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Monique Prinsloo: One Of WA’s Bright New Generation

In the latest of our WA on Wednesday series featuring NPL WA Women’s players, Balcatta Etna’s Monique Prinsloo speaks to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about representing Western Australia in athletics and football, plus life at Balcatta and in the NPL WA (22/6/22).

Above: Monique Prinsloo in action for Balcatta Etna this season. Photo: JASP Photography via Monique Prinsloo.

Monique Prinsloo is one of a group of youngsters in Western Australia (WA) who continue to show great promise in the early stages of their careers.

An impressive former member of the Hyundai NTC side, Prinsloo has represented her state overseas, despite coming to the sport relatively late on.

“I did competitive athletics for many years and was relatively successful in it, representing WA at the Nationals in Sydney (2017). It was during one of the school holiday sports programs where my brother (GJ Prinsloo) and I were introduced to football and I was asked by one of the holiday staff who coached a girls’ team to join his U12 team for Woodvale FC.

“From then on the journey began as I choose football over athletics. Soon after, in 2016 I was selected for the U13 NTC girls’ team coached by Faye Chambers and moved through their program until ageing out at the end of the 2021 season with the NTC U19’s team coached by Ben Anderson, assisted by Sam Geddes.

**Above:** Monique Prinsloo in action for Western Australia. **Photo supplied by:** Monique Prinsloo.

“During my time with NTC I had the privilege in representing WA in two National Youth Championships and an oversees tour to China in January 2019. This was an amazing experience getting to play against countries such as Sweden, China and Russia.

“I believe NTC was a period in my life that greatly developed me into the player I am today. I have recently moved over to Balcatta Etna as I noticed during my playing years the footballing style they play and the family like community they possess. I knew that I wanted to play for them. Fast forward to now and I’m extremely happy in Balcatta Etna.

“My teammates are such awesome people and it makes playing football through the ups and downs even more special knowing you’ve created some great connections with each one of them. Although I am new this season, I have been welcomed so nicely by all of them and it feels like a tight family community.”

In terms of how she sees herself as a player, Monique told me: “I’d like to think I have a high work-rate and eagerness on and off the ball. I believe I can be an attacking threat with my pace an advantage. If there were three words to describe myself as a player I’d say; quick, hardworking and passionate.”

Growing up, the Balcatta attacker had several important female sporting role models. “Sally Pearson (2012 Olympic 100m hurdles champion) is one. I was privileged enough to compete against, and really stood out for me the most over the years. In terms of football Rachel Hill played for Perth Glory with Sam Kerr a few years ago. Her playing style was exactly how I wanted to play and her chemistry on the pitch with Sam was something I really tried implementing in my game.

“Her speed and her eagerness to win the ball was a style of the game I wanted to adopt into my own. I’m grateful that once I picked up the boots I had many female role models in the sport and can see the tremendous efforts by those players in growing the sport into what it has become today.”

**Above:** Monique Prinsloo representing Western Australia. **Photo supplied by:** Monique Prinsloo.

Prinsloo represented Western Australia in the National Youth Football Championships in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, an experience that she still looks back fondly on.

“After being unsuccessful the year prior, I made the decision to work extremely hard to be selected next time. So, when I got that email I was over the moon and proud to have been selected. After representing WA twice at the National Youth Championships, it was no doubt that the environment felt extremely professional, having buses transport us to and from the game, having multiple recovery pool sessions, team tactics every afternoon and video analysis when we can.

“The experience showed me how it feels to be a professional, independent and surrounded by the best athletes in our age group. It was something that excited me. Obviously the nerves were extremely high, seeing all the scouts scattered across the venue was most definitely nerve wracking. If you had one chance to show them what you’ve got, it was then and you never knew when they were looking or not.

“In my first year competing, I scored five goals for WA and that was huge! To being unsuccessful the year before to scoring five goals the next year was a huge credit to myself and my motivation to prove myself as a player.

“The following year I scored the opener against Melbourne Victory and it is a goal I will never forget. All the matches were difficult. Quality amongst every player in the opposition team and the unknown opponents made it difficult to prepare well enough to have any real prediction of the game.

“The National Youth championships is a milestone in my playing career and I’m extremely grateful to have been a part of that tournament.”

**Above:** Monique pointing the way forward for Western Australia. **Photo supplied by:** Monique Prinsloo.

Another high point in the earlier stages of Monique’s career was winning the Golden Boot in the U23 state Premier League.

“Scoring my first league header in this season was an absolute highlight. The season on a whole was probably the most crucial season in my development as a player as I learnt so much about the game.”

Monique’s move to Balcatta Etna for the start of this season saw her as part of the squad that played in this year’s Night Series Final against Northern Redbacks. After building a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes, Balcatta went on to lose in extra-time.

“It was extremely tough. We put our bodies on the line, fought hard for 120 minutes is rather hard physically. I can speak for most girls in saying that the next day especially was very difficult. Our bodies were all so sore and our hearts felt the same.

“In a game like that there is always a winner and loser and unfortunately the result didn’t go our way, but I think getting to the final was a huge achievement in itself and the girls should be so proud of that.”

However, Monique believes the team are in a good place to bounce back to have a strong season in the NPL. It was a tough start for Balcatta who had a stop-start beginning to the campaign due to COVID-related postponements, but there are promising signs with the team now on an unbeaten run and up into fourth place.

**Above:** Monique brings the ball forward for Balcatta Etna this season. **Photo:** JASP Photography, supplied by Monique Prinsloo.

“This season hasn’t necessarily started the best for us but I do think that we have amazing new additions to the team that will surely throw some teams off.

“Tayna Campos among the new additions has the potential of creating a huge threat for other teams. Existing players such as Gabby Dal Busco, Monique Godding, Alanah Veroni and the D’Opera twins provide quality experience that the team builds upon each week.

“I believe that once we find our rhythm we will be very dangerous and could potentially cause some disruption to other teams’ campaigns. I believe Balcatta Etna tries to implement a possession-based approach, exploiting the space and using the assets of our players to advance into the final third and create good goal scoring opportunities.

“As a club, I know we are aiming to be in the top four teams this season. Something I do think is possible with the coaching staff and quality players in the team.

“In terms of personal goals, I’d have to say this season I’m focusing on enjoying the game. I believe all players should love the game to be able to succeed. Faye Chambers (NTC U15’s coach) once said to me, ‘Every game has only one ball and two goals, nothing’s different, you’ve got to be comfortable being uncomfortable to really preform under pressure.’

