and beyond.

“The long term goals include continual success in the form of progression of local players into the W-League and also winning the competition. Whilst the short term goals are built around the day to day processes towards achieving this.”

The Jets’ W-League side will return to Newcastle for their first home match against reigning Westfield W-League Champions, Canberra United, on Saturday, October 27 at Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow.

To become a 2012/13 Newcastle Jets Member and receive free entry to all Jet W-League home matches this season, as well as entry to all 12 remaining A-League games at Hunter Stadium, simply CLICK HERE.

Newcastle Jets W-League Squad 2012/13:
1 Eliza CAMPBELL
2 Hannah BREWER
3 Hayley CRAWFORD
4 Gemma PEARCE
5 Tori HUSTER
6 Angela SALEM
7 Gema SIMON
8 Madeline SEARL
9 Tara ANDREWS
10 Emily van EGMOND
11 Kate HENSMAN
12 Tiffany BOSHERS
13 Bronte BATES
14 Sammara SCHMITZER
15 Alishia FOOTE
16 Stacey DAY
17 Mikaela HOWELL
18 Michaela HATZIRODOS
19 Kimberley WITT
20 Alannah ROSEWOOD

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/WLeague-Jets-ready-to-get-started/50712

Adelaide's Lady Reds ready to dump bunnies tag

by:
Val Migliaccio From:
The Advertiser October 20, 2012
12:00AM

ADELAIDE United has long been the basket case of the W-League with just three wins from 40 games but Emma Checker says the Lady Reds are sick of being the bunnies of the competition.



The Young Matilda believes the Lady Reds won't be the easybeats any more after the side recorded one win last season its first in a streak of 34 games without a win since 2008.
Adelaide has lost 34 times, drawn three times, scored 30 goals and conceded 125 times since the start of the W-League.

Checker says hosting and beating W-League newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers at Burton Park from 2pm will be the first step to becoming a respected outfit.

"It's really exciting we've picked up some great players from not only overseas but interstate,'' Checker, 16, said.

"We've also got some good young talent coming through and we've worked really well in the pre-season.

"There's no reason why we can't get results.''

The Lady Reds have kept just eight squad members from last season with 12 new players joining the squad.

Adelaide has recruited three New Zealand Olympians from the London Games and interstate recruits with experienced Football Fern Abby Erceg returning for a second stint alongside fellow internationals Sara McLaughlin and Holly Patterson.

Forward Marijana Rajcic has also bolstered the side after a stint with Sweden's Gustafs Goif this year.

Marijana Rajcic



Wanderers, however, have been touted as favourites to win their W-League debut clash.
Quality Matildas Sarah Walsh, the star striker who announced her international retirement after the series against the US last month, Teigen Allen and Servet Uzunlar have given Wanderers a distinct edge in experience.

Nonetheless, defender Checker remained upbeat that the Lady Reds will start their season confidently.

"They're a good side,'' she said. "They need to show the league they deserve to be in it and we need to show the league we deserve to stay in it. There's two teams going out for battle and because of that it will be a good game.''
Checker has to juggle her time between Year 11 duties at Immanuel College and five training sessions a week at Burton Park.

"I don't live anywhere near Burton so I finish school, get changed and off I go,'' she said.
"I'm learning how to drive, so it's a good way to get my hours up.
"We do some car pooling with other girls who live around the corner but mum takes me a lot.''

Last season's champion, Canberra United, received a welcome boost yesterday before facing Brisbane Roar in the grand final re-match at McKellar Park today.
The W-League champion will participate in FIFA's women's version of the Club World Cup in Japan in November.

Canberra will face UEFA Champions League winner Olympique Lyonnais (France) and the winners of the yet to be completed Japan League and League Cup in the first International Women's Club Championship.

ABC-TV will broadcast a live match of the W-League round on Saturdays.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/adelaides-lady-reds-ready-to-dump-bunnies-tag/story-fndb5nmd-1226499608306

Canberra off to World Club Championship

Friday, 19 October 2012 10:06 AM



The Westfield W-League will have its first ever team play in an international club tournament following the invitation of Canberra United to participate in the inaugural International Women’s Club Championship 2012 in Japan this November.

