Jada Whyman: An Inspirational Player With A Big Future

In the second of our special features for our charity partners John Moriarty Football’s Indigenous Football Week, Ben Gilby profiles Jada Whyman, Sydney FC’s young and highly talented goalkeeper who is a fabulous role model for female indigenous Australian football players.

Above: Jada Whyman training with the Matildas during the October international window this year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Jada Whyman is one of those players who seems to have been around for a long time, yet she has just turned 22 years-old and is once more pushing for a place in the Australian national squad.

With ancestry from the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta (also known as Jotijota) indigenous peoples and with West Coast Eagles Aussie Rules legend David Wirrpanda as an uncle and godfather, Whyman grew up in Wagga Wagga, which is located 284 miles from Sydney, and became a goalkeeping star from a young age.

She began playing football at the age of ten and within a year was selected for the New South Wales Country team. At the age of just 13, Jada was selected for the Young Matildas for the 2013 Asian Under 16 Women’s Championships. Also in this squad were current stars Sunny Franco, Rhianna Pollicina, Georgina Worth, Teagan Micah, Isabel Dalton, Angie Beard, and Alex Chidiac.

Above: Jada Whyman pictured making a save aged thirteen. Photo: Michael Frogley.

Two years later, Whyman played for Australia’s U20 side at the Asian U19 Women’s Championships in China before being selected for the main Matildas squad in 2018 for friendlies in France and England.

The level at which the young goalkeeper was now playing meant many hours travelling from her Wagga Wagga home to play in the NSW NPL with Macarthur Rams – a round trip of over five hundred miles each week. In addition, she was also spending time in Canberra being mentored by the Matildas goalkeeping coach Paul Jones at his Academy.

This was an exceptionally tough time for the whole family which also led to them having to spend some time camping in a tent, a period which Jada now identifies as a period that helped to make her stronger personally. Eventually, the Whyman’s made the move to Sydney which enabled Jada to attend Westfields Sports High School – which served as the pilot for the then FFA’s High-Performance Football School Program.

Whilst at Macarthur Rams, Jada was voted as Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2018.

Above: Jada Whyman with the 2016 Golden Glove award as a 16-year-old during her time with Macarthur Rams.

In 2016, Whyman was offered her first W-League contract with Western Sydney Wanderers. At the time, she told Rebecca First of the local ‘Leader’ newspaper: “It will probably be scary, but pretty awesome at the same time. What I am most excited about is playing against Lydia Williams (now of Arsenal), she’s one of my biggest inspirations in goal.”

That inspiration comes from Williams not just being an outstanding goalkeeper, but also as a fellow indigenous Australian. “I was watching TV when a story about Lydia came on, it stated how she was indigenous and a goalkeeper also…I was instantly filled with enjoyment as I watched her,” Whyman told Ann Odong in 2016.

Her first season in the W-League with Western Sydney Wanderers started with a bang in the big derby against Sydney FC. That campaign saw Jada make seven appearances before suffering the agony of a torn thigh against Newcastle Jets which ended her season.

Above: Jada with her family after a game for Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Instagram.

Whyman came back and played a further twenty-eight games for Western Sydney Wanderers over the following four seasons and suffered injury heartbreak once more, with a long-term knee injury before joining Sydney FC for the 2021 campaign.

The 22-year-old is aware of her status as a role model to young indigenous Australians. “Seeing what indigenous athletes have done, like a long time ago Cathy Freeman, now Jade North and Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon as well, players like that show me that my dream can come true and hopefully what I do can help other kids;” she said in 2018.

Jada has subsequently become involved with Impetus’ charity partners John Moriarty Football, an organization that is dedicated to helping young indigenous Australian footballers. Additionally, the young goalkeeper also does volunteer youth work for Glebe Youth Service who support young indigenous Australians in remote communities.

Whyman had a good season with Sydney FC in the 2020/21 W-League campaign which was capped off with a superb personal performance in the highly dramatic Grand Final against Melbourne Victory which earned her the player of the match award. The game itself ended in heartbreak for the goalkeeper and her New South Wales teammates at the very end, but since then, the Wagga Wagga-born star has had a recall to the Matildas squad for the second of October’s friendlies with Brazil. With a strong start to the new A-League Women campaign for her team, a place in the Asia Cup squad is not out of the question.

Above: Jada Whyman pictured after the 2021 W-League Grand Final. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kris Goman.

Tiffany Stanley: A Role Model Empowering Indigenous Children For JMF

To mark the beginning of our week-long series of special features to mark our charity partner Moriarty Foundation’s Indigenous Football Week, Wiradjuri Woman and Dubbo-based JMF coach Tiffany Stanley spoke to Ben Gilby about her background, her work for the Foundation, and the importance of role models.

Above: Tiffany Stanley pictured with John Moriarty, co-founder, and co-chair of Moriarty Foundation. John was the first recognized Indigenous Australian to be selected for the national football side. He has also served in various Indigenous Affairs departments at both state and national levels of government as well as being a well-known Indigenous Australian artist. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.

Tiffany Stanley is based in the JMF (John Moriarty Football)’s Dubbo hub and is one of very few women in Australia to hold a C-level coaching licence. Dubbo is 242 miles North-West of Sydney and has a population of just under 40,000. Tiffany began our discussion by telling us about her background.

“I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman. I was born and raised in Dubbo, New South Wales. I grew up playing football with my older brother, then decided to follow him into playing rugby league then went back to playing football with my aunty.

“My JMF journey began with my old football coach Paula asking if I would like to give this job a try and at first I said no and was afraid of change but now being a part of JMF, I wouldn’t change anything. I have now been a part of JMF for 14 months and I am enjoying every minute of it.” 

Above: Tiffany Stanley leading a coaching session. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.

Tiffany then outlined what an average week is like working for the Foundation.

“I’d be delivering to five schools a week, depending on if I’m working in town or satellites plus a select group training session with kids we have identified with talent during our school delivering as well as a Breakfast Club and Morning Training plus Deliver to Juvenile Justice. 

“My proudest moment since I started this role was achieving my C-Licence along with the most challenging being trying to balance out the workload while working from home during covid.”

