Pride Park captain and record appearance holder Tash Allderidge spoke to Impetus‘Ben Gilby about her footballing journey and life at the Derbyshire Ladies League Division One club (7/4/22).
Above: Tash Allderidge (left) strides forward with the ball for Pride Park. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Tash Allderidge first played for Pride Park in December 2006 and has now amassed over 150 appearances for the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One side, scoring over 50 goals in the process.
Pride Park’s captain first discovered her love of the game at the age of five. “I first started playing football at primary school in an after-school club when I was about five. After realising a love for the sport, I started playing outside of school at a football group where I was the only girl.
“When I turned 10 years old, I trialled to join Pride Park U11s in their first season. They were the first girls’ football team I’d even heard of and I’ve played for them now ever since. In 2013, I joined Burton Albion Ladies for a season, helping them gain promotion to the Regional League at tier six alongside playing for Pride Park U18s. We then became Pride Park Ladies after moving to open age, and I have played for this team ever since, captaining the team for the last five years.
“Pride Park have always been a welcoming and friendly club with a great atmosphere on and off the pitch. Although everyone in the team plays for enjoyment, we are also very competitive on the pitch and want to be winning games. It’s great to be able to play week in week out with a group of teammates who I would also class as my friends.”
With her status as a keen Newcastle United fan, Tash had some very famous strikers as her idols growing up.
“My role models when I was younger were Alan Shearer and Michael Owen – for his football ability, not his punditry! However, when I started playing central midfield, I really idolised Hatem Ben Arfa because of his amazing dribbling of the ball and regularly getting goals and assists from midfield during his time at Newcastle. When you watch a player doing that for your favourite club, you just want to get out on the pitch yourself and do the same.”
Above: Tash Allderidge – confident in possession. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Pride Park’s captain has found the most recent couple of seasons the most challenging of her career – a direct result of the added complications of COVID.
“It was so hard going months without being able to play football, training, or matches. Sundays just aren’t the same without football! Fitness was also a pretty big challenge once we were able to play again. During lockdown, I’d done a lot of running to try to maintain my fitness, but you need a different type of fitness for football so it took a while to build that back up when we were playing regularly again.”
With the season gradually moving towards the business end, Tash highlighted how she’s viewed the Derbyshire Ladies League Division One this time around.
“It has been extremely competitive. It really feels like a season whereby anyone could beat anyone. Some of our most competitive matches have been against Belper Town, playing two matches against them so far this season, winning one match each, however, they have been very hard-fought and close matches both times.
“Our toughest opponents were probably Draycott Victoria who have some great players and know how to win games. We lost to them in our first match this season but we have another two matches against them so we’ll see if we can get a better result!”
In terms of aims for the rest of the season, Allderidge said: “As a team, it would be great to finish in the top half of the table this season, especially with how competitive the league is this year. Personally, I would like to build up more confidence to take on players in matches and be able to get up the pitch more to help our strikers on the attack and hopefully adding to my goals and assists tally in the process.”
Taking the slightly longer-term view, Pride Park’s captain has some big ambitions for the future.
“I would love to play with Pride Park at a higher level, on the regional league, if we were to go for promotion, to see what it’s like to play against some different teams at that level.
“Also, I’d love to play in and win a match in the Womens’ FA Cup with Pride Park. We made our first appearance in the FA Cup in 2019, losing 5-1 against Hepworth United, a team playing at a higher level than us. It would be great to enter again and maybe even win a match to get into the next round.”
Above: Pride Park’s record appearance holder Tash Allderidge. Photo: Shaun Hardwick
It’s the first-ever design solely for the national women’s team as Northern Ireland’s preparations for the European Championships take a step up. (7/4/22)
Above: Northern Ireland players model their new kit. Photo: Irish FA.
Adidas has created a brand new kit for the Northern Ireland senior women’s team to wear at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 this summer.
It is the first Northern Ireland kit designed solely for the senior women’s team. And both the home and away kits take inspiration from previous iconic Northern Ireland jerseys.
With under 100 days to go until the start of the Women’s Euros, more than 350,000 of the 700,000-plus tickets available for the tournament have been sold, setting the scene for a record-breaking event. Sales have already surpassed the previous tournament record of 240,000 set at UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 in the Netherlands.
As well as being available to pre-order at jdsports.co.uk, the new Northern Ireland tournament kit will be available to purchase at the Northern Ireland v England FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifier at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park next Tuesday (12 April).
After that, it will be exclusively available online from JD and in-store from next Thursday (14 April).
Impetus‘ Ben Gilby heard from both Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and New Zealand’s Jitka Klimková ahead of tomorrow’s match between the two nations in Townsville (7/4/22).
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson talking to the media today in Townsville. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia’s head coach Tony Gustavsson highlighted the fact that tomorrow’s game with New Zealand will see the full use of his squad – not due to injury concerns – but because of the differences in arrival times for his playing group.
“It has been a challenge. Monday we had five players, Tuesday nine, Wednesday fifteen and a number of of those couldn’t train as they only just landed. We are adapting to what has been thrown at us and it won’t be an excuse as to how we perform on Friday.