Following their undefeated season in the Westfield W-League 2011/12 Season, which saw the ‘Green Team’ beat Brisbane Roar 3-2 in the Grand Final in front of a sold-out crowd at McKellar Park, Canberra United will depart for Japan on November 20 to compete in the four club tournament.

The tournament will consist of the Champions of Australia Canberra United, UEFA Champions League winners Olympique Lyonnais and two teams from Japan including the winner of the Plenus Nadeshiko League 2012 and the Plenus Nadeshiko League Cup 2012.

“As the Westfield W-League Champions, Canberra United is delighted to be the first Australian club to accept an invitation from the JFA to participate in the inaugural International Women’s Club Championship,” said Capital Football CEO Heather Reid.

“Japan is setting the pace for international club football following their success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year in Germany. To be able to play against their top two clubs will be a terrific experience for us with the added bonus of a game against European champions Lyon.

“The support given by the FFA, particularly in rescheduling our round 6 fixture against Perth Glory is very much appreciated.”

To ensure that Canberra United will be available to complete with their full squad Football Federation Australia have rescheduled the Clubs Round 6 fixture against Perth Glory to Wednesday, 5 December 2012.

“It’s fantastic to see women’s football take another stride in the evolution of Australian sport,” said Head of Westfield W-League Damien de Bohun.

“The inclusion of Canberra United in the Women’s World Club Championship is a fantastic opportunity for a group of outstanding young professional athletes and we look forward to following their progress on the world stage in this tournament.

“On behalf of the FFA I’d like to acknowledge the Japan Football Association for the invitation to enter this exciting new competition for women’s football and Perth Glory for accommodating the requested fixture rescheduling.”

The Westfield W-League 2012/13 Season kicks off tomorrow in Canberra at McKellar Park with a 2012 Grand Final rematch between Canberra United and Brisbane Roar.

Catch all the action from 5pm on ABC1 for the Match of the Day.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Canberra-off-to-World-Club-Championship/50702

Victory coach Mulvey keen for kick-off

Friday, 19 October 2012 5:20 PM

New Melbourne Victory Women’s head coach Mike Mulvey is excited about the project he has taken on, as he eyes the opening fixture of the 2012/13 Westfield W-League season, an away game against Perth Glory on Sunday morning.

Mulvey, who guided the Gold Coast Hyundai A-League side through the final six matches of last season, has a proven track record in working with young players and developing talent.

The former Gold Coast mentor won three National Youth League trophies in three seasons with the Under 21 squad before moving up to the A-League role.

Mulvey has replaced Vicki Linton as W-League coach in Melbourne and has previous experience coaching women, having worked with the Queensland Academy of Sport women’s program from 1999 to 2006 before moving to the men’s program for three years, overseeing the development of players such as Qantas Socceroo Tommy Oar.

With a history of moulding young players and developing their football careers, Mulvey is excited by the prospect of taking over a team bursting with talented youth.

“Melbourne approached me with a four month project to take the W-League team for the season and I agreed to do that because I wanted to work with the players,” Mulvey said.

“My history is in developing young players and we had a good youth policy at Gold Coast United and the majority of the youth players that I brought through are now playing in the Hyundai A-League.

“There are a lot of good young players at Victory and if I can bring something to them and help develop their chances of becoming Matildas and Young Matildas then I’ll be very pleased with that.”

Melbourne Victory Women have traditionally been a development side with the aim of bringing young Victorian women through the elite player pathway into the Matildas and Mulvey stated that this will continue.

“It is a development environment and we’ll aim to be as competitive as we can and we’re going to allow the players to express themselves on the field. We’ll have some fun, show good discipline and we’ll be well organised.”

With such a short preparation time, Mulvey conceded it may be a difficult start to the season but that not all is lost.

“It’s a big challenge here at Victory I must admit, we haven’t had the best preparation with the coach just coming in a week before the season starting, so I’ve had a look around and seen what the players are like around here and we’re just trying to do the best that we can.

“The players have responded magnificently, I’m really pleased and I can’t ask more of them from the week we’ve been working together.