The work of Moriarty Foundation places emphasis on supporting children’s education and healthcare as well as football. Tiffany explained how these elements are built into her work with the youngsters.

“JMF staff have completed a mental health course which means that we are now Mental Health First Aiders. Additionally, we tend to check in with all the teachers who work with the children that attend our JMF select group session and our Scholarship kids to see how they are going in class.” 

Above: Tiffany Stanley pictured with one of the children at a gala day in Dubbo. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.

With the theme of Indigenous Football Week this year being Gender Equality in Football, Tiffany stated why this topic is so essential. “Not every child has the best upbringing, especially young indigenous kids, but being a part of a team is what gives you that sense of belonging. You start to feel a change in yourself and build respectful relationships between yourself and others.”  

Positive role models are so important to all children growing up, and Tiffany was blessed to have some incredible people who believed in her.

“My aunty taught me and showed me that if you want something in life you need to work for it, not everything in life will be handed to you, and sometimes you might feel like you’re falling but you can’t give up. It all takes time.

“I loved all my sports growing up and when my parents couldn’t afford it, my aunty would always help out by letting me play the sports I love and also being there on the field playing alongside me.

“My parents had seven children and when growing up they were always there to support us in any way they could. I remember throughout my whole schooling, my parents showed up to every Athletics Carnival from primary to high school. They were at every game on the weekends watching my brother and me play.

Above: Tiffany Stanley showing off her own ball skills. Photo: Jacquie Manning.

“Every time one of us kids were sick or injured it was Dad who was always there in the hospital with us being there by our side.”

“Rebecca Schofield (project officer for NASCA, who work to empower Indigenous Australian children to develop life skills, personal development, and long-term resilience) was one of the biggest Inspirations to not only myself but to so many young Indigenous kids.

“She helped us overcome any challenge or obstacle in our way whether it was school or personal. We knew that we could always count on her. She would be so proud of where I am today.”

“There’s also Orby Boney who is one of the best Athletes I know. I didn’t always have the best attitude in my teenage years but I loved playing sports and Orby was someone who I looked up to in my sports and wanted to have the skills just like him. One day he said I was really talented and I would go a long way in my sports but my attitude would stop teams from picking me.

“Since that day I have firmly believed that you speak to people the way you want to be spoken to and treat people the way you want to be treated. Not everyone you meet is going to be kind but if you spread a little kindness it will go a long way.” 

Above: JMF coach Tiffany Stanley. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.

Looking ahead to the future, Tiffany says “I am keen to achieve my B-licence coaching qualification, complete my X-Venture essential skills program and look to become a head coach and a mentor.”

Finally, Tiffany considered the advice that she want to give the younger version of herself if she could step back in time.

“I’d say don’t give up! Keep going! You may have a few failures in life but you get through them and it only makes you become stronger. 

“Don’t be afraid to take that chance, it might be the one thing that changes your life.”

Tiffany Stanley’s story is so powerful and the work she is doing for John Moriarty Football with Indigenous Australian children with football, healthcare, and supporting their education is literally life-changing. We can all learn from the advice she gives.

To hear more from Tiffany, look out for this Friday’s Facebook Live event where she joins JMF co-founder, co-chair, and co-MD Ros Moriarty, Impetus sponsored player Leah Embley of Brighouse Town, and the club’s head coach Rob Mitchell in a special discussion programme on Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender Equality In Football, which is hosted by Impetus founder and editor Ben Gilby.  

Artwork: Moriarty Foundation.

Impetus Supports Indigenous Football Week

This coming week, John Moriarty Football, Impetus’ charity partner is marking Indigenous Football Week with the theme of Gender Equality in Football. We’re exceptionally proud to be supporting this project on our site and social media channels.

Above: Artwork: John Moriarty Football.

The theme for Indigenous Football Week 2021 (IFW21) is “Gender Equality in Football – Changing the Game” and will focus on the power of football to unlock the potential of Indigenous girls and women and improve gender equality, from grassroots to elite.

Indigenous Football Week brings the football community together to support inclusion, cultural recognition, and diversity.

Above: Ros Moriarty, JMF co-founder, co-chair, and co-MD. Photo: Twitter.

IFW21 will see some of football’s best take a deep dive into gender equality issues of women in football leadership and specific intersectional challenges and opportunities in football for Indigenous girls and women.

To celebrate Indigenous Football Week 2021 (IFW21), 22-27 November and its theme of ‘gender equality in football’, John Moriarty Football (JMF) is organising a series of Facebook Live sessions bringing people from all levels and areas of the football community to discuss this important topic.

Impetus is proud to be able to announce that we will be taking part in the event on Friday 26th November which will see founder and editor Ben Gilby lead a discussion with JMF co-founder, co-chair, and co-MD Ros Moriarty, Wiradjuri woman Tiffany Stanley who is JMF community coach in Dubbo and is one of only a handful of Australian female football coaches to achieve a ‘C’ Level coaching license, Impetus sponsored player Leah Embley of Brighouse Town and the club’s head coach Rob Mitchell.

To watch the interviews, follow JMF’s Facebook page.

The full programme of Facebook Live sessions are:

2pm AEDT Monday, 22 November
Indigenous Football Competition Opportunities

2pm AEDT Tuesday, 23 November
Gender equality and football coaching

4pm AEDT Wednesday, 24 November
Expert panel: Changing the game when it comes to gender equality

Above: Wiradjuri woman Tiffany Stanley, JMF community coach in Dubbo who is joining a special Facebook Live session hosted by Impetus founder and editor Ben Gilby this coming week. Photo: Moriarty Foundation.

2pm AEDT Thursday, 25 November
Elite football players on gender equality

2pm AEDT Friday, 26 November
Cross-cultural perspectives on gender equality in football

The Moriarty Foundation will also be holding a special girls football fitness online workshop hosted by JMF female coaches, which will be live and interactive on Tuesday 23rd November.

There will also be an online panel event featuring experts from the football community which will be streamed live on JMF’s Facebook page at 4:00pm AEDT on Wednesday, 24 November.