“This statement is my goal for this season. I would like to improve my attacking game awareness and develop in tight situations where I may lose my creatively due to myself being uncomfortable.”

More widely, Monique believes this season across the NPL WA Women’s competition is more unpredictable than ever.

“I think this season is so unique. There have been many changes in the squads across the teams and I think that is creating a spanner in the works. Each week is somewhat of a mystery having so many quality players scattered across each team.

“I think it’s going to be a tough season for all especially the COVID setbacks but I have a feeling its going to be very different from last season. Fremantle City, Perth RedStar and Perth SC will be among the most dangerous teams this season, followed closely by the rest. No team is guaranteed the league title making it even more interesting.”

NPL Victoria Women Round 12

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (22/6/22).

Above: Eyes on the ball – Alamein (red) host Bulleen Lions. Photo: Alamein FC.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

Jackson’s Back But Jancevski Does The Damage

Alamein 0-3 Bulleen Lions

Fourth-placed Alamein hosted Bulleen Lions in third for this Round 12 encounter of Victoria’s NPLW.

Both sides had enjoyed a hard-fought win the previous week, Bulleen Lions scraped past bottom side Bayside United, while Alamein came away from a Friday night fixture with a 2-1 win away to Box Hill.

To face Bulleen Lions, Alamein welcomed back one of their star recruits into the starting lineup. Amy Jackson had endured and flourished in one of the most testing seasons of her A-League Women’s career.

Ultimately she was one of the stars of the Grand Final win, but that gruelling campaign meant a delayed start to her NPLW season. She was in Kat Smith’s first XI after making a substitute appearance last round. Her return was welcomed by her loyal fans on the sidelines as much as her teammates.

The Melbourne Victory legend would partner Caitlin Storay in a formidable-looking central pairing.

Bulleen were boosted by the return of star midfielder Paige Zois. Her creativity and knack for creating space was missing against Bayside. Rebekah Stott was still absent through injury, but Cailtin Friend was able to name a strong squad that featured two of last week’s scorers, Alana Jancevski and Lia Privitelli.

Bulleen began the game on the attack. The turf and weather made quick passing difficult, and the direct approaches were cut off by Catherine Renehan for Alamein.

The home side attempted to catch Bulleen’s defence out on the break, but Kiara Bercelli was offside.

The battle between two strong midfields was fairly even. Neither side could find much space or time in the centre of the pitch, but with Jancevski’s firepower and Privitelli’s pace up front, Bulleen looked more threatening.

Privitelli was in sparkling touch early. A nutmeg of a defender on the left resulted in a blocked shot, but a warning of what she is capable of. Rosie Rodger’s clever through pass put Privitelli in space, but her shot flew wide with the keeper scrambling to get into position.

Rodger’s starting role was well earned after a great contribution off the bench against Bayside United. It was her second brilliant pass in as many weeks.

Privitelli and Jancevski linked up for the opening goal. A long ball forward bypassed the midfield battleground and fell to Privitelli who controlled it and played it back to Jancevski.

The first time shot from long range was spectacular, yet amazingly expected. Jancevski has the technique to turn a half-chance in the mud into a beautiful curling goal. The only shame is that the NPL grounds do not yet have the facilities for behind-the-goal replays.

Alamein tried to hit back when Sidney Allen found Elaina Vatcky, but again the linesman’s flag was up and Bulleen were untroubled.

Jancevski had her second goal after an hour had been played. It will go down as an error by Alamein’s defence, but the finish was emphatic. Jancevski stalked a short goal kick and intercepted a pass-out. An extra touch took her closer to goal and opened up the angle before she rifled the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

In the end, the 3-0 score was harsh on Alamein. The third goal only came deep into injury time. Tiffany Eliadis’s long pass into the path of Privitelli set the captain in on goal. Her well-taken finish in the 93rd minute secured the points and could prove crucial in a top-four that may be decided by goal difference.

Bulleen were more clinical and unforgiving with their chances on goal. The closest that Alamein came to scoring in the second half was through Adelyn Ayton’s dangerous-looking long-range shot.

They will be disappointed with the second and third goals, but there was no denying the quality of the first. Jancevski now has three goals in her last two matches. She is hitting form for the second half of the season and is hopefully in the frame for a Young Matildas call-up. Few players can hit a ball as well.

**Above:** Gaby Garton was back in goal for Bulleen Lions at the weekend. **Photo:** Bulleen Lions.

In a welcome surprise, Bulleen Lions welcomed back goalkeeper Gaby Garton as a second-half substitute. It was her first game of senior football since her child was born. The A-League Women’s Championship winner was solid in the second half without being really tested, but it was great to see her back.

Teams: ALAMEIN: Bean, Renehan, Heysen, Lantieri-Bartley, Leferve, Storay, Jackson (Ayton), Vatcky (Michael), Stamatopoulos (Nikpour), Bercelli (Hull), Allen (Perrone).

BULLEEN LIONS: Sheilds (Garton), Dolzan, Natoli, Johnson, Vlajnic, Burn, Zois, Jancevski, Little, Rodger (Eliadis), Privitelli.

Scorers: Jancevski 25’, 63’. Privitelli 90+3’.

Round 12 Wrap:

**Above**: Aerial combat between Calder United (white) and Bayside United. **Photo:** Jack Dilks/171819.

In other results, Calder United put seven goals past Bayside United. Braces for Ava Groba, Aleksandra Sinclair, and Raquel Derales added to an own goal to emphasise Mark Torcaso’s team’s title credentials. Each of those players scored once in the first half and once in the second in a strong response to Julia Budiongo’s seventh-minute opener.

FV Emerging won at home to Box Hill United thanks to a 70th-minute goal by Ellie Vlaeminck. The result meant that the young NTC side moves up to fourth place at Alamein’s expense.

Heidelberg United held onto second spot on the ladder with a 3-1 win over South Melbourne. After a resurgence, South Melbourne have now lost their last two games, and in a league where every goal counts, they have dropped back to seventh on the table.

**Above:** Heidelburg United (yellow) and South Melbourne compete for possession at the weekend. **Photo:** Sally Tsalikidis via Heidelburg United.

Stephanie Galea’s first-half goal was met by Bella Stringfellow’s equaliser for South Melbourne. Danielle Wise’s brace helped Heidelberg to their first win in three games after close losses to Calder United and FV Emerging.

Calder United are now five points clear at the top of the table and seven ahead of third-placed Bulleen. That lead looks set to be extended with matches against Bayside United and Alamein in the weeks ahead, but this season has been full of surprises and no managers would be taking anything for granted.