“We have a meeting tonight to see who is available, also based on welfare. We will see lots of rotation tomorrow – not because players are not fit, but because of having to deal with the travel and the impact of that in playing 90 minutes.
“Sam Kerr trained today, she was one of those who arrived later this week. We will see how ready she is to play. If it was Sam’s choice, she’d play, but we have to look after what is right for her. Physically in the Olympics at times she should maybe not have played. We want Sam to be healthy and fit. She will probably be on the park, but the question is will it be from the start and for how long.”
Questioned about what his options are if the striker is not able to start, Gustavsson said: “Mary Fowler. Mary can be used as a nine or a 10. If we play her as a nine she is a linking/false nine and playmaker. We also though have Remy (Siemsen), Kyah Simon, and Em Gielnik. It depends on what weapon we need at the time.”
Gustavsson also spoke of his delight at having Katrina Gorry in camp. “Mini has been fantastic. Mel (Andreatta) has worked hard with her individually ahead of her return. I’m so impressed with how she adapted. She’s been flying with technical tests. Her best role is in an eight or 10. She has a unique skill set, she could potentially play as a six, as a playmaker. Her attacking skills are phenomenal. I’m intrigued and interested to see her play. We do need to ensure we don’t put pressure on her though, she’s been away for a long time.”
With this being Australia’s first international camp since the poor Asian Cup outcome, the Matildas head coach was clear with the media that there has been a detailed discussion with the players about what happened and what needs to be put right.
Above: Tony Gustavsson making a point at today’s media conference in Townsville. Photo: Football Australia.
“We have addressed the Asian Cup problems. The vibe and energy is good. There is a healing process needed, wounds have to be healed. Today, the first day having everyone training was the first step to getting everyone ready and getting the wounds gone.”
Earlier in the day, it was announced that the Matildas are going to be the feature of a six-part Disney+ documentary series leading up to the World Cup. Gustavsson recognized that initially there were concerns that there could be negatives with having a camera crew following himself and his squad around, but any fears have been allayed and he feels it is a huge opportunity.
“It could have been a disturbance if handled wrong, but it has been handled perfectly. These players are not just about football, but wider. We’ve had good dialogue about how to handle it. There are many documentaries about different sports out there.
“The insights involved, the process, and the journey is so interesting. People will see what these players do to reach their full potential. They can be role models, not just for footballers, but for wider society. This one can make sure that this team gets all the attention and respect it deserves. It can reach out beyond football for getting these individuals and team widely respect.
“You have seen this week a bit of what goes behind the scenes for the players this week – meeting stakeholders, fans and the players as mothers. Meeks (Tameka Yallop) said it right yesterday, ‘We are a family’. I’m so happy to have the players’ babies in here, so happy with how everyone has welcomed them. The way they balance being a mother and a high-profile athlete is amazing.”
Focusing back on the job at hand, the Matildas head coach emphasized that the time for experimenting is coming to an end and hard choices about regular selections need to be made.
“The World Cup is now really close, there are not many international windows left. We can only play two games per window. Last year we looked at over 70 players and fielded over 40. We need to narrow down now and have more consistency in what we are doing. We haven’t had the same goalkeeper and backline, I need to have that now. That doesn’t mean that the door is closed to new players, but we need consistency now.
“We need to unite as a nation behind this team. It’s not about Sam Kerr, it’s not about me, it’s about coming together.”
Above: New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimková talking to the media earlier today ahead of tomorrow’s game with Australia. Photo: Football Australia.
New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimková spoke of her positivity going into tomorrow’s game with Australia.
“Our preparation has gone very well despite the high temperatures. The quality of the sessions is getting better and better. Our players from Europe and the USA have found it challenging to get to Australia. But everyone is here. What a beautiful stadium it is for us to play in here in Townsville.
“We have one concern over selection, Emma Rolston. We will assess that player tonight, but other than that, everyone has recovered from the long travel. She is more likely to be ready for the second match, but we will see.”
New Zealand go into the game having not beaten Australia since 1994, but Klimková believes that the chance is there. “Football is a beautiful game and we know anything can happen. We are facing a top opponent and that is a deliberate plan to test ourselves. We are preparing ourselves to beat them and getting something from the two games would be amazing. We are stepping out onto the field to get a win.
“It is special to play the Matildas as we are playing against our co-hosts for the World Cup and neighbours. In 469 days we will have our first World Cup game in Auckland and Australia will have theirs in Sydney. We’ve been in it together with them. On the field though it is all about competing. For me personally, seeing a lot of familiar faces in Australia (where Klimková coached Canberra United from 2011-2013) is lovely as they stay in my memory and heart.”
The Czech-born Football Ferns coach has identified three growth areas she is expecting to see from her team over the course of the two matches against the Matildas.
“Our goal for these games is to improve our flank defending, marking in the box, and clearances. Attacking wise, it is about combination play to get forward and making the right decisions in the final third.”
Klimková is expecting to get the full use from her squad for the matches in order to help her narrow down towards a settled squad for next year’s World Cup. “We’re in an exploring mode for our team, so we would love to see a lot of players on the field in these two matches to see where we are. Grace Jale hasn’t been with the Ferns for a while and it’s important to see her back. The result is important as well. Everyone who we think is ready at this point is going to play.