“The fact of the matter is we have fifteen signed players going into the first game. We don’t have any of our foreigners; out of the three foreigners who played last season only one is returning so we’ve been in the market having a look this week.”

“We’re going to go with the Victorian players, they deserve the opportunity because they’ve trained and responded really well. It will be a tough trip to Perth but we’ll get on the plane, get on the pitch and have a go.”

Melbourne Victory Women open their season this Sunday when they take on Perth Glory in Western Australian 1:30pm Victorian time. The opening home match will be the following Saturday on 27 October against Brisbane Roar at Veneto Club, Bulleen.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Victory-coach-Mulvey-keen-for-kickoff/50743

High hopes for Jets' unheralded import

By CRAIG KERRY Oct. 19, 2012, 9:38 p.m.

MOST eyes will be on star Sydney FC signing Ellyse Perry when the Jets open their W-League season against the Sky Blues at Leichhardt Oval tomorrow.
But Newcastle co-coach Peter McGuinness will not be surprised if Jets midfielder Tori Huster, one of three American imports, has stolen the spotlight by full-time.
Perry, an Australian representative in cricket and soccer, will be backing up from two days of cricket with NSW before making her debut for Sydney in the W-League after moving from champions Canberra United.
Many will be watching the multi-sport phenomenon to see what role she plays tomorrow on a limited preparation, but McGuinness was not concerned about Perry's place in Sydney's line-up, which will be minus suspended skipper and gun striker Kyah Simon.
"I'm not sure where they will play her but I don't think it will matter too much," McGuinness said.
"She is a great talent but we have played against Sydney twice and know their style and I think it will be about fitting personnel into that structure."
McGuinness said the Jets were looking to the midfield of Huster, Matildas star Emily van Egmond and fellow Western New York Flash teammate Angela Salem to lead the way for the new-look side, which lost 4-3 and drew 2-all with Sydney in trials.
"Our attacking drive will come from the middle three and they have been working very well together," he said.
"Obviously Emily is a key player but Tori is a wonderful player as well.
"She is very versatile and over the pre-season we have tried her in three of four positions and every time she has come through and impressed us."
Newcastle will be without only Maddie Searl who has a minor knee injury and HSC study commitments.
The opener will be a fresh start for both teams, who have lost several high-profile names from last season.
The Jets have only seven players from last year's line-up while Sydney have lost star power in Sarah Walsh, Teigen Allen and Servet Uzunlar to Western Sydney Wanderers and Heather Garriock to a season off.
See your ad hereThe Sky Blues have recruited the likes of former Jets Nicola Bolger and Alanna Kennedy to fill the void and McGuinness expects the perennial title challengers to provide a tough start to the season.
"Judging by the trial games they will be strong again," he said. "They have a similar pathway program to us, with Alen Stajcic in charge, but they just have so many more players to chose from than us."
The games starts at 3pm.
Today Canberra host Brisbane at McKellar Park and Adelaide welcome new club Western Sydney at Burton Park. Tomorrow Melbourne Victory travel to Intiga Stadium to take on Perth.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/409167/high-hopes-for-jets-unheralded-import/?cs=306

United embraces odd preparation
DateOctober 20, 2012

Canberra United team building - a night walk which saw several players blindfolded some unable to communicate, some weighed down with heavy medicine balls and some doing all the directing.

Bananas dangling between legs, balancing biscuits on heads and sitting in candlelight around ''our mountain'' - welcome to the bizarre Canberra United pre-season rituals they hope will lift them to consecutive W-League titles.

Their mission begins today with a grand final re-match against the Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park.

It would have been easy for coach Jitka Klimkova to sit back after United went through last season undefeated. Instead she's come up with some strange concepts to put her team on track for more success.


In a pre-season camp, the players had to compete in sack races while balancing biscuits on their heads and run obstacle courses of tin cans with bananas between their legs.

They went on a 14-kilometre hike, had to guide blindfolded teammates in the dark and sit in a circle for a ''positive affirmation'' session.

They popped balloons with their bodies and had intense on-field sessions.


..At first, the ideas were met with giggles. But as they prepare to take on the Roar today, the giggles have turned to a steely focus.