Panellists will include:

  • Ros Moriarty, Hon. Managing Director of Moriarty Foundation and Chair of Football Australia’s Women’s Football Council
  • Alyawarre woman Raylene King, JMF Tennant Creek Community Coach
  • Aniwan man Bryce Deaton, JMF Dubbo Head Coach and Mentor
  • Glenn Warry, CEO of Football Coaches Australia
  • Kate Gill, former Matilda Captain and Co-CEO of PFA
  • Hosted by Tal Karp, lawyer, Olympian and former Matilda

Additionally, on Saturday, 27 November JMF will be holding Community Gala Days in Kuranda (QLD), Tennant Creek (NT), and Dubbo (NSW).

Impetus will be running special feature articles during every day of Indigenous Football Week starting tomorrow. There will be exclusive features on some of the leading names in Indigenous women’s football. Also, keep an eye out every day on our social media channels during the week as we’ll be posting videos twice daily in support of Gender Equality in Football and offering skills challenges to young players.

A-League Women Wrap

Ben Gilby hears from Melbourne City’s Emma Checker, Melbourne Victory’s Kayla Morrison plus Adelaide United’s Grace Taranto, and Leia Varley. There’s also Tony Gustavsson‘s explanation of his selection for the Matildas’ friendlies with the USWNT next week.

Above: Melbourne City’s Emma Checker spoke to the media this week about how she sees good things ahead for the team this season. Photo: Melbourne City.

Matildas name squad for USWNT Friendlies:

Click here: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/11/17/matildas-unveil-squad-for-uswnt-matches/ for all the details and the views of Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson.

Melbourne City’s Emma Checker Speaks To The Media:

On Monday, City and Matildas defender Emma Checker met the media and began by emphasizing how excited she is for the new campaign.”There is no shying away from the fact that last season was difficult and we didn’t achieve what we wanted to, however, I feel that we’re in a really good and positive place moving into the new season.”

Asked about what specifically makes her believe that this season will be better, Checker replied: “I feel that we’ve got some really good young players who are exciting and talented. They are ambitious and willing to work hard. We’re seeing it every session of pre-season what they are willing to do.

“Holly McNamara is really impressing me. She’s come back from an injury and she’s going to be really great for us. Obviously as well we have Sally James as well.

Above: Emma Checker issues a rallying cry ahead of Melbourne City’s new A-League Women season. Photo: Getty Images.

“There’s also the return of Rebekah Stott, who is a massive part of this team and this club. She wears her heart on her sleeve. That sounds like a cliche, but it is who she is. We are all so proud of what she’s done to get back to where she is. It’s not just her qualities as a player, but as a person that she brings to us. It’s invaluable. As a centre-back partner, I’m very selfishly pleased to have her back!”

Speaking about her own personal goals for the campaign, Checker was clear: “The Asian Cup is in January, followed by a World Cup and Olympics so there are lots of big games I want to be part of. Immediately though, it’s about improving with Melbourne City as a team to prove that last season was a one-off downfall for us. We need to prove that we’re capable of coming back and redeeming ourselves.”

Checker also highlighted the elements that she knows she needs to keep focusing on to hit her personal targets “I need to keep growing and maturing as a player as well as looking at what I need to do with City.”

The City defender ended the media session by looking at the contenders for the A-League Women crown this season. “Obviously we have to respect (Melbourne) Victory as they had a great season (last time) and they have a really strong squad. I do think that they are going to be a hard team to beat. I also think that there will be other strong teams, but there has been a lot of changes in other teams so it will be very unpredictable and exciting.

Kayla Morrison – Melbourne Victory Star On Being Captain:

Above: Kayla Morrison pictured at the media conference announcing her captaincy. Photo via: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory has revealed that Kayla Morrison will be the Club’s A-League Women captain for the 2021/22 season. 

Morrison, who joined the Club at the start of the 2020/21 season, will lead Jeff Hopkins’ side in their Championship defence that kicks off on Sunday 5th December against Adelaide United at AAMI Park. 

The American-born defender was crucial in the A-League Women’s Championship last season, leading the defensive line in recording eight clean sheets throughout the season and lifting the trophy alongside former captain, Angie Beard. 

The 25-year-old enters this season with A-League Women’s experience under her belt and says captaining the Club that gave her the opportunity to play in Australia is humbling. 

“It’s an honour to be leading such a special group of players at Melbourne Victory this season,” Morrison said. 

“I know wearing the armband will be a challenge but I feel my qualities as a leader and as a footballer will help me guide the squad to perform to the best of our abilities this season. 

“Angie Beard was an exemplary leader last season and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop and nurture our talented squad as we strive to achieve the ultimate success. It was a big loss losing Angie, but you couldn’t ask for anyone better to step into that role than Courtney Nevin. She has international experience now. She’s young, but she’s a gun and is very similar to Angie in many ways

Above: Kayla Morrison with what was then the W-League trophy. Photo: AAP

“Winning the competition here last season and now being captain is incredible. I’m excited but also nervous, but I am definitely ready to lead the team and get us to another Grand Final.

“I think the girls are already fed up with hearing my voice at them, but I just tell them if it’s not me yelling at you it will be Jeff (Hopkins, head coach)! So they need to just do what I say the first time! I find him (Jeff Hopkins) a bit scary myself! He wants us to be strong defenders and to let the other team know we are there from the start of the game.

“I like to think that I’m already a leader and so I don’t think the additional responsibility will take anything away from my game. I do want to work on communicating and organizing a bit better. We have so many natural leaders on the team we can be in a good place.

Asked about the additional challenge of being the team that everyone will want to beat this season, Morrison spoke about how that actually brings out the best in her side: “We always play better when teams are strong against us. We feel it as motivation. We want to win whether it’s a proper match or just an internal training match. So with hard work, we can win everything.”

“We are looking really good in training. The new girls have added a new level to us, but it’s a big positive to have so many returning players in a core. In terms of where we are compared to last season in preparations, I’d say that we’re ahead of where we were this time last year, but there’s always things we can improve on. We need to be on the next level.”