“The spirit of this team is very positive. We are connecting and making steps together every day to work as a team that creates a safe environment where everyone is courageous. We believe that if we have this in our team consistently, we can perform well consistently on the pitch too.
“Team development takes a while and it is a journey that we are on. We will make steps forward, we are. We are also prepared to make some backward steps in order to go forward again.
“We have competition for places now. There are tough decisions to make about selections. It’s a good situation to be in to discuss who is more ready. Our wider roster has 35 players. Our U20s have games too to see if some of the younger ones still should be invited into the Ferns squad. We are still talking to players who have not been with us yet and could join us, but the roster will become narrower in the upcoming months.”
The Football Ferns coach highlighted the inclusion of Ally Green, also eligible for Australia in her team’s training squad at present. Whist Green will not play, the coming days are about helping her make a decision about what national side to potentially play for.
“She is training hard and is figuring out what international football means for her. It is a journey. The main thing I am expecting from her is to compete and leave everything on the training pitch. She is learning how we want to play, the speed and style, but I am happy to have her with us. Having another left-back, right-back or winger is great for more options. She is a training player with us, not to play in the matches, but it is a first step.”
Above: The Matildas will be featured in a new Disney+ documentary. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
6/4/22
The Walt Disney Company and Football Australia today announced a new Australian-commissioned Disney+ Original which will tell the story of the Australian women’s national football team, the Matildas, as they prepare for the World Cup on home soil alongside co-host New Zealand.
The six-part docu-series – yet to have its title revealed – will go behind-the-scenes of the Matildas, and will chronicle the highs and lows as well as as the squad looks to create history and leave a legacy for the sport in Australia and abroad.
Off the field, the series will highlight how the Matildas are pioneering change, as well as covering their experiences during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The series will also explore the influence of head coach Tony Gustavsson, and the special connection the Matildas have with their fans.
Above: The Matildas celebrate a goal against the USA last year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Production of the series is underway and the series will launch on Disney+ locally in 2023 and be available on Disney+ globally at a later date.
Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand said, “The Matildas are game-changers for women’s sport in Australia and around the world. This Australian narrative details the impressive skill, determination, commitment, and stamina it takes in the lead-up to the World Cup in 2023. The series transcends football and celebrates the true Australian spirit of the Matildas.”
James Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia said, “The Matildas represent Australia on the world stage as global ambassadors and are an inspiration to many, both young and old. This docu-series is an incredible opportunity to share their story not just locally, but globally, and at a time of rapid evolution in women’s football, we are proud to be working with the world’s best story-telling company to bring the Matildas spirit to life.”
Above: Inside the Matildas huddle against the Philippines at the Asian Cup. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Director, Katie Bender Wynn said, “The Matildas have broken through massive barriers for women in sport, yet their story has never properly been told. I’m thrilled that Disney+ is shining a light on this inspiring group of women whose stories are worthy of the biggest platform. On its surface, this is a classic tale about a team of women preparing for the greatest tournament of their lives; but at its core, it’s an intimate portrait of a sisterhood that transcends the game.”
Executive Producer, Steve Bibb said, “As a documentary maker and an inquisitive football fan, it’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to tell the Matildas’ story in this special moment in time. The behind-the-scenes access allows us to bring this story to the world as we chart the journey of these inspiring women writing the next chapter in their story on the road to the 2023 World Cup.”
Executive Producer, Christopher G. Cowen said, “Disney+ and Football Australia have given us the opportunity to tell the inspiring story of the Matildas to the millions of young female and male football players around the globe, and that is a responsibility that our entire team takes on with great zeal.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Australia and West Ham United midfielder Tameka Yallop at today’s Matildas media conference from their Townsville training base(6/4/22).
Above:Tameka Yallop and daughter Harley at today’s Matildas media conference. Photo: Football Australia.
Queenslander Tameka Yallop is delighted to be back in her home state. “Yeah, the weather’s certainly a bit different to London” she admitted with a knowing smile.
The West Ham United midfielder reflected on how the team are going into Friday’s game with New Zealand looking to show improvements from the disappointing Asian Cup campaign. “We’ve always got the big picture in mind. We’re collectively building and working on our game, structures, principles, and the way we want to play. Whoever we play against that is always the same.
“Every international match is important and it’s against our rivals and World Cup co-hosts. We’re taking to the field to win, to perform, and play the sort of football we want to play.”
Yallop pointed out that despite the time getting ever shorter between the present and the home World Cup, it is too early for there to be a completely settled and regular squad.
“I think there are always opportunities for new players to come in. There are a lot of up-and-coming players around at the moment and they can come into the squad. Each camp is an opportunity for us to come together as a collective.
“It’s really competitive. We have a good environment with that. We may have some starters, but there’s always people pushing. The majority of the team are playing overseas, plying their trade in different leagues and that makes it even more competitive. They are used to high standards and that’s a great environment to be part of.”
Above: Tameka Yallop speaks of her pride at being able to bring her young daughter into the camp. Photo: Football Australia.