Kim Carroll Re-Signs To Seek Glory With Perth

22/6/22

Artwork: Perth Glory FC.

Perth Glory confirmed today that experienced central defender Kim Carroll has re-signed with the club for the Liberty A-League 2022/23 Season.

34-year-old Carroll started every game last year in what was her sixth season in purple and her 12th in the competition overall.

The 58-times-capped Matilda first signed for Glory in 2015 and with the exception of the 2020/21 campaign which she spent representing her first club, Brisbane Roar, she has barely missed a game since.

Having been encouraged by the team’s performance under challenging circumstances last term, she is confident that a Finals spot is a realistic target for next season.

“I’m still enjoying playing and challenging myself in the league,” she said. “The competitiveness is still there. “Last year we had a fairly successful year with huge improvements.

“[Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] had more time to recruit and get a solid squad together and we gelled well together considering we were essentially away for the entire season. “From conversations I’ve had with Alex since last season, he’s keen to improve us as players and go that little bit further and get into the top four next season.

**Above:** Kim Carroll (left) will be back in purple again next season – a major re-signing for Alex Epakis’ team. Photo: Kris Goman for *Impatus*.

“He’s kept the squad together as much as possible, so we’ll all be familiar with each other and know how he wants us to play and what the expectations are. No one has a safe spot anymore and that is a good thing to have in a team. It creates a competitive training environment which in turn leads into the games.”

Epakis believes that Carroll will be a key figure for the club once again in 2022/23. “I am really pleased to have Kim re-sign for the upcoming ALW season,” he said. “She is one of the most experienced and proven players in the competition and having returned to the club last season, made an instant impact both on and off the field.

“The team and I certainly benefited from her level of on-field performance and her overall experience. Moreover, she has strong leadership qualities and a really good understanding of the game and the style of play we work towards each week. “I look forward to working with her again this season and I know she is very determined and committed to helping us progress further as a team.”

Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly delighted that one of the club’s greatest ever defenders is staying on board.

“Kim remains one of the standout centre-backs in the league,” he said, “and she was a cornerstone of the team that performed so well under incredibly challenging circumstances last year. She continues to be a fantastic asset for the club and I’m sure all our Members and fans are looking forward to seeing her in action again next season.”

Further signing announcements are expected in the near future from the club.

Princess Ibini: Bringing Power, Pace, And Creativity To The Matildas

Impetus’ Kris Goman had an EXCLUSIVE 1:1 chat with Princess Ibini from inside the Australia training camp ahead of their upcoming friendlies in Spain and Portugal (21/6/22).

Above: Princess Ibini speaking to the media yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

After another impressive season with Sydney FC, Princess Ibini has been recalled into the Australia squad for their upcoming matches with Spain and Portugal. She was in the training camp in Huelva as she spoke to me.

Ibini is clear that her consistently influential performances in the A-League Women are what led to her return to the national side. “My performance in the A-League with Sydney FC has impressed a lot and obviously helped me get picked for this camp so yeah, working with the girls and Ante (Juric) has helped a lot. Mel (Andreatta), the assistant national coach, has said she’s liked what I’m doing so I just need to keep doing what I’m doing!”

Tony Gustavsson has urged players to go look for playing time and clubs overseas, particularly during the A-League Women’s close season. Whilst Ibini didn’t make the move this year, she was open to playing outside of Australia.

“I have considered and was looking to go this season but it didn’t really work out but no I don’t really have any preferences as to where I go. I’d really take either Europe or the USA – both have really great leagues.”

With Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Hayley Raso among those not taking part in these two friendlies, this is a real opportunity for the Sydney FC attacker to stake her claim for a place in the World Cup squad.

**Above:** Princess Ibini enjoying training in Spain this week. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

“We’re missing some key players but it also gives the girls coming in the opportunity to get some playing time and impress the coach I feel like I could bring some power and pace with my creativity as well coming in so I’m really excited to get playing.”

Whilst this is a new and unusual Matildas squad given the circumstances, there’s a good core of Sydney FC players past and present in the selection, Ibini believes that this will only help her blossom over the coming week.

“Yeah, I think that core group of Sydney FC girls will help a lot since we’ve played together for many years. I feel it will be easy for us to gel as a team and get things going so I’m really excited to do that. The girls missing will be missed during this camp but hopefully, the girls that have come in will do the job.

The Matildas face Spain on Saturday night and draw the majority of their squad from the extremely dominant Barcelona club side. It will be a big challenge for Australia.

“They are probably one of the best teams in the world with the Ballon D’or winner so to go up against players like that will really test us and we can see where we’re at but we’ll put up a good fight. Alexia Putellas is definitely an amazing player so I’m really excited to verse her.

“Everyone’s pretty relaxed at the moment. Feeling good, feeling ready to go. We are a very high pressing tempo team so we’ll press and hopefully, we keep the ball more than they do and we won’t have to press that much.”

**Above:** Princess Ibini in training this week with the Matildas. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby rounds up all the action from both the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan as Sweden’s top two divisions played their final matches before the mid-season break and we welcome back DandalBs with his news round-up from around the leagues. (21/6/22).

Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross gets a shot in on her debut for Hammarby against BK Häcken on Friday night. Photo: Hammarby IF.

NEWS ROUND-UP

by DandalBs

Vittsjö announced today that Katrina Gorry has extended her contract for another season. Speaking about her decision, the Australian international said: “I’m so excited to be signing for another year. I’ve really enjoyed the first half of the season and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in the 2nd half. The club, the team, and Harper’s nannies have become our new family so it was an easy decision to stay. There is something special about Vittsjö and we are lucky to be a part of it.”

Sweden’s national team coach Peter Gerhardsson, whose contract expires after the 2023 World Cup, has been contacted by several clubs and national teams. Even though he is said to miss club coaching, no offers have been interesting enough to tempt him so far.

Kosovare Asllani, who recently left Real Madrid, is strongly rumoured to join AC Milan. When the same rumour surfaced last year, her agent denied it. This time he hasn’t commented.

Ugandan international Violah Nambi training with Damallsvenskan side IFK Kalmar. Nambi, who played for Växjö last year, comes from a successful half-season in Austria’s second division where she scored eight goals.

DAMALLSVENSKAN

by Ben Gilby

Round 15 kicked off on Friday night with inform Hammarby hosting a BK Häcken side desperate to get back to winning ways after only taking four points from the last 15 available to them in front of a crowd of 1,464.

**Above:** BK Häcken’s Marika Bergman Lundin, who had an impact within moments of coming on as a sub. **Photo:** BK Häcken.