With Victory playing some doubleheaders this year, Morrison was excited about the prospect of playing more matches at the club’s main stadium “It will be amazing to have more games at AAMI Stadium and other clubs will need to follow us on that.”

Brillante will be joined by Leigh Broxham and Roderick Miranda who will be Vice Captains while Morrison will be joined by Melissa Maizels and Lia Privitelli in the Women’s Leadership Group. 

Reds add Taranto and Varley to squad:

Above: Grace Taranto, on Adelaide United’s roster on a scholarship deal for 2021/22. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United announced that defenders Grace Taranto and Leia Varley have signed scholarship deals for the upcoming A-League Women 2021/22 season.

Taranto arrives from Victoria where she played 10 games with FC Bulleen Lions before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the 2021 National Premier League seasons.

The versatile defender, who has represented the Junior Matildas, previously spent time with FV Emerging, scoring seven goals in 37 games.

Speaking on joining the Reds, Taranto said: “I’m so excited to have signed my first professional contract and that it’s with Adelaide United. 

“I’m looking forward to working under the guidance of Adrian (Stenta) and the entire staff, and can’t wait to embark on this journey with my new teammates.”

Above: Leia Varley, signed on a scholarship by Adelaide United. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Varley also joins United from Victoria and scored three goals in 10 games with FV Emerging this year.

The centre-back has previously plied her trade with Box Hill United in 2018 and South Melbourne in 2019 and has been a part of Junior Matilda training camps.

Following her decision to move to the Club, Varley said: “I’m excited to have signed with Adelaide United.

“This is a fantastic chance to test myself playing against the best female footballers in the country and I can’t wait to begin training with my new teammates and working under Adrian (Stenta).” 

After signing the pair, Adelaide United’s A-League Women’s Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re happy to add both Grace and Leia to our squad.

“Grace is able to play anywhere across the defence, while Leia is predominantly a centre-back.

“They are young players with a lot of potential and will certainly be beneficial to our team, which is coming together nicely.”

Women’s Football Weekend: An Opportunity Missed

With a schedule worse than a normal WSL weekend, lack-lustre coverage and a forgotten pyramid, the third edition of Women’s Football Weekend (WFW) didn’t feel very ‘weekendy’ at all. Impetus contributor Abi Ticehurst, takes us through why she thinks it was an opportunity missed (19/11/21).

Above: Reading’s Brooke Chaplen on the ball for Reading in their WFW clash away to West Ham United. Photo: @ReadingFCWomen

Having had a conversation with a pal who keeps, albeit distant, tabs on the goings-on of the WSL and regularly endures my rants about Reading and the women’s game, I was somewhat confused when I mentioned it was WFW and their response was ‘I didn’t know that. Has it been well advertised?’ In truth, unless you’re heavily invested in the wonder that is the world of women’s football, you likely didn’t have a clue it was happening and you certainly wouldn’t think it existed outside of the top flight of the Super League.

Let’s begin by discussing the scheduling. The new deal with Sky and the BBC has revamped the viewing of the WSL for the better, you simply had to see the first fixtures back from the international break last weekend to know that. Saturday 6th gave us Villa v title contenders Chelsea at 12:30 then Everton versus Brighton at teatime for a 5:30pm kick-off with Hope Powell’s ‘Seagulls’ continuing their stellar run this season. Whilst Sunday featured a thriller game between Spurs and Manchester United, with THAT Alessia Russo goal at 12:15, the usual 2pm’s in the shape of Birmingham up against Reading and newcomers Leicester at home to a struggling City and if that wasn’t a treat enough there was Arsenal running the show against the Hammers at 6:45pm.

Fast forward to WFW, and the now eagerly anticipated North London Derby (NLD) was to take centre stage at half one on the BBC, but that’s just it, they were the only ones on the big screen on Saturday as no other fixtures were to take place. The same time slot of the previous week was instead occupied by a repeat episode of Flog It! on BBC 2. Sunday was the real shamble scheduling however with five games on offer, but no chance to watch a full ninety of any of them, despite the early kick-off in the shape of Everton and Manchester United, you’d have had to have missed the first fifteen of any of the two o’clock kickoffs, which included another brilliant derby in the shape of Birmingham City v Aston Villa.

Above: Action from the second city derby on WFW as Birmingham City (right) hosted Aston Villa. Photo: @AVWFCOfficial

As derbies go, the NLD invites the hype it does because of the history the men’s sides bring to it, but it’s up to women’s football to create that same buzz around the Birmingham one and that mark feels well and truly missed. What are the intentions of a multi-million-pound television deal if two games on the ‘biggest weekend’ in women’s football end up stuck on the ever temperamental FA Player, just an hour after the previous two games kick-off time? I thought the chaotic days of multiple screens, all open at once, were done with.

What about social media? The FA have outlined their intentions to get younger fans watching and engaged with women’s football, the wrong strategy I’d say but that’s a whole other article, and how do you do that? YouTube is certainly one answer. But another missed opportunity this weekend as rather than pick a content creator already invested in women’s football, they instead chose ‘Away Days’ shirt unboxing, camera star Ellis Platten. No disrespect to the content he creates, it clearly works as he has 100k followers, but he just didn’t feel like the right fit for the direction, I assume, they were intending with this choice. He wrote what seemed like a couple of forced tweets throughout the weekend and the content still isn’t out on his channel. It’s surely irrelevant when the weekend is already over.

On a positive note, however, I will give props to them for the genius idea of Manchester Laces doing a takeover of the Barclays FAWSL Instagram account. A proper grassroots setup that advocates for women and non-binary players and is spearheaded by the passionate and barrier-breaking Helen Hardy, they showed some fun and relatable content throughout. 

Meanwhile, the FA’s own social media handle had just two tweets showcasing the whole weekend, which leaves much to be desired as an account that includes the Women’s FA Cup and the WSL in their bio. There could be so much more done to celebrate what is revered as an important weekend in the season’s calendar and harnessing the positive power of social media in 2021 is vital to development.