Whilst the Matildas always have to cope with the challenge of players arriving in camp over a period of three or four days, Yallop feels it does not have a negative impact on preparations.
“We’re professional with how we switch from club duties to national team and what you are doing in the jersey. We have everyone in camp, so today will be the first day of getting everyone focused and on the same page. It’s easy for everyone to get into that mindset.
The midfielder was joined at the media conference by 18-month old daughter Harley, who joins team-mate Katrina Gorry’s own youngster Harper in the Matildas camp.
“This is the first camp that we’ve been able to have our little ones in. It’s a big moment for us in Matildas history. We’re the first to have young kids and bring them on tour. It’s a big step forward for women’s sport and women’s sport in Australia.
“To bring our kids into a high-level environment is a big thing and it’s special. It aligns with who we are as a family team and a public team. The Matildas brand is all about ‘What you see is what you get’ and this is it. It’s all about family and community – how you can get the best of each other and support each other.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Helen Ward and Tash Harding at Wales’ media conference ahead of their World Cup qualifier with France (6/4/22).
Above: Helen Ward speaking to the media yesterday ahead of Wales’ game with France. Photo: FA Wales.
Helen Ward could win her hundredth cap for Wales against France this week, but the Watford striker is only focussed on the team’s outcome from the match.
“Look, we missed out scoring against them by hitting the post and they then went up the other end and got a goal. So, for me, this game is about getting our game plan right and doing it on the pitch. If I do go and get my hundredth cap, that will be great, but it’s about the team.”
Ward recalls her international debut some 14 years ago. “It was against Luxembourg away in 2008 in horrible weather. We went 1-0 down which wasn’t expected but I got a leveller. Jayne Ludlow came up to me and said ‘We’ve got a goalscorer, I like you!’ I’ve been in the 90s (cap wise) for what feels like forever now – COVID didn’t help.
“My 50th cap was a big memory, our first game at the Cardiff City Stadium and I scored. I also remember another game against Russia at Newport’s Spytty Park where we came out in the second half and won 3-0 in a real good team performance.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play under four managers for Wales. Each manager has come in and taken things up a level. Gemma (Grainger) has built on the past and put things together. It’s a building process and Gemma is at the forefront of that.”
The Watford striker’s career has straddled the amateur and professional eras and she highlighted her experiences growing up in the sport.
“I didn’t have anyone to look up to as a female player growing up. It’s like polar opposites now. I often get asked if I wish I was born 10 or 15 years earlier to be a full part of the professional era, but what I had experienced helped me to grow and get the things I have. I suspect the rise of the game will slow down as it has been so massive in a short period of time, but it is wonderful.”
Wales are well on the way to breaking their all-time record attendance for Friday’s match and Ward sees this as yet another sign of the momentum building around women’s football in the country.
Above: Helen Ward after scoring one of her 44 goals for Wales in 99 games. Photo: Bridport and Lyme Regis News.
“For so long we didn’t really notice our crowds in terms of growth, but now we’re getting new record attendances almost every game. The interest we get from fans, wanting to be involved and supporting us, it is a nice thing to look back on and think ‘Yeah, we’ve done OK’ knowing we’ve been growing the game.”
Looking ahead specifically to the challenge posed by France on Friday, Ward is positive.“There’s nothing we need to do differently really. We also need to remember that we played most of the second half with only 10 players. If we had kept all 11 it might have been different. Gemma will have us playing in the usual way, so it’s about getting over the line.
“We don’t fear anyone and Gemma has been great in assisting with that, with the type of friendlies she arranged. We’ve played Canada and Denmark and put in positive performances. It made us think ‘You know what? We can do this!’ We know we can go out, beat them and be competitive. At the moment we are thriving on it.”
The Welsh star is highly motivated by the current status of the squad as role models for the next generation and is determined to give the girls of Wales some great memories over the coming months.
“We’re doing this for the young girls. We know that if you can see it, you can be it. We know there will be a big crowd on Friday. We know that this is raising the profile. It’s a massive motivator to go out and do it for the young girls and also for those who went before us.
“For me, I know this is probably my last chance to make it to a major competition Finals. It is a great chance for us to inspire the next generation to see that they can achieve things by playing for Wales. Everything around it would be amazing. Such a big thing for women and girls around the country.”
Ward also has to balance being an international football with motherhood, which she admits has both challenges and massive rewards.
“It has its moments, it’s tricky. I have to make sure the kids are looked after first and foremost. It’s not just about my time, but other people’s as I have to find someone to look after them when I am training or playing. It is nice having them at the games. There was a video of the game I played at the weekend when I scored of my son jumping up and down in the background, and I watched it back again and again to see his reaction rather than my goal!
“You have to juggle lots of different things, but I’m so grateful. I know that they can grow up knowing Mummy was a footballer and they can grow up and achieve things.”
Above: Tash Harding at yesterday’s media conference. Photo: FA Wales.
Wales’ Reading star Tash Harding underlined the importance of Wales playing matches regularly in Llanelli.