The home side could have taken the lead three minutes before the break, but Emma Jansson’s penalty was saved. Marika Bergman Lundin had an eventful opening to the second half for the visitors having come on at the break. Within seven minutes, she had been booked and then put her side ahead. Less than 60 seconds later, Andrine Hegerberg doubled BK Häcken’s lead.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross in action for Hammarby on her debut. **Photo:** Hammarby IF.

Kyra Cooney-Cross made her long-awaited debut for the Stockholm-based side with 23 minutes remaining, joining her Matildas teammate Courtney Nevin, who has been in superb form in the Hammarby line-up. Matilda Vinberg got a goal back for the hosts six minutes into injury time at the end of the match.

**Above:** It was another tough afternoon for Remy Siemsen’s AIK side. **Photo:** AIK Fotboll Dam.

AIK‘s tough campaign got even more challenging when they were beaten 6-0 at home by leaders Rosengård in front of a crowd of 241. With Matildas stars Remy Siemsen and Teagan Micah starting for either side, and no place for Charli Grant in the visitors’ squad, Rosengård built a 2-0 lead at the break thanks to strikes from Sofie Bredgaard and Jelena Cankovic. Any hopes that the Solna-based hosts had of getting back into the game went up in smoke within three minutes of the re-start when Olivia Schough fed Cankovic to grab her second. Within eight minutes Schough made it 4-0 and added another just after the hour mark. Emma Berglund completed the rout a minute before the end. AIK remain bottom, but are within three points of safety. When the season resumes in August, matches against their fellow strugglers will decide their fate.

**Above:** IF Brommapojkarna in possession. **Photo:** Orian Jacobsson via IF Brommapojkarna.

IF Brommapojkarna are second-bottom after going down 3-1 at home to European chasing Eskilstuna United. Elise Stenevik provided the assist for Paulina Nyström to put the visitors ahead after 16 minutes. Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene benefitted from Felicia Rogic’s set-up to make it 2-0 seven minutes before the break. Rogic sealed the win from the penalty spot on the hour mark. Ida Bengtsson got a goal back for the hosts, but Eskilstuna ran out comfortable winners in front of 152 fans.

**Above:** More success for Kristianstads against Piteå. **Artwork:** OBOS Damallsvenskan.

Kristianstads are third after securing their fifth straight win, seeing off Piteå 1-0 in front of 759 fans. Evelyn Viens maintained her red-hot scoring streak with the winner after just 10 minutes.

**Above:** Post-match celebrations for Linköping after their big win over Umeå IK. **Photo:** Linköping

Linköping are second after destroying Umeå IK 7-0 in front of 622 fans. Olga Ahtinen put the hosts ahead after 26 minutes. Yuka Momiki netted the first of her two goals for the afternoon shortly afterwards. Amalie Vangsgaard made it 3-0 at the break. Further goals from Heidi Ellingsen and Alva Selerud either side of Momiki’s second put Linköping 6-0 up before Johanna Svedberg completed the scoring four minutes from time.

**Above:** Julia Walentowicz (left) shows her glee after scoring Djurgården’s winning goal at IFK Kalmar. **Photo:** DIF.

Djurgården headed towards the upper reaches of midtable after a 1-0 win on the road at IFK Kalmar. Julia Walentowicz scored the winning goal nine minutes from time in front of 313 fans.

**Above:** Celebration time for KIF Örebro. **Photo:** KIF Örebro.

Vittsjö‘s European hopes suffered a setback after going down 2-1 at home to KIF Örebro in a game watched by 623 fans. Fielding both Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry, the hosts went ahead after 36 minutes through Linda Sällström. However, that was as good as it got for Vittsjö. Two goals in two minutes before the break from Jenna Hellstrom and Michaela Kovacs turned the game in Örebro’s favour.

Next Fixtures: 6th August: IFK Kalmar v Kristianstads. 12th August: Kristianstads v Vittsjö. 14th August: Umeå IK v IFK Kalmar, Eskilstuna United v Hammarby, KIF Örebro v IF Brommapojkarna, Piteå v AIK. 15th August: Djurgården v Linköping. 19th August: BK Häcken v KIF Örebro, Piteå v Rosengård.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross on debut for Hammarby at home to BK Häcken on Friday night. **Photo:** Hammarby IF.

ELITETTAN

by Ben Gilby

**Above:** Maria Poli in action for IK Uppsala against Team TG FF. **Photo:** IK Uppsala.

Leaders IK Uppsala saw off a Team TG FF side who are only just above the drop zone as expected. However, they had more difficulty imposing themselves on the scoreboard than many of the assembled crowd of 213 may have expected. Hanna Persson scored the only goal after 26 minutes. The win was further tempered for the home side by the news that Taryn Ries had to leave the game due to a foot injury

**Above:** IFK Norrköping in celebratory mood. **Photo:** IFK Norrköping.

IFK Norrköping lost the chance to remain second when they could only draw 1-1 at Jitex BK. Alexandra Hellekant gave the hosts the lead with just two minutes on the clock. My Cato earned the point with just over 15 minutes left.

**Above:** Hanna Stokki of Växjö (left), who hit her side’s second goal in their 6-1 win over Bergdalens IK. **Photo:** Suvad Mrkonjic Imago/Bildbyrån.

Växjö took advantage of IFK Norrköping’s stumble to go second with their expected demolition of struggling visitors Bergdalens IK which delighted the crowd of 347. The hosts were ahead after just two minutes due to an own goal. Hanna Stokki made it 2-0 20 minutes later. The second half started with a bang as Evelyn Ijeh netted her customary goal before Mimmi Strömgren got in on the act just past the hour mark. Dessislava Dupuy hit a brace before Izabella Bergström hit a consolation for Bergdalens.

**Above:** Alingsås FC United are well placed for promotion to the *Damallsvenskan* after their 10-0 win over strugglers Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. **Photo:** Alingsås FC United.

Alingsås FC United are second, one point behind IK Uppsala after demolishing second-bottom Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 10-0 at home in front of a crowd of 190. There were five goals in each half. Lisa Johansson and Stine Jensen both grabbed hat-tricks, with Alma Öberg adding a brace and Olivia Sultan contributing one along with Ina Österlind.

Round 12 Results: Ifö Bromölla 0-1 Sundsvalls, IK Uppsala 1-0 Team TG FF, Jitex BK 1-1 IFK Norrköping, Mallbackens IF Sunne 4-1 Lidköpings FK, Växjö 6-1 Bergdalens IK, Alingsås FC United 10-0 Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Gamla Upsala 3-1 Älvsjö AIK FF.