As I mentioned above, you wouldn’t know it existed outside of the top flight of the Super League and this is where my qualms with ‘Women’s Football Weekend’ really lies, there are more than six tiers below the WSL and there are some truly fantastic clubs from the championship all the way down to the county leagues of tier seven. An exciting top-of-the-table clash between Matt Beard’s Liverpool and the ever-present at the top of the table, Durham whilst Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic played cat and mouse for 90 minutes.

Above: Impetus partner club Chorley celebrate their sensational FA Cup win over Middlesbrough on WFW. Photo: Munro Sports Photography.

Meanwhile, in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, we saw sixty-eight fixtures being played in the First Round Proper with some seriously exciting matches taking place. Take the game involving Impetus partner club, fourth-tier Chorley against tier-three Middlesbrough as your prime example. An eight-goal thriller that went to a penalty shoot-out and ended in a Chorley win after a superstar performance by sixteen-year-old Aleesha Collins who scored all four goals and the winning penalty. Northampton Town Women made club history as they too took their game to penalties with keeper Isobel McDonald making two saves in the squad’s first appearance in the first round. I spoke to manager Lou Barry to get his post-match thoughts.

“The FA Cup is synonymous with everybody in football so to have the opportunity to not only manage in it but progress in it brings immense pride to me. The games just feel a bit different to the others and it’s really helping us get people on board with the team which is exactly what we want & need!”

Big results for Netherton United Ladies and Clapton FC too as they also secured victories, whilst Eastleigh Ladies also wrote themselves into the history books. All the while, Impetus’ own Ashford Town and Brighouse Town Women joined fellow site stablemates Chorley in the Second Round Proper. And quite simply, why was there not more of a buzz around Crawley Wasps playing London Bees?!

Kelly Chambers, Reading manager, was quoted as saying “Women’s Football Weekend is a special time during the season, as it’s an opportunity to shout about the milestones we have all achieved in the sport from the development of grassroots football all the way up to the professional game.’ Unless I was in my own bubble under a rock, I’m not sure I saw much shouting about grassroots football though, besides from those involved in grassroots football themselves. This also remains one of my biggest gripes with women’s football. The odd time-lock of 2pm on a Sunday. I’m an avid Reading fan, but I also play for my local team, but I have to watch Reading at the expense of pulling my own boots on. This weekend felt like the perfect chance to ‘black out’ 2-4pm in order to encourage spectators to go and watch their local side but again an opportunity missed. The weekend for me should be all about showcasing and highlighting all those grassroots clubs do to develop players. They are after all creating the future of the women’s game.

How else do you round off a fantastic action-packed weekend of women’s football…with a bumper edition of highlights of course! Or maybe not as the coverage on The Women’s Football Show was the same tedious, 34 minutes of goals from the WSL and lends itself to yet another article I could write. There’s more engaging and in-depth analysis could be created and with no Match of the Day to compete with, it was an open goal.

Above: Reading manager Kelly Chambers. Photo: Get Reading.

I know that it takes a mountain of time, resources, and people power to keep it all ticking over but as the title suggests, it feels like an opportunity missed.

I’ll leave this rant on a positive note however, my Women’s Football Weekend was already complete on Saturday morning when one of my youngest Wildcats said to me mid-match and with absolute conviction “Abi, when I grow up, I’m going to be a footballer.”

CAF Women’s Champions League Round-Up

Impetus’ African correspondent Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei updates us on all the CAF Women’s Champions League action as the semi-finals took place.

Action from the semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns (right) and Malabo Kings. Pic: CAF Women

The CAF Women’s Champions League has been nothing short of enthralling and riveting, capturing all the emotions as Africa and the world watch history unfold.

The Semi-Final matches of this tournament were nerve-wracking but managed to serve their purpose to many fans watching.

After an eventful group stage that saw hosts, Wadi Degla, River Angels, AS Mande, and Vihiga Queens exit, the stage was set for the final four to battle out to determine who made it to the final. The endearing yet enthralling Hasaacas Ladies were the first team to book their tickets to the finals after thumping ASFAR on a 2-1 scoreline. Mamelodi Sundowns were the second to book their tickets after a dramatic penalty shootout with Malabo Kings. The stage has been set, the big question which lingers on is “who is going to lift the trophy for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League?”  That question will be answered today (Friday 21st November).

Hasaacas Ladies are on an unbeaten record even after stubborn Wadi Degla held them to a 2-2 draw. Prior to that, they had beaten Malabo Kings (3-1) and AS Mande (3-0) and looked poised for the semi-finals. ASFAR on the other hand had quite a convincing win against River Angels but then shriveled in their next two group games where they were beaten by Vihiga Queens (2-0) and drew against Mamelodi Sundowns (0-0). Advancing into the semi-finals was a close shave after Vihiga Queens failed to capitalize on their initial three point advantage after losing to River Angels.

Hasaacas were to face ASFAR on Monday, November 15 for the first semi-final game and this was a knock-out game. Both teams knew the propensity of this match and what it meant to their fans and countrymen back home. Hasaacas as usual powered into the game with their signature attack-minded tactics. Doris Boaduwaa finally scored her long-awaited goal for the campaign to give Hasaacas Ladies the lead.

Above: ASFAR Queens (right) take on Hasaaacs. Photo: CAF Women.

ASFAR responded after Najt Badri converted Fatima’s cross into the back of the net to cancel the deficit. The second half saw both teams determined to find that pivotal goal which can etch their names in history, That breaking point happened after Doris Boaduwaa surged forward on a powerful run where she launched the ball into the box of ASFAR and super striker Evelyn Badu was at the right place to convert it into a goal.

Hasaacas Ladies took the lead but prior to that, Perpetual Agyekum missed a penalty kick but the resiliency of this team manifested when they regained their lead. Try as ASFAR may, they couldn’t level the scoreline and Hasaacas sailed through to the finals of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League. The celebration was definitely out of this world and they were going to write history in the best possible form.

The game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Malabo Kings was undoubtedly a massive headliner. Mamelodi Sundowns proved they are the queens of the conservative style of football in the competition thus far. They haven’t conceded any goal from open play and defensively, they are simply the best.