“We’re looking to find a home within Wales that suits us and Parc y Scarlets is a good base for us. Llanelli is a small town in West Wales, but there’s a great fan base there for us. It is a great place and we want to make it our home and we’re managing to do that now with the games that we’ve played there.
“There are over 4,000 tickets sold for the game so far – the majority of them brought by youngsters involved in girls’ football teams – and that is fantastic. We are looking to break our record attendance. If we can do that in a small little town called Llanelli, that would be amazing!”
Harding recognizes the progress that Wales have made in recent years, none more so than their reaction at losing to France the last time the two sides met.
“For us to show disappointment and be angry not getting anything out of the game in France says a lot about where we are. Before we would have been delighted with that performance. It shows the mindset shift that we’ve had recently. There is a core of us here who are just a group of friends who play football together.”
The FAWSL player recognized that Wales are in a position to select from greater depth than ever before, something which has been reflected in recent performances.
“There are lots of youngsters coming through, but we’re not giving it up yet! Strength in depth has always been our Achilles heel, but the Pinatar Cup (in February) showed that we have good youngsters who are able to come in and do a job.
Harding pointed to all the different positions she has played this season for her club as one of the reasons for her great form this campaign. I’ve played full-back, winger, centre-half, four, nine, and 10 for Reading this season. I try to be as versatile as I can. If I can learn what defensive players do, then it’s a bonus for me as a forward. I’m living in that moment right now and think I’m playing some of the best football of my life.”
Above: Thetford Town’s player of the match Hannah Rogers, who scored one and made three of her team’s goals at Thorpe St. Andrew. Photo: Hannah Parnell.
Sir George Morse Park on Laundry Lane was the venue for the Norfolk Women and Girls Division One encounter between Thorpe St. Andrew and Thetford Town.
On a bobbly parkland surface, the early exchanges were even. However, Thetford then began to take the upper hand in the match. Abbie Corbyn was dancing down the wing and played in Hannah Rogers who fired a great shot across Helen Crook in the Thorpe St Andrew goal.
Summer Eccles on only her second Thetford start then made a great driving run but was denied in her tracks by a wonderful tackle by Natasha Frankland. This tackle inserted some belief and energy into Thorpe St. Andrew and they looked hungry to try and cause Thetford problems down the right-hand side where they were aiming most of their balls but they found Thetford’s Emily Bullett in the way who was doing some sterling defensive work.
Above: Abbie Corbyn, who had another impressive game for Thetford Town. Photo: Hannah Parnell.
Thorpe had a glorious chance when Sarah Rooke took the ball off Rachel Lynch but fired it at Thetford keeper Lydia Ward.
Thetford continued to threaten with Boulton, Eccles, and Corbyn prominent. Yet they didn’t have it all their own way as Nichols played in Emily Warnes who skied it over the bar as Thorpe continued to be wasteful and probably should have had the lead.
Thorpe continued their pressing and made the first half very difficult for Town. The opening 45 ended goalless with Thorpe St. Andrew manager Tony Allen the happier of the two bosses at the interval.
The second half began with Abbie Corbyn having a shot against the post as Thetford pressure worried the Thorpe St. Andrew defence.
Above: The Thetford Town management team of David Skipp, Stuart Terry, and Sausha Levy-Twomey watch on with your match reporter! Photo: Luca Mangili.
Thetford took the lead just after the hour mark as Hannah Rogers headed in from a delightful Becky White corner. Eight minutes later it was Becky White who doubled their advantage from distance and Thetford had control of the game.
The confidence and belief was there and David Skipp’s team then began to get into their stride and play the wonderful football which has achieved so much success this season. A Hannah Rogers corner was then knocked in by Chelsea Page off the stomach to make it 3-0.
Sophie Burr-Walpole was delighted to add the fourth which was a great finish after another fabulous Rogers assist.
Above: Becky White and Chelsea Page who came on together from the bench, linked up well and scored three of Thetford Town’s six goals between themselves. Photo: Hannah Parnell.
The fifth Thetford goal was thing of beauty. A wonderful precision pass from captain Melissa Boulton carved open the Thorpe St. Andrew defence and Becky White was there for her second of the afternoon and finished spectacularly over Crook in the Thorpe goal.
Boulton rounded off the afternoon’s scoring with a spectacular sixth from distance to claim a brilliant away success.
This was a wonderful win and clean sheet for Thetford after a tough recent run, six second-half goals that saw David Skipp’s team claim a much-needed three points which will hopefully breed confidence for the games ahead. Hannah Rogers took this week’s Thetford player of the match award after stats of with one goal and three assists.
Above: Chelsie Dawber in training with Adelaide United. Photo: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United forward Chelsie Dawber has signed for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Chicago Red Stars.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a fantastic A-League 2021/22 campaign, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches, and helped the Reds secure its maiden finals appearance.
Dawber joined the Club in 2017 and in five seasons scored 17 goals in 42 games. The striker becomes the fourth Adelaide player over the last two campaigns to secure a move overseas, following in the footsteps of Dylan Holmes, Charlotte Grant, and most recently Fiona Worts.
Speaking about the move to Chicago, Dawber said: “It’s a new adventure for me and one that I’m really excited about.