Next Fixtures: 23rd June: Bergdalens IK v Gamla Uppsala. 27th June: IFK Norrköping v IK Uppsala. 23rd July: Sundsvalls v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga v Växjö, Team TG FF v Jitex BK. 24th July: Lidköpings FK v Ifö Bromölla, Älvsjö AIK FF v Alingsås FC United.

NWSL Weekly Wrap: Round Eight

Impetus welcomes Blaise Ogutu who will be providing us with regular round-ups from all of the best action in the NWSL (21/6/22).

Above: Nadia Nadim celebrates her second goal for Racing Louisville at Washington Spirit. Photo: Equalizer Soccer.

From Nadia Nadim’s Brace To A Thriller In Carolina: NWSL Round Eight

The Juneteenth weekend in the NWSL was a goal-fest. Right from the Friday kick-off game in Washington right down to the last game on Sunday night in North Carolina.

On Friday, the Washington Spirit hosted Racing Louisville at Segra Field with both teams looking to snap their winless runs. Washington was up to the races in the first moments of the game completely dominating the visitors but the missing piece of the puzzle was the opening goal. Spirit thought they had opened the scoring when Emily Sonnett found the back of the net only for the offside flag to be raised. Trinity Rodman however did open the scores in the 33^rd minute with a right-footed shot past Katie Lund in goal.

Washington doubled the lead with three minutes to go in the first half through Madie Elwell. Her first professional career goal in the NWSL. There seemed to be no way back for the visitors up until Nadia Nadim entered the fray in the second half. In the 65^th minute the Dane and Jessica McDonald linked up well and Nadim raced off to coolly slot one past Lund to pull one back. Washington’s suspect defending reared its head again as the potent Racing Louisville duo combined once again. This time McDonald managed to latch onto a loose ball to float it onto Nadia Nadim with a timely header to tie the game in the 88^th minute. A draw neither side benefitted from as both teams continued with their winless runs in the league.

Saturday saw two games on the main card. First off, Kansas City Current hosted the Chicago Red Stars. The Current had a dream start in the eighth minute when Kristen Hamilton nodded in the opener. Hamilton benefitted from a Hailie Mace cross and put the ball past Alyssa Naeher scoring her second goal in as many games. It was a brilliant defensive display by Kansas not to concede in the first half but Chicago had other ideas.

Red Stars found the equaliser nine minutes after the restart through Amanda Kowalski. A corner floated in and found Kowalski at the back post with a bullet header past Adrianna Franch in goal. Five minutes later, Chicago found themselves with a chance to go ahead after Mallory Pugh was fouled inside the box and she proceeded to make the penalty count. Kansas City weren’t done yet and held their own defensively throughout the second half. They got their reward in the 68^th minute when Cece Kizer’s left-footed shot found the top corner past an outstretched Naeher raising the roof at the Children’s Mercy Park. This result dented the team from the Windy City a chance to go top of the table ahead of Portland and San Diego’s games.

**Above:** Bethany Belcer battling against Megan Reid as OL Reign face Angel City. **Photo:** Equalizer Soccer.

The other game at Lumen Field later on Saturday saw the OL Reign narrowly beat Angel City FC one to nothing. Bethany Balcer was at hand to give the hosts the lead in the 30th minute. She was alert to pounce on a poor clearance by Angel City’s defence to give Laura Harvey’s charges the lead they deserved. It was a cagey affair for the rest of the game which featured a number of hard fouls that brought out the cards. Megan Rapinoe on her return to first-team action was sent off from the bench late in the second half for dissent but luckily for the hosts, it had no effect as they held on to their slender lead. Angel City have to contend with a piling number of players on the injury list as Simone Charley was forced off the field in the first half and joins Christen Press who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Roll on Sunday where the Portland Thorns welcomed a much shaken Orlando Pride to the Providence Park. Nothing was welcoming about the score however as the Thorns ran out 6-0 winners. Hina Sugita opened the scoring in the 21^st minute being on the end of a Janine Beckie cross. Captain Becky Sauerbrunn doubled the advantage three minutes later pouncing on a loose ball parried by McLeod in the Pride goal.

The floodgates opened in the second half with Sophia Smith scoring a brace of long-range efforts after being granted too much space by the Orlando defence. Natalia Kuikka and Taylor Porter also got in on the scoring with the latter scoring her first professional goal in the NWSL. This result means that the Thorns handed Orlando their worst result ever and took Portland to second on the table.

Elsewhere on Sunday, the San Diego Wave held the top spot heading into the international break with a 3-0 win away at Gotham FC. Alex Morgan set the Red Bull Arena alight with a first-half brace and provided an assist for Makenzy Doniak as they cruised in Harrison New Jersey. This is the second time Alex Morgan was involved in every single goal scored against Gotham FC after scoring four the last time the two teams met.

**Above:** Houston Dash players celebrate their victory over North Carolina Courage. **Photo:** Houston Dash.

The last game of the weekend proved to be a thriller as Houston Dash came from behind to narrowly edge out hosts North Carolina Courage 4-3 at the WakeMed Soccer Park. Denise O’Sullivan had the opener in the 6^th minute with a superb half-volley. Houston replied nine minutes later through Maria Sanchez who was picked out by Shea Groom to slot the ball past Jane Campbell in goal.

It was chaotic opening 12 minutes in the second half as Elizabeth Eddy scored two quick goals for Houston. The second one was a deft attempt to get the ball past Casey Murphy in the Courage goal. Nichelle Prince made it 4-1 in the 51^st minute cutting in from the left side and bending her shot beating Murphy. Six minutes later, Diana Ordonez pulled one back for the hosts with a skilful finish, taking down Pickett’s cross and dribbling past Chapman before scoring. Within two minutes, Courage had reduced the deficit to a single goal when Debinha fought her way past a crowd before unleashing a shot through Campbell’s legs. This set up a nervy finish to the game but Houston managed to hold on to the narrow victory.

Here is how things stand going into the international break:

For Blaise‘s biography along with the rest of our contributors, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/about-our-contributors/

NPL WA Women Round 12 Wrap

Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (20/6/22).

Above: The outstanding Perth RedStar, who continued their rampant and perfect start to the NPL WA season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Carlos Vega Mena.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

Perth SC 0-1 Perth RedStar

Perth RedStar’s seemingly unstoppable charge towards the NPL WA Women’s title continued as they won their eleventh successive match on an afternoon where the sun did its best to peep through the clouds at a breezy Dorrien Gardens.