''Jitka definitely stepped it up a notch and brought her Czech festivities to the team,'' captain Ellie Brush said.

''One was seance-esque … a few of us were giggling to start with but it's all for a good cause.

''We sat around a mountain with the trophy at the top, went around the circle and say positive things about the players.

''I've never experienced anything like it. It sets Jitka apart and we all play for each other and Jitka.''

Klimkova is in her second season as United mentor.


Last year, she described the team's journey to the title as a ''cruise'' with ''12 islands'' representing the games.

This year, it's about climbing the mountain.

The players have already hiked together to conquer Mount Tennent, a 1400-metre peak with each 100m symbolising their games.

''This time we won the championship and everyone's expecting what's next step,'' Klimkova said.

''What is Canberra United going to do? Are they going to win again? What is their plan? I knew it would be much harder, so that is the idea of the mountain climb.''

''This time was just focused on the climbing, so these little activities before was mainly for fun, of course to compete, to co-operate, to think a little bit, this kind of thing.

''But this time, most important was the climbing, real climbing to the top of the hill, how we are going - if we have fun, if we complain, if we help each other.''

Klimkova's approach isn't limited to unconventional pre-season training schedules.

The premiership-winning coach doesn't like her players to swear.

The players have adopted Klimkova's philosophies and practices - they know they can't be late for training, even by a few minutes, and swearing is strictly outlawed.

''This swearing rule, that's what I brought, I really don't like [swearing],'' Klimkova said.

''When I heard it first at training here, I was like, oh my goodness, no, this is bad - that's what I don't like, I wouldn't enjoy it actually if someone swears, this is what I really believe in - positive way of communication, believe in yourself, believe in your teammate, trust them, and this positive environment and not like swearing.

''This is our image [and] to have the positive image, there's no swearing during the training, no swearing during the game.''

It's a rule the team has embraced and now self impose.

''They know I don't like it, they know it's good for the team, so they just respect it and, of course, if I just see someone doing push ups, I know what happened - even if I don't hear it.''

Klimkova's approach has the team on track for another title.

United boasts one of the most talented rosters in the competition and Klimkova believes the players now have the confidence to take on any challenge thrown their way.

''I was talking to the girls and they always said 'we didn't play well under the pressure, when we knew we had to win or we're not in semi-finals, we just were nervous and we didn't play well and we didn't feel good,''' Klimkova said.

''When I saw them playing, our girls, they were just amazing - I said it's not a big difference between Sydney and Brisbane and Canberra, it's just in their heads.''

And she hopes challenging them with strange pre-season sessions will prepare them for a back-to-back bid.



Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/football/united-embraces-odd-preparation-20121019-27x4r.html#ixzz29my8LYIZ

United ready for flying start with golden girl Heyman
DateOctober 19, 2012



Canberra United ignited the W-League with attacking flare and superb goals last season, and star Michelle Heyman is back to launch the side's title defence with a round-one win over the Brisbane Roar.

Although the players said their undefeated season was behind them, it set the benchmark for excitement and expectations for this campaign.

Jitka Klimkova's team will begin the season when it plays the Roar at McKellar Park tomorrow.

And after terrorising defenders for five seasons, two-time Golden Boot winner Heyman is ready to find the back of the net again.

Heyman has scored 33 goals in her 37 W-League matches, including two in the grand final triumph over the Roar earlier this year.

United will hope its star striker recaptures her goal-scoring form as soon as she runs on to the field.

While Heyman is ready to go, United was dealt a blow yesterday when international veteran Sally Shipard was ruled out of the round-one match.

Shipard, who turns 25 tomorrow, has been recovering from knee surgery but Klimkova has given her another week to rest.

Shipard will be missed, the newly appointed vice-captain is the midfield general and has been playing for the Matildas for almost a decade.

Ellie Brush will lead United for a fifth consecutive season after she was elected captain at training on Wednesday night.

''We've got that great leadership group there that whoever has the 'C' next to their name on the day, it doesn't make much of a difference - we're in it together,'' 24-year-old Brush said.

''It'll be a big loss [not having Shipard]. We'll try to score a few goals for her birthday.''

The start of the season ends months of basking in the glory of being W-League champions.