“I want to thank Adelaide United and all the coaching staff I’ve worked with for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for this amazing club.
“My goal has always been to play for the Matildas and I believe playing overseas in a tough league will give me a better chance of a call-up to the national team.”
Dawber also remained optimistic about the possibility of returning to the Reds for next season. “I’m definitely not ruling out coming back to Adelaide after the NWSL season. Approaching a World Cup year, it’s vital to be playing as many games as possible and give myself the best path for success.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Chelsie was brilliant for us last season and this opportunity abroad in a top competition is reward for her hard work and dedication.
“Spending her off-season playing at a higher level will only improve Chelsie as a footballer and gives her the best possible chance to represent the Matildas at next year’s World Cup.
“As a Club, we pride ourselves on providing the opportunity for our players to play overseas and we’ve now had four members leave our shores in recent times. We certainly hope to have Chelsie back in our squad for next season and wish her all the best in America.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Australia’s Manchester City stars Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso at their media conference at the Matildas Townsville training base today (5/4/22).
Above: The Matildas training in Townsville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Above: Alanna Kennedy captured at today’s Matildas media conference in Townsville. Photo: Football Australia.
Alanna Kennedy spoke to the media today in Townsville ahead of Australia’s friendly with New Zealand on Friday and instantly noted the different weather conditions from those she left behind in the North-West of England.
“Townsville is a bit different from Manchester! It’s nice and warm (currently 32c), so different from Manchester.”
Kennedy and her Manchester City team-mate Hayley Raso travelled to Townsville for the friendlies with New Zealand together, and had to endure a very long journey.
“It was 30 hours on four different flights, but it’s part of the job coming from Australia, we’re both just happy to be here. We flew from London to Darwin, to Sydney then Brisbane, and to Townsville. It’s important for us to be here and play in front of new crowds.
“We know the best way of managing it – looking after our bodies, nutrition, hydration. We’re here quite early ahead of Friday’s game, so hopefully, that’ll stand us in good stead. You never get used to it, but we know what to expect and how to deal with it.”
As usual with the Matildas having players spread all across the world, the beginning of international camps are hindered to an extent with players arriving in dribs and drabs over three days, a situation which Kennedy recognizes as awkward.
“It’s tough with different players coming in at different times. The whole squad are not here until tomorrow. Some are on their second session today, and some like me are here for the first day. We’ve played with each other for a long time and you adapt quickly. We are so comfortable in this environment. Experienced players coming in from overseas know their role and it’s a smooth transition.”
With these games being Australia’s first since their disappointing early exit from the Asian Cup, the Manchester City star highlighted some of the key elements that have come out of the post-tournament review.
“It was important to see what we could do better. Everyone who was there knows what we went through and how to make things better. We just need to move forward from there now and put it right.
“We need to be more composed in the final third. We had plenty of time after Korea scored their goal. We could have been better at staying composed when trying to get back in that game. There was a lot of focus on the final minutes of the final match and we were so disappointed with that as we were ready to go further and deeper into the tournament.
“In terms of looking at the aspect of depth in our team, I think that was a focus between the Olympics and the Asian Cup. Now we’re into the final few camps before the World Cup, we need to work on the continuity of players and work on the cohesion.”
Above: Hayley Raso speaking to the media in Townsville today. Photo: Football Australia.
Hayley Raso revealed that, despite the marathon journey on four flights from England, she’s feeling good.
“I actually had quite a good sleep on the way, so it’s not too bad. I feel like I’m used to it now. It’s just about recovery, sleep, and nutrition really.”
The Queenslander reflected on the disappointment of the Asian Cup and how positive she is that the team ethos will see them bounce back in style across these two matches with New Zealand.
“We’ve come into camp and when everyone gets here, we’ll get into things in more detail. It’s tough coming off the Asian Cup when we were looking to have done better. We went into it looking to win, we said that and we fell short. We’ve come back together, analyzed it, and now need to step up to take it into these games with New Zealand. We’re a group that sticks together and fights.”
Focusing specifically on the first of the two games with the Football Ferns in Townsville on Friday, Raso said: “We haven’t been here before and we need to put on a good performance for the new fans. We want to put on a show for them. We love playing in the hot weather, it’s very hot and very humid, but as Aussies, we thrive on it!”
The Manchester City winger also suggested that she feels that the return of Katrina Gorry adds even more armoury to the Matildas line-up. “I feel like we have a strong squad at the moment, a lot of depth. We’ve brought in a lot of young players, experimented, and we’re in a good place. Bringing Katrina Gorry back in is great too. Katrina is a real athlete, a workhorse in the midfield. She also provides more depth for our team. We’ve also seen some absolute banger goals she’s scored and she can add that to our squad.”
Above: All smiles on the training pitch in Townsville today. Photo provided to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Ben Gilby rounds up all the key action from Round Two of the Damallsvenskan and the first week of matches in the Elitettan. There is also the latest transfer news, including the arrival of an FAWSL star, and the full story of the unveiling of Sweden’s unique new national team shirt (5/4/22).
Above: Action from the game betweenBK Häcken and Hammarby. Photo: Hammarby.