Perth SC had emerged as RedStar’s closest challengers, albeit ones who went into the game 10 points behind their visitors – although this was the first time they had crossed swords this season.

The Azzurri had only conceded goals against Hyundai NTC so far, the youngsters also being the only side to defeat Perth SC, having managed it twice.

RedStar have been relentless. As well as the big lead at the top of the table, they held a goal difference of +40. The visitors also were also buoyed by the knowledge that they had never lost a regular-season NPL match to Perth SC (in their original guise as Northern Redbacks) and had only conceded two goals in those six encounters.

The early exchanges saw RedStar legend Carla Bennett stamping her mark on the game. She was alert and quick to close down her opposition. The first chance of the game came from her corner on the right which led to Emily Dunn volleying wide.

**Above:** Jaime Duncanson, who was a threat for Perth SC. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

The Azzurri responded with strong link-up play between Liana Cook and Zoee Spadano which eventually led to Courtney Butlion winning turnover ball on the right. Her pass found Emma McMurdo 25 yards from goal, and she slammed in a spectacular effort that rebounded off of the underside of the bar. Jaime Duncanson roared in to attempt to score, but was adjudged offside.

One of the keys to Perth RedStar’s successes this season has been their ability to take chances when they arrive, and this was highlighted after 13 minutes with an idiosyncratic counterattack goal.

They pinched the pocket of the hosts inside their own half and produced a one-touch passing move which resulted in Jay Coleman finding Larissa Walsh outside her. The competition’s top scorer, as ever, timed her run to perfection from the right of centre which alluded the home defence. Walsh squared a centimetre perfect pass for Sarah Carroll to smash home her ninth goal of the season, and fifth in five games.

Perth SC responded well and won back-to-back corners. They also had to overcome the loss of Faye Phillips at the back, which necessitated the introduction of young attacker Ella Lincoln. This in turn signalled a further reshuffle in their personnel with Liana Cook having to slot into right back.

**Above:** Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln (right), pictured in action earlier this season. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

It was a move that was largely positive for the Azzurri. Lincoln is a real prospect with great feet and pace which she showed instantly along the right-hand side and continually linked up well with Jaime Duncanson. Cook, forced to move back worked tirelessly to close down RedStar’s rapier-like counterattacks.

Lincoln was a thorn in the RedStar side and got away well along the left and played in a pacey ball for Duncanson, but Perth SC’s leading scorer couldn’t find the target. The pair combined dangerously a minute later with a similar move, but the outcome was equally similar.

Perth RedStar created and built their first sustained period of attacking football with Olivia Wood, Walsh, Sarah Carroll, and Coleman all involved. It was the latter who created her team’s best chance to extend their lead when she released Walsh to the left of centre. Rebecca Bennett showed great positioning sense to deny the RedStar hot-shot.

The Azzurri defence managed well, allowing the hosts to go on and enjoy the best of the remainder of the half. Duncanson had another chance when Cook fired in towards her, but her latest rocket shot just went over the ball. Butlion was released with five minutes of the half remaining, but Shivani Battaglia came out well to deny the Perth SC player.

At the break, it was Perth RedStar who held the lead, but Perth SC fashioned more than enough opportunities in terms of shots on goal (three) and corners earned (eight) to show their worth, but couldn’t find a finish.

**Above:** Jay Coleman – another influential performance. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Carlos Vega Mena.

The second half was more of an arm-wrestle with chances at a premium, although Perth RedStar had slightly the better of the exchanges. Walsh combined well with Coleman to get a shot in. After the home side earned some consistent territory, the visitors responded with Sarah Carroll joining in with the aforementioned RedStar duo in causing problems.

As the game moved into its final fifteen minutes, RedStar’s grip on proceedings appeared tighter than ever, which was enough to ensure they ran out 1-0 winners.

The league leaders’ consistent ability this season to take clear chances when they came was the difference once more. That is the sign of a champion team, and with Perth RedStar now 13 points clear at the top of the NPL WA, the title is as good as theirs.

Perth SC did enough to suggest that if opponents are able to covert chances then Carlos Vega Mena’s team can still be denied in the one-off Top Four Cup end-of-season shoot-out. Yet so far, none of his side’s NPL WA rivals have been able to covert those chances when they arrive.

Teams: PERTH SC: R.Bennett, Harvey, van Heurck, Phillips, Spadano, Cook, Meakins, McMurdo, Connolly, Duncanson, Butlion. Substitutes: Byrne, Lincoln, Papalia, Spatafore.

PERTH REDSTAR: Battaglia, S.Carroll, Walsh, Doan, C.Bennett, K.Carroll, Bilham, Wood, Dunn, Cohen, Coleman. Substitutes: De Leo, Ridley, Leota, Larsen, Mogridge, Insch, Diederichsen (GK).

Scorers: S.Carroll 13′

Referee: Jatin Lodhia.

Round 12 Wrap:

**Above:** Balcatta Etna celebrate their second goal which clinched victory at Curtin University on Friday night. **Photo:** NPL.

Round 12 got underway on Friday night with Curtin University hosting in-form Balcatta Etna at Edinburgh Oval. The visitors went into the game with four successive weekend league wins and, with Curtin still looking for their first victory in the NPL this season, there was no doubt who the strong favourites were.

It took 67 minutes for the first goal to arrive, and the ball was laid back to Alanah Veroni, positioned centrally on the edge of the box. Veroni cracked in a shot which cannoned back off of the bar, with Monique Godding rushing in to get there first to slot home.

The points were finally secured in stoppage time at the end of the match. Elizabeth Doust curled in a teasing high ball from the right for Monique Prinsloo to loop a header into the net.

**Above:** Kate Nolan puts Fremantle City 2-0 up from the penalty spot against Murdoch University Melville on Sunday. **Photo:** NPL.

On Sunday, Fremantle City closed the gap right up on second-placed Perth SC with a 3-0 win over Murdoch University Melville at Hilton Park.

Freo went ahead just after the quarter of an hour mark when Kate Nolan’s throw-in on the left eventually found its way to Mikayla Lyons who beat her defender on the right hand side of the box, cut in, and hit a low shot that deflected into the net off of Lucy Hope.

Despite continuing to push forward, it took until the hour mark for the home side to extend their lead, and it came from Nolan’s penalty.

Whilst the visitors remained committed, Freo added a third after 77 minutes when Jessica Darmago showed her skill on the right to advance and then cut back for Jamie-Lee Gayle to hit a first-time sidefooted shot which looped into the net.

**Above:** Hyundai NTC’s two-goal Tanika Lala. **Photo:** Kalgoorlie Miner.

Hyundai NTC hosted Subiaco in the final game of the round and there was late drama of the most epic kind at E&D Litis Stadium.