The game against Malabo did not hinder their proclivity to step up and defend.  That was a style they weren’t going to compromise on. The game was majorly a midfield hassle but try as Malabo may, they were unable to break the defensive line of the Mamelodi Sundowns. Stephanie Drepoba, the star player for the Kings was injured in the early moments of the game and though she was treated, she just couldn’t find her rhythmic flow especially with her frontline partners Grace Bolongi and Bella Rose. Mamelodi’s Zanelenhlapho was always there to keep them in check. Both teams had to be extremely tactical to create chances but that only exposed how lagging their frontline was. The game bled into extra-time and eventually penalties. Mamelodi Sundowns stood tall against Malabo Kings after a dramatic penalty shootout which ended 6-5 Mamelodi.

Mamelodi Sundowns earned their berth for the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League against Hasaacas Ladies on Friday, November 19, 2021.

Malabo Kings will go head to head with ASFAR in the third-place playoff game on Thursday, November 18.

Artwork: CAF Women

Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei will review the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League Final for Impetus in the coming days.

Carla McManus and DLR Waves: Best Season Yet

With the FAI Women’s National League season concluding last weekend, Impetus sponsored striker Carla McManus of DLR Waves, who finished in fourth place in Ireland’s top tier – their best-ever finish – reviewed her season with Ben Gilby and looked ahead to 2022.

Above: Carla jumps for joy after scoring for DLR Waves earlier this season. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves

It’s been a dramatic season in the FAI WNL with the title race between Shelbourne and Peamount United only decided in the second half of the final match of the season. Just behind the top two was DLR Waves, who recorded a club-best fourth-place finish.

The Waves’ top scorer was Impetus sponsored Carla McManus, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17 and U19 level. It’s been a particularly memorable season for her.

“It’s been a great year with college, football, and turning 21. A massive difference to 2020 where I couldn’t play and was only coming back from injury, it’s a great feeling to get a full season under my belt. Looking back on the year it’s been predominantly good memories. Obviously, a few losses in football but overall, massive improvements are being made.”

The season was hugely exciting in the FAI WNL, and Carla gave her opinion of an incredible title race and identified what she thinks DLR Waves need to do in order to challenge next time around.

“I think that the league is a lot closer than it was in previous years, with all teams putting in some big performances and a few shock results. For ourselves, we wanted to get into the top three or four on the table and we accomplished fourth position with three games to go. But we definitely are capable of beating the top three teams, I feel we need to capitalize on our chances and be more clinical in finishing them. The results against the top three have always been fine margins, which is frustrating. To break into the top three we need to beat those sides regularly, which I know, at our strongest, we can do.”

Above: Carla goes for goal for DLR Waves during this FAI WNL season. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves.

“For me personally, I feel that I have had a good season, I stayed fit for it all apart from a few dodgy ankle moments but overall I’m delighted to actually be able to play this year. I’ve scored eight goals, I would have liked a few more but that’ll be my aim for next year.

I think I have improved with my link-up play with midfielders and my runs into the box, I’m in the right position in the box so it’s only a matter of time until the crosses find me and fall to me in the right areas. I will continue to work on these things and also just being more direct and confident in myself to carry the ball to bring back how I used to play pre-injury.

“It’s still a mental battle and there’s more in me that I feel has been a bit held back because of my injury in the back of my mind but it’s something I’ll definitely work on!”

For Carla one of the major reasons behind the continuing improvement at DLR Waves is the atmosphere on and off the pitch.

“Waves are a very professional club, we try to do everything as if we were a professional team. The competition is high and nobody is guaranteed a place, you work for your place and that’s an atmosphere you will thrive in, which I love.

“The club is a very comfortable and happy place to be, we are all rooting for each other and building together. The craic off the pitch is great, we have a great laugh and everybody gets on well. There is a great hype around the training grounds too, when somebody does something good we all hype each other.”

Carla spoke of how she has appreciated the support of Impetus this season in terms of sponsorship.

Above: Eyes on the prize – Carla McManus looks forward to a big 2022 with her club. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves.

“The sponsorship is great for exposure. Impetus are really nice and it’s great that they are supporting me and DLR from afar. It’s good to know that there’s a group of people outside the FAI WNL circle rooting for me and the team and clapping for our successes. It gives a chance for WNL exposure over in the UK and further afield.”

It is not just the FAI WNL that has been making great strides this season, the Republic of Ireland women’s national team has been awarded equal pay with their male counterparts. Something which has been a long time coming, as Carla reflected.

“I know that the senior women have gone from struggling with keeping their travelling gear and tracksuits to getting equal pay. I think that speaks volumes for the steps being made to more equality between men and women in Irish football. There is a long way to go and we need a lot more support at our games from supporters of football to get anywhere near the men’s game. But it’s improving bit by bit.”

With the 2021 season now over, Carla turned her thoughts to the New Year and what she wants to achieve over the next few months.

“I am beyond excited for off-season training. I will be working with strength and conditioning coach John Sullivan and a nutrition coach to get better in the offseason, John will help me with the gym and the gym is my happy place when I’m not on the pitch so I’m really looking forward to working there to enhance my on-pitch performance.

“I am also in contact with a nutrition coach to get the best out of my gym programs. Going into pre-season in January I will be strong, fit, and buzzing to go.”

Wales and Northern Ireland Annouce Squads

With the approach of the next International Window, both Wales and Northern Ireland have unveiled their squads for their two matches. We bring you all the news:

Photo: Wales will be looking for further celebrations in their next two games. Photo: Kunjan Malde/FAW.

Gemma Grainger has announced a 26-player squad as Wales look to continue their unbeaten form in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wales will face Greece at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday 26 November (KO 19:15) before heading to Guingamp in Britanny to face group leaders France on Tuesday 30 November.

Grainger’s side goes into the matches second in the group after three wins and a draw to start the campaign. Wales will be without Rachel Rowe who misses out due to injury and Hannah Cain who suffered an ACL injury a week after winning her first Welsh cap last month. Maria Francis-Jones returns to the squad after captaining the U19s last month to promotion to League A in the 2022 UEFA WU19 EURO Qualifying Round.