NATIONAL TEAM:
Above: Sweden’s new unique national team shirt is released. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
Earlier today, adidas and the Swedish Football Association released the women’s national team’s new European Championship shirt – and it is one with a major difference. The shirt contains on it a printed guide with a full analysis of all the players’ strengths and game tactics.
Second in the world rankings, Sweden women’s new national team shirt celebrates the women’s progress, but is at the same time a hint to the other participating countries.
Talking about the design of the shirt, Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius, who plays for Arsenal in the FAWSL said: “In the analysis on the shirt, we reveal exactly how we win, how we play and how the opposing teams – maybe – have a chance to beat us. Our team is better than ever, and we go into the European Championship with pep and confidence. This summer we hope that the whole Swedish people are behind us, it is a great time for our team.”
Above: The release of the new Sweden Women national shirt. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
Together with the match shirt, the digital guide is also released on the website www.howtostopsweden.com. The guide, developed by the national team’s own match analyst, Anders Eriksson, highlights 31 national team players and tips on how the opposing teams should respond to them in order to have a chance to beat Sweden this summer.
“The Swedish women’s national team has good opportunities to take home the entire championship. The digital analysis of the team and the individual players sends a pass to the opposing teams. Now they can order the national team shirt themselves to have a chance to challenge them in the European Championship!” said Eriksson.
This year’s national team shirt is sold in both women’s, men’s, and junior sizes and is available in adidas stores, on the Swedish Football Association’s website, and at selected retailers on April 7th.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Above: BK Häcken celebrate Stine Larsen’s penalties which set up their win over Hammarby Photo: BK Häcken.
Round Two kicked off on Friday night with two matches. First up was the clash between BK Häcken and Hammarby.
In front of 1,475, the home side took an early lead when Stine Larsen dispatched a penalty after 11 minutes. The Danish international striker doubled Häcken’s lead from the spot once more eight minutes before the break. Things got worse for Hammarby when, on 53 minutes in, an own goal saw them 3-0 down. With 23 minutes remaining, Josefine Rybrink played in Mille Jensen for the home side’s fourth. Five minutes before the end Hammarby got a consolation when Emilia Larsson provided a ball for Eva Nystrom to score.
Above: AIK (white) had a disappointing night at newly-promoted IFK Kalmar. Photo: AIK.
Newly promoted IFK Kalmar marked their first home game back in the Damallsvenskan with a solid 3-1 win over AIK in front of 373 fans.
Kalmar went ahead just before the 20 minute mark thanks to Allison Pantuso’s strike. With 32 minutes played, Juliette Kemppi doubled the home side’s lead. AIK hit back with 10 minutes left, Honoka Hayashi gave the visitors hope of a late comeback, yet within 60 seconds, those dreams were shattered as Kemppi struck again after being put in by Alyssa Walker.
Above: Kristianstads in the huddle after their draw at Piteå which put them top of the embryonic Damallsvenskan table. Photo: Kristianstads.
Kristianstads went top of the table after a 2-2 draw at Piteå in front of 789 fans. The home side went ahead after 11 minutes due to an own goal, but Tabby Tindell levelled 12 minutes later with her third goal of the season. Piteå missed a change to re-take the lead when Fanny Andersson missed from the spot. Evelyn Viens put Kristianstads ahead five minutes into the second half before Andersson levelled with 13 minutes remaining.
Above: IF Brommapojkarna celebrate during their 3-0 win over fellow newly promoted side Umeå IK. Photo: Henke Råssmo.
The battle of the newly promoted sides went comprehensively in IF Brommapojkarna’s favour as they dispatched Umeå IK 3-0 at Grimsta Idrottsparken. Mathilda Prakt put Bromma ahead six minutes before the break. Frida Thörnqvist made it 2-0 within six minutes of coming on as a substitute. Klara Andrup completed the scoring with 86 minutes played to the delight of the 288 fans.
Above: Competitive action between Eskilstuna United and Linköping. Photo: Eskilstuna United.
Linköping came away with Eskilstuna United with an impressive 2-0 win in front of 982 supporters at Tunavallen. Cornelia Kapocs put the visitors ahead with 26 minutes on the clock after being played in by Stina Lennartsson. Kapocs turned creator for Linköping’s second with just under a quarter of an hour remaining when she supplied Amalie Vangsgaard with the ball to score.
Above: KIF Örebro celebrate during their win over Djurgården. Photo: KIF Örebro.
KIF Örebro saw off Djurgården 2-0 at their Behrn Arena home in front of 479 fans. The result leaves Djurgården struggling at the bottom having conceded six goals in their two matches so far. The two goals came at crucial periods either side of half-time. Amanda Rantanen put Örebro ahead five minutes before the break with Elli Pikkujämsä’s strike in the early stages of the second period clinching the win.
Above: Action from the match of the week – Vittsjö (red) against Rosengård. Photo: FC Rosengård.
The match of the week saw Vittsjö host defending champions Rosengård which saw three Australian internationals involved in the match at Vittsjö Idrottsparken in front of 1,048 fans. Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah was between the sticks for visitors, who had Charli Grant coming off the bench with seven minutes left. Vittsjö fielded experienced Australian international defender Clare Polkinghorne.