The teenagers of the NTC hit the front with 32 minutes played as a superb run along the right-wing produced a ball into the back post which was laid back perfectly for Tanika Lala to score. They doubled their lead nine minutes into the second period as Lala was found inside the box, turned her defender, and smashed home a shot into the far corner.

Yet, Subiaco are made of stern stuff, and they hit back within five minutes. They won turnover ball, and a series of short passes ended with Samantha Narra being released to hone in on goal. She slotted calmly under onrushing NTC keeper Lilly Bailey to get her team back in the game.

With the game three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the second half, Subi forced back-to-back corners. The second of which was played back into the box high and there was Emma Ylias to direct a header that bounced over the line to secure an excellent draw for the visitors.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Perth RedStar	11	11	0	0	46	5	33	+41
Perth SC	11	6	2	3	19	6	20	+13
Fremantle City	11	6	2	3	27	16	20	+11
Balcatta Etna	10	5	1	4	12	8	16	+4
Hyundai NTC	11	3	4	4	13	24	13	-11
Murdoch University Melville	11	3	3	5	12	14	12	-2
Subiaco	11	1	3	7	10	34	6	-24
Curtin University	10	0	1	9	9	41	1	-32

Round 13 Fixtures: Hyundai NTC v Curtin University, Murdoch University Melville v Perth RedStar, Balcatta Etna v Fremantle City, Subiaco v Perth SC.

Amy Sayer: From Summer Holidays To A Matildas Return

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard Amy Sayer speak about an unexpected change to her summer plans which saw her go from holiday mode back into the national side after a gap of a year (20/6/22).

Above: Amy Sayer speaking about her unexpected return to the international set-up. Photo: Football Australia.

As unexpected international recalls go, this one is well up there. Amy Sayer was on her way to Australia to be reunited with her family for almost two months of rest and recuperation. Then she got the call from Tony Gustavsson.

“To get the call up again was really exciting, but unexpected,” Sayer said. “I was in San Francisco Airport, heading back [to Australia] from Stanford for the summer holidays, expecting to get about seven weeks at home with my family.

“It was pretty quick turnaround, about a week at home and then I’m back again. I’m so excited to be back.”

Since making her debut for Australia against Japan in 2018, the Sydney native has made four appearances for the senior national team with her last outing a little over 12 months ago against Germany. Since that appearance, Sayer believes she enters the camp with increased growth and confidence to express her attributes as a player.

**Above:** Amy Sayer in training with the Matildas in a previous camp. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

“I think in these next 10 days I’m really looking forward to just putting my best foot forward, doing my best, having fun, coming in and trying to really compete against some of the best teams in the world.”

“Against a team like Spain, I’m really looking forward to seeing how I match up against some of the best players in the world and one of the best teams in the world. I’m aiming to see the areas that I need to improve in as we come out of the game and seeing how well we can do with the new philosophy that’s trying to be reinforced in the national team.”

With the squad for the June FIFA Window averaging 25 years of age and with 15 members of the squad having 10 or fewer caps, the move back into the national team environment has been made a little easier for Sayer with the inclusion of many former teammates from the Young Matildas or Sydney FC.

“I think it’s great to have a lot of familiar faces, Sayer enthused. “It’s very comfortable, especially in these first few days. I’ve come in and just settled right in. There’s only a few of us here at the moment.”

“It’s very easy to just settle back into our old routines. [To] joke around at the lunch table and feel comfortable enough to be ourselves and just putting the work on the field as well.”

The squad has seen the addition of another emerging player with the defender Jamilla Rankin called in to replace Angie Beard who has withdrawn for personal reasons.

**Above:** Amy Sayer in action on her previous international game for Australia in Germany. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

England Women’s Blind Team: The Newest Lionesses Are Ready To Roar

Catherine Gilby, the FA’s Head of Para Performance spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby (no relation) about the launch of the newest Lionesses team, how the game is played and the existing aims for the squad as they look ahead to their first international competition (19/6/22).

Above: The Lionesses inaugural Blind Team. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.

Last month it was announced that the latest addition to the Lionesses national women’s football teams would be an England Blind team. Catherine outlined the key moments in the journey of the squad.

“The formation of the England Women’s Blind team was a key commitment from The FA’s Football Your Way plan, which launched in October 2021 and pledged to develop, improve and raise awareness of Disability Football in England.

“The Women’s Blind team is one of many para football teams that train and compete at St. George’s Park, but the first to launch specifically as part of the Football Your Way plan. This was a priority for us ahead of the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, where the team will be competing as part of their developmental journey.”

The squad is one that contains some players who are quite to the new to the game and shaping a team from these developing players is the initial focus.

“In terms of hurdles, it’s been crucial to find the right players with the right levels and skillsets to establish a team and ultimately be able to perform internationally,” Catherine said.

**Above:** All smiles during the first England Women’s Blind Team training camp at St. George’s Park. **Photo:** Getty Images, supplied to *Impetus* by: FA.

“Some of these players have only played Blind football for just over a year. They have clear natural potential, but it’s been a clear focus of our coaching team to now turn them into a competitive and winning team. From a global perspective, there is also a need to develop knowledge and understanding of the women’s blind game.

“It was important for us to build a team based on skillsets. A mainstream football example would be that you wouldn’t win anything if you just had 11 great wingers – you have to have balance. So it’s been crucial for us to find players that complement each other and offer different attributes to the team.

“The players have been scouted through a variety of different ways – these include open trials and activity days that have been run by The FA – and then we’ve also scouted some players directly through activities in their club environments.

“Women’s Blind football – and Blind football in general – is still very much a growing sport, but there are an array of regional clubs and leagues that we were able to look to for the team. We hope with the formation of the England Women’s Blind team that this encourages even more players to go out and play locally, and one day they may be with us as part of the international setup.”

**Above:** The first ever England Blind Women’s team arrive at St. George’s Park on 21st May. **Photo:** Getty Images supplied to *Impetus* by: FA.

Catherine then talked through the inaugural Lionesses Blind squad. The team is currently made up of Katie Christopher, a sighted goalkeeper, Molly Ripley, Kaitlyn (under 18), Lucja (under 18), Alice Hopkins, Samantha Gough, Natasha Mead, and Nell Doubledee. There is a real mix of ages and experiences, with some younger players and some players who have represented other para teams internationally previously, such as Natasha Mead.