Last season United won awards for coach of the year, player of the year (Shipard) and Golden Boot winner (Heyman).

But with Golden Glove winner Lydia Williams still recovering from off-season knee reconstruction surgery, the question of who will play as goalkeeper is still unanswered.

United recruited two young keepers to fill the gloves of Williams, 21-year-old Trudy Burke from NSW Premier League club, Macarthur Rams, and 18-year-old Mackenzie Arnold from Perth Glory.

Queensland-born Arnold recently travelled to the US as back-up goalkeeper with the Matildas and, with her W-League experience, would have been considered favourite to start. But a slight hip injury could open the door for Burke to make her W-League debut.

Nothing is certain, however, as Arnold made it through a light training session on Wednesday, and Klimkova expected her to train last night.

''Hopefully she will be ready … but it's a little bit more complicated for our decisions,'' she said. ''So really I can't tell who will be on the goal on Saturday - I really don't know. We'll decide after Friday's training.''

The team to face Brisbane will be named tonight after a final training session. Brush said United's focus had not been on the opposition.

''We haven't even really spoken about what team Brisbane will be playing with,'' she said.

''I'm sure Jitka has done some analysis of them, but [she] hasn't yet shared that with us. Come Saturday, we'll have a set game plan. This week we've been working on set plays and the focus will be on playing to our best abilities.''

Klimkova said her players were ready for the uphill battle of trying to replicate their undefeated season from last year, a task made even harder with the addition of an eighth team in the form of Western Sydney Wanderers.

''We know it won't be easy,'' she said. ''Perth will be much stronger, Brisbane was always a great team, and I'm sure they still will be [again]. Sydney FC, Western Sydney … they have really great players, so it's good for the league.''



Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/football/united-ready-for-flying-start-with-golden-girl-heyman-20121018-27ufi.html#ixzz29mz8MhTg

Why W-League is a potential gold mine for savvy sponsors

NewsOctober 17, 2012

Nicki Bowman

The 2012-13 W-League was launched in Sydney on Tuesday. The combined running costs of the eight teams in season five will amount to an estimated $1.5m, or the equivalent of three-quarters of a year of Alessandro Del Piero at Sydney FC. Nicki Bowman, a member of Football Federation Australia’s Women’s Advisory Group, argues there is great value for potential sponsors looking for a value proposition.

“Investment”. A loaded word. In the context of shares, real estate, mining projects and bank deposits, it is seen as a (mostly) positive thing. Something that delivers more than it costs, and provides a net benefit to the investor.

In other contexts, however, it is a euphemism for “Just take your money and chuck it down the toilet” – and nowhere more acutely so than in the sporting context. Last year the English Premier League clubs lost a combined total of GBP 392 million ($A615m) – in what is widely regarded as the most popular league in the world, with huge fan bases, merchandising and television revenue. Even the oligarchs are scared.

In our equivalent of the EPL, the Hyundai A-League, the arrival of Alessandro del Piero has generated enormous interest and excitement, and has already translated into increased member numbers for Sydney FC, massive merchandising sales and a boost in crowds. At $2 million per year, Sydney FC is no doubt confident that del Piero can deliver this and more to their bottom line, and in turn lift the whole of the A-League. In other words, he is expected to deliver a healthy return on the investment in cold hard dollar terms, not just feel-good factor and column inches. Based on what has already occurred – so far, so good!

In launching the Westfield W-League on Tuesday in fine style at a fabulous waterfront restaurant in Sydney, Damien de Bohun, the FFA’s Head of A-League and W-League, echoed these sentiments – firmly establishing the FFA’s view that the WWL is not just a ‘nice thing to do” – it is a key part of the FFA’s strategy in terms of both development and commercialisation of women’s football in this country.

In contrast to this approach, recently there was a call for Gina Rinehart to “invest” some of her rivers of cash into women’s football – clearly in the context where “investment” = “donation”. I take issue with this on a number of levels. First, I suspect football has a sufficient quota of mining billionaires at present. But most importantly, on the basis that in my view women’s football – and in particular the Westfield W-League – is a gold mine (or maybe iron ore mine?) waiting to be tapped.