In a tough battle, the two goals both came in the closing stages. Substitute Stefanie Sanders supplied the ball for Olivia Schough to put Rosengård ahead with eight minutes remaining. However, to the unbridled joy of the home supporters, four minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes, Clara Markstedt found Jutta Rantala to equalise.
No games next week due to the international window.
ROUND THREE FIXTURES (15-18 Apr): AIK v BK Häcken, Djurgården v Rosengård, Umeå IK v Vittsjö, IFK Kalmar v Linköping, IF Brommapojkarna v KIF Örebro, Hammarby v Piteå, Kristianstads v Eskilstuna United.
ELITETTAN
Above: Dramatic action from IK Uppsala’s game with Bergdalens IK (black). Photo: Sarnehad.
IK Uppsala, who for so long last season looked like gaining promotion to the Damallsvenskan before ending the campaign with a poor run to miss out, made the best possible start to rectify that with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Bergdalens IK. Two goals in three second-half minutes from Nicole Robertson and Rosa Ossorio put them on the way to the three points with Hanna Persson wrapping up the win 17 minutes from the end to the delight of the 214 crowd. Växjö, relegated from the Damallsvenskan at the end of last season began their campaign to return by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Jitex BK. Ida Jacobsson put the hosts ahead, but two goals in three minutes before the hour mark from Evelyn Ijeh and Sophia Redenstrand ensured that Växjö left with the points in front of 80 fans. Älvsjö AIK FF went down 2-0 at home to newly promoted Ifö Bromölla IF. Ellinor Persson put the visitors ahead after the half-hour mark with Patrycia Jerzak doubling their lead three minutes into the second half in front of 90 supporters.
Above: Action from Rävåsens IK Karlskoga (red) against Mallbackens IF Sunne. Photo: Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.
Rävåsens IK Karlskoga suffered a nightmare result in their first Elitettan game after promotion, going down 7-0 at home to Mallbackens IF Sunne. It was 2-0 after just five minutes after Viktoria Power put the visitors ahead before an own goal less than 60 seconds later added to their woe. Four further goals followed in seven minutes just after the break with Svea Rehnberg, Irvina Bajramovic, Linnéa Berger and Kari Johnston on target. Berger’s second with just under 20 minutes remaining completed the rout in front of 275 fans.
Highlights of the game between Rävåsens IK Karlskoga and Mallbackens IF Sunne can be seen by clicking here
Full Results Round One: Älvsjö AIK FF 0-2 Ifö Bromölla IF, IFK Norrköping 0-1 Lidköpings FK, IK Uppsala 3-0 Bergdalens IK, Jitex BK 1-2 Växjö, Team TG FF 1-2 Alingsås FC United, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 0-7 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Gamla Upsala SK 0-2 Sundsvalls DFF.
Round Two Fixtures: NEXT WEEKEND: Lidköpings FK v IK Uppsala, Växjö, Team TG FF, Ifö Bromölla IF v Gamla Upsala SK. FOLLOWING WEEK: Sundsvalls v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Mallbackens IF Sunne v IFK Norrköping, Alingsås FC United v Jitex BK, Bergdalens IK v Älvsjö AIK FF.
NEWS ROUND-UP:
Above: Jonna Andersson – heading to Hammarby in May. Photo: Federico Guerra Maranesi / SSP / imago Images.
Hammarby have added another major international player to their squad with the announcement that Swedish star Jonna Andersson will join from FAWSL giants Chelsea at the end of the English season. Andersson has signed a two and a half year contract and her arrival follows that of Australian stars Kyra Cooney-Cross and Courtney Nevin.
Andersson moved to London and joined Chelsea midway through the 2017/18 season from Swedish side Linköping. With pace and pin-point crossing ability, she brought an attacking threat to the left side of Chelsea’s defence and has played a key part with 130 appearances so far. The 29-year-old has lifted a raft of trophies in South London including becoming champions of England three times, plus the FA Cup and Continental Cup twice, as well as the Community Shield.
The Blues defender made her mark for the club right from her debut against Arsenal, forcing an own goal which proved to be the winner in a five-goal thriller, and she has gone on to score a further six times under Emma Hayes.
As well as excelling domestically in England, Andersson has shone at international level earning 67 caps for Sweden with highlights including winning Olympic silver both in Rio and Tokyo and her international run continues as she heads to Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers this week.
Emma Hayes commented on this summer’s move: “Jonna has been an unbelievable professional during her time with us and instrumental in our success. Her level of commitment to this team has been unreal.
“I’ve no doubt she’ll continue to better herself right to the end of the season and we’ll be sure to give her the send-off she deserves.”
BK Häcken announced the signing of Aisha Masaka, a hugely talented player from Tanzania. Masaka comes in from Young Africans SC on a three-year contract.
Natalie Dixon has joined IFK Kalmar on a one-year deal. The American most recently played for Seattle University.
Above: Sofie Bredgaard, newly signed by Rosengård. Photo: Linköping
Defending champions Rosengård have signed Sofie Bredgaard from Linköping. The Danish midfielder has signed a three-year contract.