Squad:
Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Coventry United), Poppy SOPER (Plymouth Argyle), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Esther MORGAN (Tottenham Hotspur), Maria FRANCIS-JONES (Manchester City), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Morgan ROGERS (Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY
(Charlton Athletic), Angharad JAMES (North Carolina Courage), Josie GREEN (Tottenham Hotspur), Charlie ESTCOURT (Coventry United), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Carrie JONES (Manchester United), Chloe WILLIAMS (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Manchester United), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Megan WYNNE (Charlton Athletic), Natasha HARDING (Reading), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Kayleigh GREEN (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen WARD (Watford), Elise HUGHES (Charlton Athletic), Georgia WALTERS (Liverpool).

Above: Northern Ireland will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to England at Wembley last month where they put up a fantastic performance. Photo: IFA.

Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels has made a couple of changes to his squad for this month’s home and away FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers against North Macedonia.

Shiels’ side are away to the Macedonians first – on Thursday 25 November – with the game being staged at the Football Federation of North Macedonia Training Centre in Skopje.

And then it’s back home for the second meeting. That encounter is on Monday 29 November at Seaview and all tickets for the game have already been sold.

The Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss has gone with his usual blend of youth and experience in his 23-strong panel for the matches in Skopje and Belfast.

Northern Ireland are strong favourites to win home and away against the Macedonians, however Shiels and his players will not be taking anything for granted as the Macedonians defeated Latvia 4-1 away last month – and that was a similar scoreline to Northern Ireland’s home success against the Latvians back in September.

Birmingham City Women defender Rebecca Holloway, who missed last month’s double header through injury, returns to the fold.

And Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren, who was Holloway’s replacement in October, retains her place in the squad.

Above: Simone Magill and Nadene Calwell will be hoping for lots of opportunities to celebrate in the home and away games with North Macedonia. Photo: IFA

Also back in the panel is Cliftonville Ladies striker Caitlin McGuinness, who missed out last month.

Missing out this time are Southampton Women defender Laura Rafferty and Crusaders Strikers striker Emily Wilson, who is injured.

Cliftonville Ladies defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan is not available once again due to injury, while still recovering from long term injuries are Rangers Women midfielder Megan Bell and Linfield Ladies pair Ashley Hutton and Abbie Magee.

Northern Ireland currently lie third behind England and Austria in European Qualifying Group D. They have seven points from four qualifiers to date. North Macedonia are in fourth place in the six-team group with three points from four matches.

The girls in green and white began their quest for a place at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 – it is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand – with a 4-0 win over Luxembourg in Larne followed by a 4-0 victory over Latvia in Belfast back in September.

Last month they were defeated 4-0 by the group’s top seeds, England, at Wembley and then drew 2-2 with Austria at home.

Squad:

Goalkeepers – Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran Women), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town Women), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).

Defenders – Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City Women), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Demi Vance (Rangers Women), Rachel McLaren (Crusaders Strikers).

Midfielders – Marissa Callaghan and Louise McDaniel (both Cliftonville Ladies), Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Caragh Hamilton and Joely Andrews (all Glentoran Women), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women), Ciara Watling (Southampton Women).

Forwards – Kerry Beattie and Lauren Wade (both Glentoran Women), Simone Magill (Everton Women), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies).

Matildas Unveil Squad For USWNT Matches

Overnight, Australia announced their 25 player squad for their doubleheader against the USA at the end of this month. Head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed the reasons behind his selections

Above: The Matildas face the World Champions twice at the end of this month with their all-time attendance record set to be smashed. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia have revealed their squad for the upcoming two-match international series against the U.S. Women’s National Team. 

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has continued to embrace a combination of experience and youth as the Matildas prepare to face the current FIFA Women’s World Cup champions at Stadium Australia in Sydney (27th November) and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle (30th November). 

This will be the first time the Matildas have played at Stadium Australia as they look to break their attendance record of 33,600 set against Sweden at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium has become a regular host to Australia in recent years with this being the fourth game held there in five years.  The last time they played in the Hunter, 14,014 supporters saw Australia defeat Vietnam 5-0 in the first leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Qualifier play-offs. 

Having met on 31 previous occasions, the U.S. Women’s National Team are the Australia’s third most regular opponent.  While the United States leads the head-to-head, clashes in recent years have produced some world-class football and goal-filled matches.   

“There truly is no more exciting challenge for the team than to be taking on the world number one team, in front of thousands of passionate fans, in the stadium where the FIFA Women’s World Cup final will be played in 2023,” said Gustavsson. 

Above: Jessika Nash, who received her first international call-up shown in action for her previous club Canberra United. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images.

“This could not be a better dress rehearsal for a World Cup final and we are going to treat it in the same way.  From when we arrive, to those match days with what we hope will be record crowds, this is our chance to prepare for the big moments that want to be a part of in 2023.” 

Captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley headline the 21 players returning from October’s Brazil series.  While experienced England-based duo Hayley Raso and Emily Gielnik are recalled following recovery from injury, with the latter in line to record her 50th international appearance for the Matildas.  

At the other end of the spectrum, Young Matildas centre-back, Jessika Nash, and forward Charlize Rule will receive their first senior team introduction as they join the significant cohort of players in 2021 to be provided with the opportunity to experience the national team training environment. 

“In selecting the squad, balance was at the heart of the decision making,” said Gustavsson.  “We know that this is our final occasion to see the group together before announcing the squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year, and our focus remains on this crucial preparation.”