Let’s look at some of the figures. When aligned with a Hyundai A-League team, the incremental cost of running a Westfield W-League team to the owners is reputedly in the order of $150,000. Per season. For the whole team – players, coaches, support staff, grounds, transport – the lot. A stand-alone team such as Canberra probably costs around $250,000. So in other words, with eight teams, the cost to the owners comes out at approximately $1,500,000 per annum – or three-quarters of an Italian superstar.

So what do you get for your $150-$250k? An entire team of brand ambassadors who are generally articulate, attractive, young and fully tapped into social media. A free to air highlights package once a week on ABC, and from this year games will also be streamed live. This national exposure is enhanced by TV news coverage, SBS’s The World Game, the Girls FC and Matildas Facebook pages, and the simple fact that the teams travel around Australia for their games, drawing increasingly bigger crowds. In contrast with the Socceroos, almost all the Matildas play in their domestic league, so you have ready access to the highest profile players, many of whom have extensive followings on Facebook and Twitter. And the demographics look great – high-spending Gen Y’s comprise the bulk of the following, as well as the youth and tween market – an advertiser’s heaven.

The opportunities to tap markets unavailable or not well aligned to the male game are extensive – children’s products, female clothing brands and sports brands, gym chains, personal hygiene products – the list goes on (can I say tampons on SBI?). And beyond these “female-oriented” brands, as Damien de Bohun also pointed out, there is the oft-quoted statistic that women make 85% of all purchasing decisions in most households (seems low to me, but I’ll run with it!). With the correct approach, these sponsors should be lining up, and many of them align perfectly with the overallWestfieldsponsorship of the W-League competition. Add to that the huge potential for increasing crowds, developing merchandising suited to females (yes, that means shirts that are fitted to women’s bodies!) and utilising the players for promotional purposes, and it all adds up to a sea of genuine opportunity for potential owners, sponsors and partners. As a stand-alone team,Canberrahas always recognised this and their success on and off the field is testament to their beliefs. Sydney FC has just signed Blackmores as shirt sponsors for its W-League team – so far as I am aware the first major, stand-alone sponsor for an A-League aligned club – but I am certain it won’t be the last.

Finally, and lest you misread me – I am as excited about del Piero as the next person (not least because I am half-Italian), and in no doubt about the extraordinary advantages he can deliver. However, the men’s game is not the only game in town, and as we ready ourselves for the upcoming W-League season, let’s stop talking about “investment” in the pejorative sense for women’s football, and instead explore the wealth of commercialisation opportunities available, and a huge pool of talent ready, willing and able to take up the mantle!

http://sportsbusinessinsider.com.au/news/category/sponsorship-and-marketing/del-pieros-not-the-only-game-in-town-why-w-league-is-a-potential-gold-mine-for-savvy-sponsors/

Round 1

Saturday 20 October
Canberra United v Brisbane Roar
2:00 PM McKellar Park

W-League: Reds stage comeback

20 October 2012-FFA

Adelaide United has defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 4-3 on the opening day of the W-League after a dramatic late comeback from 3-1 down at Burton Park on Saturday.

An incredible 11-minute hat-trick from midfielder Sarah McLaughlin rescued the Lady Reds from the jaws of defeat.

The New Zealander fired in her first on 77 minutes before adding two more in the 80th and 88th minutes with identical, classy top-corner finishes.

McLaughlin's heroics cancelled out an early first-half double to Wanderers captain and Matildas midfielder Servet Uzunlar, including a spectacular free-kick from halfway.

The Lady Reds responded prior to half-time via striker Racheal Quigley who slotted in a penalty won by the impressive Holly Patterson, before Jenna Kingsley added a third shortly after the restart for the visitors before McLaughlin stole the three points.

The win was just the second in three years for Adelaide.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1125249/W-League-Reds-stage-comeback

Replay on ABC now, First W-League game I've watched since the first season. I'm impressed with how far it's come.

Why not give the girls there own forum? That way we could have the W-League, the Matildas and any women related topics all in one. At the moment you've got one thread that contains a butload of interesting articles and topics. There'd probably be more interest in it if the girls had their own forum.