“We are really pleased with the inaugural squad and all of their individual qualities that they have brought so far – and we will learn more about each of the players as we play more competitive games. With each camp, we are looking to build up their individual games to help the group, and as we are very much at the start of the team’s performance journey, it’s a really exciting time to help these players develop and grow.”

These first members of the Lionesses blind squad have had to overcome their own individual challenges as well as more wider societal hurdles as Catherine outined.

“Historically, the answer to this would be a lack of opportunities as well as knowledge of where blind footballers can play competitively and safely with other blind players. It is challenging for schools to offer appropriately accessible sporting opportunities, football or otherwise. In relation to football, it can be difficult for a blind player to play with sighted players, for example in the playground, from both a performance and safety perspective.

“Now, we are seeing more and more teams and leagues form, and more opportunities arising for blind footballers – both men and women. The FA’s Football Your Way plan is looking to drive the growth of the game and the opportunities that can help the players.

**Above:** The team pictured during training at their first camp at St. George’s Park. **Photo:** Getty Images, supplied to *Impetus* by: FA.

“In terms of the actual physicalities of the game, there are many considerations for the players to be aware of. For some of our players who were born blind, they have never seen running, so they have to learn the techniques for that before then incorporating a ball.

“Blind football is five-a-side and played on a five-a-side pitch. The pitch has two metal sideboards that help keep the ball in play, but also are shaped in a way to help with audio cues.

“Each team has a fully-sighted goalkeeper but they are restricted to a small box. They are also there to help communicate cues to the players to inform them of what is happening on the pitch and where.

“The ball has metal panels built into it and ball bearings that rattle as the ball moves – this allows the team to know where the ball is, and to help with elements of the game like dribbling.

“The game also has a number of communication methods that mainstream football doesn’t have. For example, when a player approaches another player to tackle, they have to shout ‘Voy’ or it’s deemed a foul.

**Above:** The goalkeeper in Blind football is the only sighted player on the pitch. England’s is Katie Christopher. **Photo:** Getty Images, supplied to *Impetus* by: FA.

“Although all players have to wear eyeshades, for some of the players who have a degree of eyesight still, they have to play in eyeshades which give them a complete black-out. As each team has players with different levels of eyesight, this acts as a leveller to ensure the game is fair.

This brings its own challenges, for example running into an opposition player, or just, in general, finding your bearings on the pitch. However, the skills and experiences from playing blind football can have a hugely positive impact on daily living.

“These are all things we are helping to coach the players with individually based on their own backgrounds and performance needs.”

The squad have recently been in Italy taking part in development sessions ahead of their first tournament next year.

“We’re working towards the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham,” Catherine said. “Here, the team will be competing against an array of other Women’s Blind international teams from across the world. Obviously, this will be a great opportunity to assess where the women’s team is in relation to the rest of the world and identify the key developmental needs for the future.

**Above:** On the ball and heading forward. **Photo:** Getty Images, supplied to *Impetus* by: FA.

“However, we will also be looking at building in other competition opportunities, relevant to the performance level of the team, in order to ensure we are providing the right level of competition at different times on the developmental journey.

“Women’s Blind Football is still a relatively new offering internationally, so the levels will vary but we will build a team to go and compete as well as possible in every tournament they perform in, regardless of history or rivalries across countries. The top teams in the world at the moment include Argentina, Colombia, Japan, and Germany.

With the squad still in its early stages in terms of development, we closed our discussion by examining both short and medium-term goals for the Lionesses Blind team.

“Short term, we are delighted to have officially launched the team and are pleased this is the first team to come off the back of The FA’s Football Your Way plan. We want to now develop a team capable of winning matches and tournaments, but in the first instance getting the team to perform to the best of their abilities when competing at the highest level. We also want to help coach our players to be the best in the world and to showcase everything they are capable of on the pitch in competitive scenarios.

“Medium-term, we hope to inspire the next generation of Women’s Blind footballers to see that there is a pathway to playing at the highest level and to represent your country on the international stage. We hope this in turn helps unlock the game to be performed at the Paralympics as the Men’s game is. Women’s Blind Football is ready and it’s our time.”

To find out more, please head to: englandfootball.com/footballyourway.

Countdown To Historic Scottish Women’s League Cup Final

19/6/22

Glasgow side Harmony Row face Linlithgow Rose in both sides’ first ever Scottish Women’s Football League Cup final at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld on 26 June 2022.

The teams were formed in 2019 and 2021 respectively and have each reached a cup final for the first time, in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Harmony Row go into the Final top of the SWFL West/South West League with Linlithgow Rose second in the SWFL Central/South East League.

**Above:** Harmony Row FC. **Photo:** Harmony Row FC.

Looking ahead to the game, Harmony Row captain Nicola Robinson said: “I am so proud to captain this team; to make history as the first Harmony Row Women’s team to reach a final, we have worked tirelessly in training to create not only a successful way of play, but also build unity and togetherness in our well-blended squad.

“Being recognised as a leader on and off the pitch amongst such remarkable talent, has been a real pleasure to me. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a supportive and hard-working team. I have also enjoyed sharing my experience from well over 300 games with our incredibly talented under 16s team who I help coach.

“They inspire myself and the rest of the women’s team to go out on big occasions like this – fearless and prepared to give our all. We want to show them that anything can be achieved with hard work and application.

“We look forward to a competitive match against a well-organised outfit in Linlithgow Rose and hope we can bring back the team’s first silverware to our small community club.”

Linlithgow Rose captain, Laura Hopwood also spoke of her pride ahead of next weekend’s match. “I am really looking forward to leading out the team out on the 26th June at Broadwood. I am from Linlithgow and being the captain of my hometown football team is a real honour.

“Linlithgow Rose Ladies were only formed in February 2021 and for us to reach the League Cup final in such a short time is amazing. We were proud last year to get as far as the Semi-Final but when we set our team goals at the start of this season we were determined to get to the Final.

“We are a community team and have been very clear from the start that we are all inclusive and that everyone is welcome. This has made sure the atmosphere within the team is relaxed and enjoyable and it seems to be working as we are winning games and more importantly having fun.”

**Above:** Linlithgow Rose FC. **Photo:** Linlithgow Rose FC.

The SWFL League Cup began with group stages, with those failing to qualify getting an opportunity to compete for the SWFL League Plate. The Plate final will precede the Cup final at Broadwood on Sunday 26 June and will see East Fife’s Development side face Motherwell’s Development side.

The Plate final kicks off at noon, with the League Cup final kicking off at 4:30pm. Spectators can watch both games for only £5, with pensioners and other concessions gaining entry for £2. Under 12s are free.