Above: Claudia Cicco in action for the Young Matildas. Image: Tiff Williams, Football Australia.
By Ryan Miller-Woods (10/7/24).
After playing an important role in Newcastle Jets’ success last season, Young Matildas defender Claudia Cicco has re-signed with the club m until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Cicco made a total of 18 appearances for the Jets last season, starting 17 times and playing a total of 1526 minutes. For her second season in the league and her first with Newcastle, Cicco was allowed her to play some of her best football.
As a reward for her consistently strong performances, the player was called up to the Young Matildas squad for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan in March. Cicco made three appearances and scored in Australia’s final group stage match against Chinese Taipei as the Young Matildas qualified for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia by finishing third.
Cicco’s versatility is something that really benefits her and her team, where not only can she play in the defence but when required can also be used as a winger or as a striker.
An example of how Cicco’s speed can be impactful was during the opening match of Australia’s campaign at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup against South Korea where her and Jets teammate Lara Gooch brought reinvigorated energy to the second half of that match.
Cicco’s new deal at the Jets will ensure that she can continue her growth alongside players such as club captain Cassidy Davis who is an excellent influence on younger players within the squad.
Speaking about her new contract, Cicco said, “I’m really excited and grateful to re-sign with the Jets again. I love Newcastle and am looking forward to the growth of the club. I can’t wait to get back into training, to improve each day under Ryan Campbell’s guidance. Newcastle has become my home away from home and I love playing for our passionate fans.”
Head Coach Ryan Campbell spoke of the importance of retaining a player of Cicco’s potential saying, “Re-signing Claudia was a key goal of mine in order to continue what we have been building from last season. Her pace and defensive ability are second to none and she is developing nicely as an attacking fullback. I am looking forward to working more with Claudia to help her continue to become an even more effective player.”
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 