“However, with another camp at home, we didn’t want to miss the chance to expose another two young players to our standards and team philosophy, and to find out whether they can be a part of the building of depth towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”

NamePositionClubCaps (goals)
Mackenzie ArnoldGoalkeeperWest Ham United27 (0)
Angela BeardBackFortuna Hjørring2 (0)
Ellie CarpenterBackLyon52 (1)
Steph CatleyBackArsenal WFC94 (3)
Kyra Cooney-CrossMidfielderMelbourne Victory12 (0)
Caitlin FoordForwardArsenal WFC94 (21)
Mary FowlerForwardMontpellier18 (5)
Emily GielnikForwardAston Villa49 (11)
Charlotte GrantBackFC Rosengård2 (0)
Bryleeh HenryForwardWestern Sydney Wanderers2 (0)
Alanna KennedyBackManchester City101 (8)
Sam KerrForwardChelsea102 (49)
Teagan MicahGoalkeeperFC Rosengård7 (0)
Jessika NashBackSydney FC0 (0)
Courtney NevinBackMelbourne Victory5 (0)
Clare PolkinghorneBackVittsjö GIK138 (13)
Hayley RasoForwardManchester City56 (6)
Karly RoestbakkenBackLSK Kvinner 7 (0)
Charlize RuleForwardSydney FC0 (0)
Remy SiemsenForwardSydney FC1 (0)
Kyah SimonForwardTottenham Hotspur103 (26)
Emily van EgmondMidfielderOrlando Pride110 (23)
Clare WheelerMidfielderFortuna Hjørring3 (0)
Lydia WilliamsGoalkeeperArsenal WFC94 (0)
Tameka YallopMidfielderWest Ham United99 (11)

For the third match in a row, a Matilda is set to hit their century with midfielder Tameka Yallop on the cusp of the milestone.  Yallop would be the fifth player this year to record 100 international appearances and the 12th Australian woman in history. The West Ham United star would join Emily van Egmond (110), Kyah Simon (103), Sam Kerr (102) and Kennedy (101) as the Matildas 2021 centurions. 

Another potential milestone could be reached by Sam Kerr over the two games. The Western Australian is just one goal away from equalling the Australian goalscoring record and two goals away from passing Tim Cahill (50) on the leader board for international goals. 

Above: Charlize Rule (right) – a dream first international call-up for the Sydney FC youngster. Photo: Sydney FC

Charlize Rule and Jessika Nash are the latest players to make the leap from the Women’s Talent ID camps, with the teens looking to build on that introduction to senior high performance.  Instituted off the back of the findings of the women’s Performance Gap report, the Women’s Talent ID camps have resulted in 16 players being identified and provided with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the international level. 

·         

Scottish Women’s Football Wrap

Some big news in the Scottish Women’s Premier Leagues over the past two days with the October player of the month awards announced and a major title sponsor for the competition unveiled 17/11/21.

Above: Rangers’ Rachel McLauchlan with the SWPL 1 Player of the Month Trophy. Photo: Rangers FC/Kirk O’Rourke.

SWPL Player of the Month Winners Announced:

Rachel McLauchlan of Rangers has been voted as the winner of the SWPL 1 Player of the Month for October 2021 while Cara Henderson of Glasgow Women is the winner of the SWPL 2 award.

Both players received the highest number of public votes as well as securing the most votes from the Head Coaches within both divisions.

In the month of October, Rangers won three out of four games in the league including a 1-0 away victory over title chasers Hibernian. They also came away with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Glasgow City, a result that kept them undefeated and top of the table.

In her role as full-back, McLauchlan played a vital part in Rangers’ attacking threat. She provided four assists in October and created a total of nine chances in their four games. This included a dominant performance against Aberdeen where she provided three assists, 12 crosses, and three shots on target.

Speaking from the Rangers Training Centre, McLauchlan said: “I’m delighted to win this. Winning individual awards is always nice but the key thing for me in October was the results as a team. We had some really important games and we’ve come away winning three out of four and undefeated.

“I feel like I’m contributing to the team really well at the moment. We’ve only conceded three goals in the league and I’ve got seven assists already. We’re in a really great place as a team so want to keep that momentum going for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.”

Above: Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson with her SWPL 2 Player of the Month Trophy. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football.

In SWPL 2 Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson was voted as Player of the Month as her side won all three of their games in October.

The midfielder played a key role for her side, scoring in their victories over Queen’s Park and Stirling University and also troubling Boroughmuir Thistle in their 3-2 away win.

Speaking from Glasgow Women’s home at Budhill Park, Henderson said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award, especially over such tough competition. I was delighted just to be nominated but this is extra special.

“It’s amazing to be playing a part in the teams’ success. I think a lot of people underestimated us coming into the new season but we’re top of the league for a reason. We want to stay there. If we can maintain our current form, there’s no reason why we can’t.

Also nominated for the SWPL 1 award was Leanne Crichton (Motherwell) and Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City) while Lisa Swanson (Kilmarnock) and Rebecca Robertson (Stirling University) were nominated for the SWPL 2 award.

SWPL Title Sponsors Announced:

Above: Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell with a representative from each of the SWPL 1 teams at the unveiling of Park’s Motor Group as the title sponsors of the two SWPL leagues. Photo: Colin Poultney/Collarge Images

Park’s Motor Group have been confirmed as the sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) for the 2021/22 season as part of an exciting new commercial agreement for the league.

The deal ensures the continuation of a headline sponsor for the top women’s league in Scotland.

Scottish Women’s Football’s (SWF) Chief Executive Officer, Aileen Campbell, said: “This is a positive development for the girls’ and women’s game. Since my arrival as CEO, I know how important commercial income is to ensure we continue to grow the game and this deal is another step forward.

“This deal is a further sign that the game here in Scotland is deserving of recognition and investment. This will be the fifth continuous season that the SWPL has had a title sponsor. I want to thank all those involved in our game for helping make that possible and for continuing to help us grow and develop the sport we all love.”

Park’s Motor Group’s Marketing Director, Graeme Park, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the women’s game at this exciting time. Park’s has a rich history within the men’s game, with our coaches being used by many teams across the years as well as providing sponsorship and support to many clubs.  We’re excited to be extending our involvement in Scottish football and helping to further grow the national game.”

SWF Chair, Vivienne MacLaren, added: “This is a historic moment for SWF, the SWPL, and the entire game. To have a brand such as Park’s Motor Group show their support to girls’ and women’s football in Scotland is a sign of the work that has been done and the progress we plan to make.

“The COVID pandemic was difficult for everyone and I’m sure many had concerns about the momentum of the game. However, today’s deal showcases that the Scottish game is more attractive to commercial sponsors and partners than ever before.”

Artwork provided to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football